about the council.”
“Don’t you think you owe Gage an apology?” Lars asked sitting back and waiting.
“Why?” she turned to look at him. “I’ve gone out of my way to fit into both of your lives. You’ve changed me, I’ve lost my mother and everything I owned is gone. I’m trying to hold it together here without breaking down, but that’s not good enough for him or you. This keeps my mind working, keeps me busy to think this out, because honestly, if I didn’t have something to keep me busy…” She reached for her juice, and her hand shook slightly as Tamara picked up the glass.
“Continue, please,” she whispered, but Lars heard the tears in her voice. Across from them Gage glanced at him, then at her before moving to her side.
He knelt beside her chair and slowly turned her to face him. “I know this is difficult for you and if there was anything we could do to ease your pain, we would. I see your tears, and the sadness in your eyes…” Gage took her hand and placed it over his chest. “This aches. My wolf cries and wants to seek those that would hurt you. All I can do is promise to try harder, baby. There will be times when I slip up, but I love you.”
Tamara slapped his chest. “Damn it Gage, here I was getting ready to hit you over the head and you get all mushy on me.” She circled her arms around his neck and hugged him. “I’m trying too, Gage, but you have to give me some leeway here.” Tamara almost crawled into his lap, but stopped and looked around.
Her cheeks pinked and Tamara lowered her head as she got back into her chair. “If there is a problem or something you don’t like, talk to me Gage.”
Standing, Gage looked around once before taking his seat. “What do you think about going to see my family early? You can still arrange the party from there, but I’d feel better.” His eyes met Lars’ over the table.
“It would ease some of the stress she’s under and the added protection would be nice. I think getting out of the city is the best answer. We can pick up a computer which will help her set up the event.” Lars looked at Tamara, who was frowning.
“I hate to put your family into this mess though. It’s bad enough that Lars’ family is being targeted, along with mine.” She took two more bites of her food.
“That’s no problem, once we cross over onto my family’s property line, no one can follow.” Gage winked at her and smiled. “See there is a little Fae in our blood. My mother is part Fae and her father protected the lands. No one may enter who means to do harm to our family.”
Taking a bite of his food, Lars almost choked, shocked at what Gage had said. “Excuse me? You were going to tell me this when? She could have been there last week!”
“I told you last year about the homestead property, that we could use it if we had to for a retreat.” Gage countered taking a drink of his coffee.
For the life of him, Lars couldn’t remember him mentioning this, but he wasn’t about to argue they needed to get to this place. “It doesn’t matter. After were done shopping, we’ll go. We’ll have half the team drive up there with what we purchase today, but I want to leave as soon as we’re done shopping.”
“You know there is plenty of room for your folks and grandfather?” Gage asked.
“I’ll ask them, but I doubt they’ll come, especially Granddad. He is bound and determined to find them. He won’t rest till whoever killed her is brought to justice.” Lars took his last bite of food and sat back.
“Lars, do you think it’s odd that my father asked us to go to his place? I mean I haven’t seen or even been there.” She pushed her almost empty plate away from her and reached for the water.
“Not really. I’m sure he knows we’ll take care of you and he just doesn’t want to overstep his bounds.”
Tamara stood and stretched. “That hit the spot. Now let’s do some serious shopping.” She rubbed her stomach before she
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