Emmitt's Treasure: Judgement of the Six Companion Series, book 2 (14 page)

He knew Winifred was upset with him.  If he was smart, he’d face the music tonight.  But, as he pointed out, he didn’t want to seem too smart.

I shook my head and tugged Michelle toward the exit.

I have her.  They were at the bar.

Is Jim with you?

No, ma’am.  We’ll be home in a bit.

Is she drunk?

Michelle took that moment to trip on the gravel.  I scooped her up into my arms, and she settled with a sigh against my chest.

I believe she might be a little tipsy.

It might be better if you take your time.  It wouldn’t do for her brothers to see her like that.

Helping Michelle into the truck, I noticed her sandal-clad feet.  Particularly her toes.  I never thought of myself as a foot person.  Feet or paws got us where we needed to go.  But seeing her pink little toes as she smiled dreamily at me stirred something deep.  A need I couldn’t exactly pin.  I wanted to keep her safe and be part of her life.  I wanted to love her until our dying day.  I wanted to be the father of her cubs and the man she smiled at every morning.  I wanted to be her everything.

Just like she was my everything.

“Thank you, Emmitt,” she said, as I brushed back a stray bit of hair from her cheek.

“Any time.”  I reached over her and buckled her in.  “Winifred said she’ll put the boys to bed.  Would you like to take a drive with me?”

She shook her head. “I’ve been gone too long.  I wanted to go home earlier, but Jim wouldn’t let me drive back.”

“All right.”

So I drove slowly.

By the time we reached the house, the lights were out.

“I think the beer’s wearing off,” Michelle said, reaching for the door.  I moved fast to get there before she could step out.  Good thing, too, because she almost fell out of the door.

“Or maybe not,” she said. “How could Jim drink so much and still be fine?  I think I had maybe three beers.”

“Werewolf metabolism,” I said with a smile.

To keep her steady, I wrapped my fingers around hers.  She leaned into my arm as we walked toward the house.  The stars distracted her, and she stopped for a minute.  Her profile, as she looked up, captivated me.

A sigh escaped her, and she turned and caught me studying her.

“They’re pretty,” she said, looking up again.  “I wonder how many people actually stop to look at them each night.”

“Not enough,” I said.

“They don’t realize what they’re missing.”  She started walking again.  I led her up the steps then held the door for her.  The house was still humid and warm from the day, so I kept the front door open.

Michelle stood in the entry, staring up at the steps.  She had one hand on the wall to keep steady.

“There sure are a lot of stairs,” she said.

“Sure are,” I said, turning to look at them with her.  “Want me to car—”

“Piggyback ride.”

That was all the warning I got before she launched herself at me.  I turned and caught her, but her momentum brought us to the floor, with me on the bottom.  She lay across me with loose limbs and an angel’s smile.

I laughed, and she did too.

“I think it would be wise to see her upstairs,” Winifred said from her open door.

Her look wasn’t playful.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Michelle, your brothers are both sleeping.  They weren’t any trouble to watch, but they did wonder where you’d gone.  We should talk in the morning.”

Michelle’s scent clouded with guilt as Winifred closed her door.  It pissed me off.

Winifred.

What she did was wrong.

You sure about that?

I picked Michelle up and carried her upstairs.  She didn’t look at me the whole way up.  When I set her on her feet, she moved to go inside.

“Wait,” I said.

She turned to look at me.

“Do you promise you’ll talk to me tomorrow?  About whatever you want; just so you talk to me.”

A slight smile lifted her lips.

“I promise.”

*    *    *    *

I was already across the hall when I heard the boys.  Not bothering to knock, I opened the door and called to them.

They stuck their heads into the hall, their hair standing up at all angles.

“If you get dressed without waking your sister, you can help me make her a surprise breakfast.”

They both grinned and disappeared again.  A minute later, they reappeared in swim trunks and no shirts.  That’s about all they’d worn since the heat wave struck.

“She’s still sleeping,” Liam said quietly.

They followed me across the hall where I had paper ready for them.

“I need you two to draw some arrows so she knows to come over here.  While you do that, I’ll make you some breakfast.”

They got to work, happily swinging their feet under the stools I’d brought upstairs for them.  When they finished, they ran off to place the drawings in the apartment, then came back to eat.

“Is Jim home today?” Aden asked with the hope in his gaze.

“Yeah, but I think Nana Wini’s having breakfast with him first.”

Jim had come home close to three a.m.  Winifred hadn’t opened her door, and he’d winked at me on his way past the couch.  Despite coming in so late, he’d still woken up at six with a loud yawn, all the warning I’d needed to beat him to the shower.  When I’d gotten out, I’d heard Winifred lecturing Jim in her apartment.  I doubted she’d be done with him any time soon.

“They’re having a grown-up talk that would make you bored in three seconds.”

“But Jim isn’t bored?” Aden asked.

“Probably to tears.”

“Can we go outside and play when we’re done?”

“You bet.  Just stay in the back where it’s mowed.”

They both nodded and hurried to finish.

As soon as they raced out, I cleaned up their mess and started on breakfast for Michelle.  My gut was tight with anticipation.  She’d been tipsy last night, but not so much that she wouldn’t remember her promise.  Would she keep it?

Twenty minutes later, a sound from across the hall had me smiling.  Michelle was brushing her teeth.

After the water turned off, it grew quiet.  Worried she might be second-guessing her choice, I went to check on her.  As soon as I opened the door, I saw her.  She stood by the kitchen doors leading to the balcony.  When she turned to look at me, the morning light was her backdrop.  My angel, I thought.  A slow smile grabbed me at the sight of her stolen pajamas.

“Nice shirt,” I said.  Had she been wearing my shirt every night since she’d taken it?  I hoped so.

“Thanks.  It’s really comfy.”

“I know.  Want some breakfast before we face the music for last night?”

She nodded and followed me across the hall.

“How’s your back?” she asked, sitting on a new stool at the island.

She watched me, showing interest in our conversation.  No hesitation.  Did she understand how badly I’d wanted this?  Needed this?

“Fine.”  I moved to turn the bacon.  “Is the floor behaving this morning?”

I plated up our breakfast, giving her the smaller share of a pound of fried bacon.  When I set the loaded plate before her, she eyed the eggs and meat with a hint of distaste.

“Too heavy after last night?” I asked, studying her.

When she nodded, I reached over, picked up a single piece of toast, and handed it to her. “Better?”

“Much.”

I took her plate, content to eat both our portions.  She turned slightly so she could watch me.

“I was thinking maybe we could spend the day together,” she said hesitantly.

Did she honestly think I’d say no to that?

“We could all go to the lake again,” I said.

She made a face. “Maybe somewhere less public?” she said.  “I’d like to learn more about you, like why a strong, fast...person, such as yourself, could get knocked over by a nineteen-year-old lightweight.  And, I’d prefer my brothers don’t see anything unusual.”

“Nineteen?”  I echoed.  My mind went numb with shock, and I dropped my fork.

When I first saw her in the diner and helped her with David, I’d naturally assumed she was older.  And, with every small detail I’d learned of her life before coming here, my assumption had only firmed.  She shouldered so much responsibility to provide for and protect her brothers.  Too much for someone that young.  She needed help and protection.  My protection.   And instead, I’d let her drink and had taken her into a bar.  I swallowed hard, thinking of Winifred’s reaction.

“She’s going to kill me,” I said under my breath.  I pushed my food away, no longer hungry.

“What’s wrong?”

I barely registered Michelle’s words as I considered not telling Winifred.  It was no use.  She’d probably already heard.  The door was open, and her ears were far better than mine.  Yep, I’d be joining Jim, listening to a lecture.  No, wait.  She was mad at Jim.  I just needed to keep the focus on him.  After all, Jim had taken an underage girl to the bar last night.  Not me.

Michelle moved next to me, drawing my attention to her growing concern.

“We all assumed you were a bit older than that,” I said as I stood and started cleaning up.  “Come on.  Let’s get this over with.”

I held out my hand.  She hesitantly took it.

“Are you telling me I look old
?
”

“Ancient,” I said with a teasing grin.

She continued to hold my hand as we walked together downstairs.

Did you hear?
I sent Winifred.

Yes.  We’re waiting for you to join us.

That didn’t sound good.  When we walked into Winifred’s apartment, we found Jim already at the table and Winifred leaning against the counter, her death glare pinning Jim.

“Sit,” she said.

I held out a chair for Michelle before taking my own seat.  Michelle fidgeted beside me.

Winifred’s attention remained on Jim.

“Your irresponsibility knows no bounds.  What were you thinking, taking her to a bar?  Our job is to keep her safe, not keep her stocked with booze.”

He’d been listening to this for over an hour, along with a lecture about an Elder’s responsibility to confer with others before making decisions.  If he wanted to be an Elder, he needed to start conferring.

“And you,” she said looking at me, “are supposed to have her best interests at heart.”

“That’s why I tracked her down and brought her back,” I said quickly.  Jim grimaced.  It was all on Jim this time.

Then, Winifred turned to Michelle.  “At nineteen, you have no right to be going out drinking.”

Michelle’s mouth popped open.

Winifred,
I warned at the same time I caught a whiff of Michelle’s anger.

Her face flushed red.

“That is so—my age doesn’t matter.  It never has,” she said.

I studied her, wondering what she meant by that.

“You have a responsibility to your brothers,” Winifred said.

Michelle laid her trembling hands flat on the table.  Had I not smelled her temper or noted the steely glint in her eyes, I would have thought the shaking was from fear or nervousness.

Michelle defiantly met Winifred’s gaze. “No one knows that better than I do.  Their wellbeing, their existence, depended on my obedience.  Complete and absolute.  Don’t speak.  Look up when addressed.  Return to your room when your presence isn’t required.

“I messed up last night.  I get it.  My brothers could have been found, and I wasn’t here to protect them.”

Pain and regret soured her scent, and my heart broke for her.  I had a feeling she’d endured a lot more than what she’d just said.

Nana made a slight noise as if she would continue, but Michelle didn’t let her.

“I don’t need your lecture,” she said angrily.  “I will not be ruled by another—”

She clamped her mouth shut and closed her eyes with a flinch.

Winifred, Jim, and I shared a look.

This conversation needs to lighten up,
I sent to Winifred
.  I don’t want her comparing us to whoever she left behind.

I agree,
Winifred said.

Michelle breathed deeply and opened her eyes.

“I’m sorry,” she said.  Then she stood and left.  We remained quiet as she raced up the stairs two at a time.

“She’s wearing your shirt,” Jim observed with a grin.  “One step closer to cookies.”

Winifred’s gaze narrowed on Jim.

“Emmitt, perhaps you can go check on the children.”

Jim slumped in his chair as I went outside.

With the doors and windows open, I still heard every word of Winifred’s continuing lecture.  Jim didn’t say anything in his defense. He just sat there and took it.  We’d both learned early on, saying anything only prolonged the lectures.

When Michelle came back down and went straight into Winifred’s apartment, I was tempted to go inside.  I didn’t want Winifred upsetting her again.

If we push her too much, she will leave,
I sent to Winifred.

I’m very aware of that.  I will not lose my temper again.

I continued to play with the kids as I listened.

“Jim,” Michelle said.  “I’m sorry I used you yesterday.  I should have faced the issue instead of running from it.  Can I talk to you alone for a minute?”

When Jim flew out the door at werewolf speed, slowing when he hit the porch steps, I knew Michelle had asked to speak to Winifred.  Aden saw Jim and cheered.  Jim took over pushing Aden’s swing, and I focused on Liam.  From inside, I heard Michelle talking to Winifred.

“I shouldn’t have said what I did.  You’re right.  I’m not being responsible.  My past, whether good or bad, doesn’t earn me any hall passes.  I’m sorry I left like I did yesterday.”

Keep it light, Winifred.  We need her.  I need her.

Emmitt, I’ve been an Elder longer than you’ve been alive.

Confer,
I said, using her own words about Elders and the decisions they make.

You two will be the death of me.

“You are an adult.  You’re correct that you don’t need me to lecture you.  We are here to help you, Michelle, if you would just let us.  We don’t know who you’re hiding from or why.  Is leaving here dangerous?  Is there a chance the people you’re hiding from could track you here?”

“I don’t know,” came Michelle’s faint answer.  “I’m so afraid, Nana.  I’m afraid they’ll find us and afraid if I trust...I’m afraid you’ll be just like them.”

“Never, Michelle.  We are an entirely different species.  Loyalty runs deep with us.”

There was a moment of silence before Winifred started communicating over our link.

Interesting.  What I just said scared her enough that she paled.

Frightening my Mate with what we are isn’t interesting, Winifred.

It wasn’t what we are.  It was when I mentioned our loyalty.

“You’re right,” Michelle said.  “You’re different, and I haven’t taken the time to learn about you like Emmitt asked me to.  I’m sorry to ask this again, but can you and Jim keep an eye on the boys?  I swear I won’t ever disappear like I did yesterday.  I just want to take Emmitt to the front yard where the boys won’t see or hear anything.  Then, I’ll ask Emmitt the questions I should have asked from the start.”

“Of course we will.  You don’t have to ask Emmitt, you know.  You can ask me anything as well.”

Winifred!

I’m just making sure she knows I’m here to answer questions as well.

Instead of coming outside for me, Michelle went to Jim’s apartment.  She moved around in there for several minutes before going back upstairs.  I waited, watching the door and straining to hear anything.  Just as I was wondering what she was up to, I faintly heard her call my name.

I motioned for Jim to take over pushing Liam on the swing, since he could easily handle pushing them both, and jogged inside.

“Tell her I’m her slave for life,” Jim said, before I cleared the porch.

As soon as I hit the steps, I used my real speed.

She was at her door, waiting for me when I reached the landing.

“Jim told me to pass on his pledge of servitude.”

She smiled slightly.  “He’ll pay it back today.  He and Nana are going to watch the boys so I can spend some time with you and learn what makes a werewolf tick.”

“What do you have in mind?”

“According to your boast, you’re faster, stronger, have better sight, hearing, and sense of smell.  I’d like to know just how good you are at each.”

“All right,” I said, wondering how she was going to test me.  “What do you want me to do?”

“Let’s go downstairs.”

She walked beside me until we reached Jim’s apartment.

“I went inside and hid something.  Can you find it?”

She wanted to see how well I could follow a trail.  Her trail I could follow anywhere.  Focusing, I allowed hints of sweet vanilla and maple trees to tug at my senses.  It would have been easy to lean forward and inhale it from the source.  Instead, I turned and strode into the apartment.

The sound of her following me and the false trails she’d left didn’t distract me.  She’d been sure to touch everything in here.  She’d even sat on the couch where I slept.  Maybe tonight I’d sleep better.

Following her scent to the spare room, I walked to the bed and pulled out the aromatic source that had called me there.  My shirt.  I lifted it to my nose and inhaled.  No trace of my scent remained on the material, just hers.

“It will never smell like me again.”

“Sorry,” she said softly.

I opened my eyes and met her gaze. “I like it better this way.”

She blushed and glanced away, studying the room I didn’t use. “How did you know where it was?”

“Your scent is impossible to mask.”

“But I touched everything along the way.  I even hid it in two different places before picking here.”

“I know.  Under the couch cushions and in the silverware drawer.”

“But, how?”

“The fragrance of you led me.  The lighter trails, I ignored.  I went to the place where it was most saturated.”

“How long will they last?  My trails.”

“The places you touched?  Less than a week because of the contaminations here.”

“Contaminations?”

“Your brothers, me, Jim.  We are the contaminations.  We touch the same things in here and eventually wipe away the traces of your scent.  On the road, other vehicles do the same to the scent of your truck.  Think of scent trails as delicate strings.  If too many other strings cross them, they break and fall apart.  We might be able to find fragments of the trail after a week, but the longer it sits, the harder it would be to try to follow.”

She’d looked worried when I’d first mentioned contaminations, but now seemed relieved.  I wanted to know what she was thinking.  However, asking would probably send her running again, so I kept quiet.  Time would earn trust and trust would reveal her secrets.