Page 60 of Hell's Gator

“You just couldn’t let it be, could you?” Lucien asked.

“I did. I said it. I just don’t say it often. And if it changes I’ll let you know.”

He sighed again, this time in exasperation. “It won’t change. You mated me, so even if it does, you’re kinda screwed.”

“Speaking of… if that wasn’t your best, I’m not sure I’m up for your best.”

He smirked. “Just wait… you’ll be in bed for days. Or I might even have to carry you around because you won’t be able to walk.”

“A little sure of yourself aren’t you?”

“Very,” he said, grinning as his face relaxed while she watched, and his breathing began to even out, a sure sign he was sleeping.

She watched for a full five minutes before she gently kissed his chin. “I love you, Lucien,” she thought to him, thinking he wouldn’t yet hear her thoughts.

He didn’t move. He didn’t even twitch, but his voice responded clearly in her mind. “I know.”

Chapter 13

Hellen had already showered, gotten dressed, and was sitting in front of the television in the living room as she ate a bowl of her favorite brightly colored breakfast cereal while searching for something to watch. Her hair was still up in a towel, soaking wet, and unbrushed. It would likely stay that way today. She gave herself a little smile of satisfaction as she glanced around her living room. Things were good. They were changing, but it was at a pace she could handle, and quite honestly, she liked these changes.

Then in the space of a split second, her attitude changed. “Naturally,” she muttered, taking another bite of her cereal as she studiously ignored the sound of a car door slamming outside. She shook her head, a silent indication that she planned to ignore every single thing that didn’t bring her immediate pleasure today, and whoever had slammed that car door was not bringing her any kind of pleasure. That was when the knock sounded.

“Fuck.”

And whoever it was knocked again.

“Damn it!” she snapped, getting to her feet and moving quickly toward the front door, but not so quickly that she’d spill her cereal. When she reached the door, she took a second to take another bite, then plopped the spoon into her bowl of cereal and milk, and unlocked the door, pulling it open since she’d figured who it was. “What?” she asked before she’d even made eye contact.

“What? What kind of greeting is that?” Brandt asked.

Hellen shrugged. “I didn’t tell you go away through the closed door. It’s progress.”

“If you want to count it as that,” he said, stepping past her and into the house.

“I didn’t invite you in.”

“I don’t need an invite. I’m family.”

“I’ve only had one cup of coffee. I’m still working on my first bowl of cereal…”

“That bright blue and red and yellow shit will kill you. Hadn’t you heard about all the carcinogens in those dyes?”

“I’m banking on the preservatives keeping me healthy longer than all of y’all health freaks,” she said, taking a huge bite and chewing it while looking at him just to spite him.

Standing in her foyer with his hands on his hips, Brandt shook his head. “I kind of feel bad for him.”

“Who?” Hellen asked, walking away from him without an invitation to follow her back to the living room.

Brandt fell into step behind her. “Luc.”

“Luc? Who’s Luc?”

“Lucien… I’m assuming the same one that put that fresh mating mark on your throat and half your damn shoulder.”

“Oh. His name is not Luc. It’s Lucien. And you should be happy for him — he’s damn lucky I gave in.”

“I like Luc. It’s easier to say. I’m calling him Luc. And like I said, I feel bad for him. You’re kind of mean.”

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