Page 33 of Hell's Gator

Lucien grinned at all of them laughing, then looked at Daisy, to find her trying her best to fake a smile, while nothing but sadness had suddenly taken over her eyes.

“You alright?” he asked.

Daisy nodded. “Yeah. I’m good.”

He watched her suspiciously, until Valerie walked over to him. “Hello, Lucien. I’m Valerie. I’m Hellen’s mother.”

Lucien stood up slowly, the soreness of his body keeping him from displaying the strength he so clearly possessed. “Ma’am. I’m Lucien. I’m pleased to meet you.”

“I’m pleased to meet you as well. Would you like something to eat or drink?”

“I don’t want to impose. Just came to see Hell. I mean, Hellen.”

“Is there anything you don’t eat?” Valerie asked as she moved back across the living room toward the kitchen while looking back at him.

“No, ma’am. Can’t say there is.”

“I’ll be right back,” Valerie said, pausing beside Hellen to whisper. “I like him. He’s respectful. And can clearly handle you if necessary.”

“You act like I’m not the good child! Havoc is the trouble — remember? Not me!”

“You done your share,” Maverik said. He strode directly up to Lucien while everybody else was grilling Tempest and Brandt. “I’m Maverik.”

“I figured you were,” Lucien said.

“What gave it away?” Maverik asked.

“The calling me boy, and threating to whip my ass. Which, if you’re going to do it, I suggest you do it now, because in a few more weeks, I’ll be healed enough that it wouldn’t be a good idea.”

Maverik grinned coldly. “I’ll wait ‘til then just to show I can, smart-ass.”

“Uncle Maverik, he’s not being a smart ass. He’s just got no filter and doesn’t know how to be anything but blunt,” Brandt called out.

“Not so sure I like that,” Maverik said.

“Oh, for God’s sake. He’s just like you!” Hellen said.

“I beg to differ!” Maverik demanded.

“Fine. He’s not just like you. He’s got no sense of humor,” Hellen said.

“Told you he’s not just like me,” Maverik said haughtily. He turned back to Lucien. “So, what are your intentions with my daughter?”

“I have no clue,” Lucien answered truthfully.

“Didn’t you just say you’re her mate?” Maverik demanded.

“Just because you’re somebody’s mate, doesn’t mean you have to mate them. It’s not always the best choice.”

Maverik looked down his nose at the male who’d declared himself Hellen’s mate, and broke out into a wide smile. “Let me just say, there ain’t no better than my Hellen. But for the record, I get you. Come on, son. Let’s go get a beer.”

“I’m sorry?” Lucien asked.

“You get it. Not everybody does, so you already have one up on everybody else. But let me make it clear to you. If she does want you and you hurt her, I’ll have to kill you. But until then, I like you. Kaid! You got some beer in the kitchen?”

“It’s 10:00 A. M., Daddy!” Hellen exclaimed.

“So?” Maverik asked.

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