Running in Fear: Cupid's Venom by Trinity Blacio Page A

the least I could do. There is a strong bond between you and Jaycee. In many ways you two are very much alike. Come, I’ll help you in the kitchen and we can chat some more.” Marsha wrapped her arm around her, walking down the stairs.

    “By the way, my name is Marsha. Everyone just calls me Mother, though, and you are welcome to also. Jaycee is my daughter, and right now she is really worried about you. You see, Jaycee has it rough being the alpha female here. Many females shy away from her because of her power and her mates, but you don’t. Why?”

    They stepped into the kitchen. Cecil smiled, knowing Marsha was sizing her up. “I don’t know. It’s like I connected with her somehow the other night when they found me.” She opened the cupboards and Marsha opened the refrigerator, both gathering ingredients and utensils.

    Cecil turned and stared at Marsha. “You have a glow around you.
    I can see the different colors. Jaycee has a similar one, but stronger.
    Clayton has one too, but it’s different.”

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    Marsha looked up and smiled. “You have the touch of life, child. I was born into a very strong family of witches. I can sometimes see things that are going to happen before they happen. Jaycee’s gifts are many. The great Mother Nature has taken a shine to her, you could say. Grab the pans, dear. We’d better get these done or we’ll have a late dinner—and you don’t want that, with so many alphas around here.” She laughed.

    Grabbing the large baking pans, Cecil placed them on the counter and grabbed the package of ground beef, opening it. “What do you mean, I have the touch of life?” Cecil put the meat into the large skillet and broke it apart.

    “You connect with children. Children will always feel safe in your arms. In other words, you are their protector. That’s why you are having such a hard time with the loss of your child. Even though it was created in the lab, this child is yours and you know it’s searching for you. I believe you even connected with Jaycee’s children. Am I right?” She held her gaze, smiling.

    Remi and Dane stepped into the kitchen. “You connected with our children? When and why?” They frowned at her.

    Cecil stepped back. It was the first time she had felt threatened by them. Remi’s aura brightened as he stepped forward.

    Marsha slapped Remi in the head. “Quit scaring her, damn it. Both of you. It’s a good thing.”

    All three of her mates poured into the room and surrounded her, frowning at Dane and Remi. “Why is she scared of you two all of a sudden?” Tug asked, not backing down from Remi.

    Taking a deep breath, Cecil placed her hand on Tug’s arm. “I’m fine, Tug. Remi and Dane are just worried about their children.” She glanced up at Remi and Dane. “That first night when you found me, even before I had awakened fully, I could see all three of your children.” She smiled and stirred the meat. “Your son is so much like you. He protected the girls, keeping them at bay until he knew I wouldn’t hurt them. They’re going to be very powerful when they’re older. Your son is already very wise. He’s the one who spoke to me.” She glanced up at Remi. “He did say something I didn’t understand, though. He told me our council is not the one that’s connected to the labs. That there is another council I was overlooking, but I only knew of our council. I forgot about it until Marsha brought up the connection with the children. With everything going on around me…” Cecil frowned, glancing at Clayton.

    “Fuck, I didn’t even think of them,” Clayton said. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone. “Remi, Dane. Have everyone meet us in the living room. We need to move now!” Clayton kissed Cecil’s cheek 67

    and headed towards the door.

    Remi stepped up to her and grinned. “So, we have a son? The other two are girls, I take it?”

    Cecil smiled, and nodded. “One of them reminds me so much of Jaycee. Her