Free Called by the Bear 7-9 by V. Vaughn Page A

the same thing. Please don’t blame yourself.”
    “Thanks.” Her expression relaxes into a smile.
    I’m not sure why, though, because as much as I’d like to think I can comfort with just words, I doubt it’s true. Unease niggles at me, and I communicate with Carly. “Does Taylor’s behavior today seem strange to you?”
    “It’s probably the lingering effects of the poison.” Carly frowns for a second and then masks her concern with a serious voice as she asks Taylor, “How’s the training with Luke and Lucy going?”
    “Good. Ian told me Luke is quite skilled. Lucy will get there once she gets in shape.”
    I’m reminded of the drawings Lucy showed me a few weeks ago. She’s got talent but not the confidence to believe in herself. If she doesn’t share her portfolio with Carly soon, I might have to intervene. A smile creeps across my face as I recall how my best friend mentored me as a tattoo artist. I think it would be a great way for the sisters to bond.
    Carly says, “See that she does. I don’t want her to hide behind her brother on this.”
    While the alpha tone is present, I know my friend well enough that her words tell me she senses Lucy’s low self-esteem, too. Yup, it’s time to bring another female artist into the world of tattoos. Besides, that will give me a purpose other than worrying about my babies.
    Donna clears her throat loudly to command attention. Once all eyes are on her, she says, “There’s one more thing to tell you. Years ago, when we first discovered our inability to create a future generation, we contacted a clan in the Arctic for help.” She takes a bite of bacon to draw out the announcement that is about to come. “They denied us at the time, but I just got word they’re reconsidering. It seems they’re having trouble of their own and want to make a deal.” She takes a bite of eggs and scans the table full of people to make sure the weight of her words settles in.
    Brady’s jaw is working, and I think this might be news to him, too. When Carly places her hand on his arm, I’m sure of it. One glance at Donna tells me she’s enjoying her moment of power, and if I didn’t feel sorry for her now that she’s usually the least important person in the room, I would make a snide remark. Instead I watch the drama unfold.
    Annie jumps in to keep Brady from exploding. “I’m sure you plan to put them in contact with Brady and Carly now.”
    “Oh. Yes. That’s why I’m telling you this morning. Tristan and Isabelle De Rozier should be here next week.”
    Brady clenches his fists and restrains himself as he thumps the table instead of pulverizing it before he says, “The De Rozier alpha and his sister are already on their way here and you didn’t think I might want to know?”
    Carly adds in her alpha voice, “Donna. We’ll discuss this in depth later.”
    Donna nods and offers a smile that reminds me of a child that has no remorse for eating all the ice cream. I hold back a giggle as she says, “Yes, of course, dear.”
    Annie glares at her. “Mother, come help me with the babies before you get yourself into more trouble.”
    When Donna stands to leave, she gives me a wink, and I can’t help but grin at her. She had to give up her prima status to Carly and is now watching the control she has over this family slip from her fingers. But Donna has no intention of being silenced. And she shouldn’t be. Her wisdom is a guiding force in this family, and while her approach tests Brady’s patience, this clan would be lost without her.
    I get up from the table to help with the babies, too. I plan to use Donna’s rebellious streak to my benefit, because I’m dying to know more about Kimi and what hope lies ahead for keeping my children safe from Victor Veilleux.

13

Chapter 3
    L ily

    I drop my hand from my mouth yet again. When I was a kid, I used to bite my nails, and it’s been years since I quit that nasty habit. But right now, tearing things with my teeth is