“It’s impressive,” I agreed.
“These were the lands of my ancestors. They’ve always provided for us. The spirits are kind and protect us.”
I nodded my understanding and made to speak but was caught off guard by the sound of pounding feet and a scent that immediately spoke to my heart. I zeroed in on the open doorway and immediately knelt at the appearance of a brown-haired girl with the same light brown eyes as her mother.
She launched herself at me. Her fierce hug immediately settled the dread that had ridden me hard since my sister’s death.
“You’re here,” she said next to my ear, her hold on me not slackening. “Mummy said you’d come for me.” My heart lurched at that, and I pressed a kiss to the top of her head before angling away just slightly.
“She said that?” I stared in wonder at the girl before me. She was so damn beautiful.
Wide-eyed, she nodded, her face becoming solemn. “She’s not been here.”
I bobbed my head, acknowledging her but remained silent, waiting to hear what she had to say.
“She said if ever she was gone for a long time that I shouldn’t worry, as you would come for me.”
I swallowed hard and didn’t know if I could handle looking at the precious child in my arms. How could I destroy her world? Unable to speak just yet, I stood, still holding her close. Her head shifted to the side, and her eyes widened. I followed her gaze. Lucinda fixed her eyes on Thatch. He was a big guy without a doubt and could be intimidating as hell, especially to an eight-year-old, I was sure. On his face was an expression I hadn’t seen before. Adoration bled from his soft, speckled green eyes as he smiled at my niece.
“Who are you?” Lucinda asked. Her voice was strong and held a confidence that made me smile.
Thatch edged forward within touching distance. “I’m Thatch.”
Tilting her head as she gazed at him, the space between her brows formed the smallest of lines. “You smell a bit like Uncle Callen.”
Both Thatch and I grinned at that, and a rightness settled in my chest that even though he wasn’t fully mine, nor I his yet, we were cemented in each other’s lives enough that our scents had mingled. Plus—
“And you smell a little like my mummy.”
—there was that.
Pain arrowed through me, piercing my barely controlled restraint. I looked away from both of them, my eyes briefly meeting Laketon’s. Seeing the pity, I shifted my gaze immediately. There was no doubt everyone here would understand my pain, but like hell would I break. Lucinda had to be at the centre of every decision and every emotion. I couldn’t screw that up by being weak. That was unnegotiable.
I found my voice. “He smells good, right?” I smiled first at Lucinda, then at Thatch. “Why don’t you show me around the place, and you can spend time with Thatch a little later?” Our conversation should be in private, and Thatch needed to take control of the situation with Lentwood.
“Okay.” Her nod was followed up with both hands on my cheeks. “You have Mummy’s eyes.”
I grinned. “So do you.” Setting her down, I looked at Barwon. “Am I good to let her show me around?” Courtesy dictated that I couldn’t ignore the alpha’s rule.
“Of course. Koen will stay close.” He indicated a young shifter who was probably in his early twenties. “He’s been helping taking care of young Lucinda.” He winked at my niece. There’d also be Agent Daniels close by.
With a smile, she took my hand and said, “He’s the best at hide and seek.”
“Is that right?” I asked. “That’s perhaps because you haven’t played with me before.” I ruffled her hair and then sent a smile of appreciation to Koen.
Amusement lit up his features, though, from his stance alone, I could see he remained vigilant. Any protector of Lucinda was someone who had my immediate respect.
“Come on then. Show me the way,” I instructed. She tugged at my hand and I sent a final look in Thatch’s direction. Warmth filtered through me at the affection directed my way. There was no one else I would trust to take control of this than him. Since I needed my focus to be on my niece, he was the only man for the job.
TEARS no longer streamed down her face, but small sobs had her body shuddering every couple of minutes. The evidence of her sadness saturated my T-shirt, and with no idea of how to comfort her any more, I simply held her close, dotting a kiss on her head after every quivering breath.
The crunch of dirt under a heavy boot had me looking up and past Koen, who had remained vigilant a few metres away. After making himself known to me, Agent Daniels had blended into the background, giving us some semblance of privacy. Despite the approaching steps, both men remained in position. I assumed they recognised the steps. My gaze landed on Barwon, by himself as he headed towards me.
Reaching my side, he offered a sad smile before placing a gentle hand on Lucinda’s head. His eyes remained on mine when he said, “We have news. She will be safe with Koen. And that agent of yours is close by.”
I nodded my understanding. “Thank you.” Koen’s soft footfalls headed our way as I stood with my niece still in my arms. “Are you okay to go with Koen?” I asked. She nodded and sniffed. With one more squeeze, I passed her over. Koen seemed to hold her effortlessly, and she went easily into his arms. A pang of envy hit me; I should have been here, forming that bond with her. I pulled myself up short, needing to get my head out of my arse. There was no time for regrets, and nothing I said or did could change where we were at. I fixed my gaze on the younger indigenous wolf. “Thank you. Take good care
