Page 81 of The Huntress
She belonged to the Knights Ridge Pack, but their new alpha, Rhys Whitaker, hadn’t known anything about this. The fury pouring across the connection meant this alpha planned to mete out a justice of his own. Gabriel had stated his intention to adopt the girl, leaving no opening for Rhys to argue otherwise. That he’d used Dimitri’s and Syl’s Holds as a threat was neither here nor there.
Callie tilted her head, listening. Gabriel smiled at this development since it meant her vampire traits were, at last, manifesting. Leo and Valerie were at the door, but he’d wanted her to use her senses. She jumped up and rushed there, swinging it open with a cry. Hugs and tears followed, interspersed with blurred chatter. The growing joy on her face was all he needed to confirm she was happy.
“Gabe, come meet my sister.” She turned to him; her fingers laced with Val’s.
She had the same red flowing hair and green eyes, but to him, no woman was more beautiful than Callie.
He strode toward them, holding out a hand. “Welcome to our home, sister of mine.” He clasped Val’s hand with his before releasing it.
Her eyes widened, and she glanced at Callie.
“Yes, you heard him. Gabe’s my future husband.” Callie looped her free hand around his waist and squeezed, lifting her shining eyes to meet his.
Something tight gripped his heart, but now wasn’t the time for declarations.
“I’ll have a brother-in-law?” Val asked then hugged Gabe, surprising him.
He gave her an awkward pat on the back.
“You have to meet George. She’s your niece!” Callie bounced away, then returned to give Gabe a quick kiss. “It’s time for girl talk, so no eavesdropping, both of you.” She wagged a finger at Leo, who thumbed through Callie’s files strewn on the carpet.
Gabriel stared at George’s closed door. Giggling and squealing came from behind it. He winced, silently agreeing not to eavesdrop if that was what he’d overhear.
“A recent addition to our Hold is a woman named Monique. Her father is Senator Carter.” Leo tapped the senator’s picture. “Had I known Callie investigated the man, I might have mentioned that tidbit.” He scrolled his fingertip along a line of text. “It says here she died in a motor vehicle accident. I saw her just this morning drinking from a feeder.”
“I don’t know if it has any bearing on Callie’s investigation.” Gabriel shrugged. “Tell me, Leo, is it possible for a youngling to taste rosemary or garlic?”
“No. There have been a few instances where other senses have been sluggish to convert but never taste. Why do you ask?”
“No reason.” Gabriel grinned.
Leo could pluck his thoughts out of his head, so he waited and watched. His friend’s face grew serious, then he arched a brow. “Most senses transform within a week of conversion. I am interested to see if Callie falls in line.” He took the nearest chair and sipped from the snifter of brandy he’d materialized.
“Thank you for bringing Val. I’ll owe you,” Gabriel said.
Leo met his gaze and nodded. “Adopting a shifter? I’m not sure Syl will allow it.”
“I don’t see why not. Her mother tossed her out like she was garbage, Leo.” A wave of protectiveness swept through Gabriel, and he grimaced. How could he already feel as if George was his own child? He did admire the little girl for helping a stranger. That said more about her character than anything else could have. “I’d like you to spend time with her. See for yourself she means us no harm.”
“I intend to. Syl will demand it. That’s not what concerns me, Gabriel. There are many with prejudice, or downright hatred, for all things shifter. We need to train Callie and Val as soon as possible. They must be able to defend themselves.”
Gabriel had intended to start her training tomorrow. “Dimitri said the same thing. Between the three of us, their training will include various skill sets.”
“Can you scent Val?” Leo asked, a frown marring his features.
Gabriel lifted his nose and inhaled, picking up Callie’s addictive essence and George’s sweetness mixed with puppy. Val had no scent, no indication of her presence.
“No. I’ve never encountered that before,” Gabriel said.
“Neither have I.”
“It might be their bloodline. Callie, do you have other sisters?” Gabriel asked, loud enough for her to hear him above their chatting.
“No, Gabe, just Val and me.” She popped her head around the door.
“We do have female cousins in the Devereaux line,” Valerie said. The door opened, and she appeared with a coffee in hand. She seated herself in the empty chair and winked at Callie, who’d climbed onto Gabe’s lap. He wrapped his arms around her, tugging her against his chest.
“Thank you for saving my sister.”
