Page 105 of Tamiko and the Two Janitors
Everyone hurried to welcome True’s third cub. But Jiminy satwith eyes half-shut, because that elusive presence flitted briefly into focus.Not True, nor any of her cubs. Not Doon-wen or Rook. The impression was thereand gone so fast, it was frustrating.
“A daughter,” declared Doon-wen, sounding decidedly smug.“Her name will be Lace, for the ties binding her life to ours.”
Rook cleared his throat. “Two sons, two daughters. True ispleased.”
Melissa hugged the black cub to her chest. Her voicequavered a little when she asked, “Really?”
Doon-wen inclined his head. “I have been in communicationwith Christopher. He is not opposed to sharing paternity. Indeed, he and Covehave promised to attend your Whelping Feast.”
THIRTY-SEVEN
Enough Said
Melissa texted both Aunt Hiro and Tami, letting themknow she was planning on staying over. Doon-wen had insisted, purportedly on True’sbehalf. Rook’s smile suggested that his brother was exercising some measure ofpaternal prerogative. No matter the reason, she was flattered and flustered andmostly unfazed when Jiminy showed every sign of lingering in the immediatevicinity.
“Take a picture for me?” she asked, holding out her phone.
Jiminy feigned surprise. “What’s the occasion?”
“I need to break it to my mothers that I have anothermother.”
His brows lifted, and he leaned close to whisper, “Shouldn’tyou get Rook over here, too?”
She probably shouldn’t have smiled. “I’ve sent pictures ofRook before. Lots of times.”
Several pictures were taken before True was satisfied, andMelissa tried to find words that fit the sudden turn her life was taking. Howdid you tell your parents that you no longer identified as a reaver?
Magda’s response came immediately.
We know.
Which part?
All of it.
One of your Nightspangles
arrived three days ago.
Spent the whole day
Doon-wen was there? But how could that be? He’d sworn not togo from True until the cubs were born. And Rook had been covering so manyshifts.
I’m confused
Which wolf was there?
Lookha-soh Nightspangle,
Bellwether Enclave
I don’t know him
Interesting. You will
We were honored by his visit
He left with our permission
