Tempted by the Bear - Book 2 by V. Vaughn

Author:V. Vaughn [Vaughn, V.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sugarloaf Press
Published: 2015-11-23T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter 8

Annie

Just after midnight, Tristan made everyone leave. Designated drivers were checked out, and everyone should make it home safe. Many will be back in the morning to continue working on the dorm, but the amount that was accomplished today is amazing. I gaze out at the skeleton building. Stars twinkle in the background, and I smile. The house should be ready for occupation in just a couple more days, and Tristan plans to call the rest of his clan to come.

Empty vodka bottles clink as Sven lifts the bag of returnables to carry it to the garage, and the screen door slams as Lucy comes outside and toward me. I say to her, “Thank you so much for your help. I really appreciate it.”

“You’re welcome.”

Lucy watches Sven as he turns the corner, and I say, “I hope you’re staying here tonight.”

She turns her gaze to me to say, “If that’s okay, yes.”

“It’s more than okay. Now that Sven has moved here from Carly and Brady’s I’d like you to think of this as your home too until Sven can get a place of his own. You’re welcome to stay any night you wish.” I place my arm around her shoulders and give her a hug. “I think it will make things easier for Sven with the crazy hours he’s keeping now, don’t you?”

Lucy says, “You guys are doing such a great thing for the De Rozier clan. I know Sven appreciates it.”

I seat myself on a bench, and my hand thumps lightly on the wood when I motion for Lucy to join me. “It’s my pleasure. I’ve led a fortunate life.”

She sits. “Me too. I forget how lucky I am, but Sven is making me super-aware.”

I think about how difficult things are for Tristan’s clan members. He told me that many have lost their homes, and they spend most of their time in bear form while they live off the land. The adjustment to life in Maine must be difficult.

The crickets chirp out a song in the night, and I glance at the girl next to me. I get an idea. “Lucy, what did you have planned for this summer?”

“Part-time work at Ink It and not much else. Why?”

“Would you consider helping me here? I think Tristan’s clan is going to need assistance adjusting.”

Lucy grins. “You mean getting used to humans being equals?”

I smile back. “That. And I’m going to need help getting them to and from appointments for jobs, registering the children for school, buying new clothes, and sorting out their new daily routine.”

She takes a moment to consider my proposition. “Sure, I don’t see why not.”

“Fantastic.”

The springs on the back door squeak as it opens, and Tristan steps out to ask, “Have you seen my mother?”

“No,” I say. “I thought she went up to her room.”

He shakes his head, and I stand as I frown. The extra nanny we hired to guard Helga went home a few hours ago. “Did you check all the rooms?”

“Yes,” he says. “She’s not in the house.

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