Page 3 of Winter Break

The most hilarious part of all is that I’m certain Brea hasn’t lifted a finger to prepare food or clean since Navin claimed his Little mate. She may be his submissive and Little, but she isn’t a domestic servant. We lion shifters take care of our mates in every single way, including feeding them, often literally.

Jones hesitates. He’s stuck. Navin has played into his demeaning hand. He’d look like a dick if he didn’t agree to this plan. Finally, he gives a curt nod before he grabs Cora by the bicep. His grip is way too tight, and she winces again as she tips her head back slightly.

She doesn’t look him in the eye, but at least I can glimpse some of her features. She has tanned skin, a small nose that tips up slightly, full pink lips, and a rounded chin.

What little I’m able to see takes my breath away. I wish she would look at me so I could see her eyes. Soon.

“Fine,” Jones growls. “Make yourself useful while I’m meeting with Navin. You may fix me a sandwich. Do not eat these people’s food, though, you hear me?”

She swallows. “Yes, sir.” There’s definitely no fucking capital S on that sir either, although that wouldn’t be appropriate anyway if this man is her father. I know Brea suggested that was the case, but I’m having my doubts. They look nothing alike. Jones has auburn hair and pale freckled skin. It’s possible she has her mother’s coloring and features, but I’m suspecting there is more to this story.

Vincent gives her arm another tight squeeze and leans in to speak in a low voice near her ear. “You better not fuck around. Bathroom. Lunch. That’s it. No chit-chat. You hear me, girl?”

She nods.

What Jones doesn’t know is that Navin and I have sharper hearing than humans. We heard every syllable of his threats. And he can fucking trip over a giant boulder, hit his head, and die for all I care.

This is the last time he’ll be touching my mate.

Chapter Two

Cora

I can’t believe Vincent is letting me go with this woman to her home. He was backed into a corner by Navin and Orion. It felt so strange. Something is off. Everything is off.

The new man who joined us, Orion, is a god. I’m not very worldly, and I certainly haven’t had an opportunity to meet people in the last several years, but he makes me forget my name.

And that’s taking into consideration that I’ve barely looked at him. I can’t. I’m being as still, quiet, and agreeable as humanly possible out of fear that one slip-up on my part will cause Vincent to renege on his decision to let me leave his presence.

Vincent never lets me socialize with others. He doesn’t even let me come out of my room at home when someone stops by the homestead. In the past four years, I’ve rarely set eyes on anyone but Vincent. I live a very isolated life as his servant.

Without lifting my head, I’ve managed to glance at Orion several times, especially when Vincent wasn’t paying attention. Orion’s voice is smooth, strong, and deep. Every time he speaks, I feel like his words land on me and slide down my body like warm honey.

He has dark hair that’s longer on the top and flops haphazardly across his forehead. The sides are short, so the look is intentional and makes him appear younger than I suspect he is. The perfectly trimmed beard only adds to his appeal.

The man is broad and tall. Six-eight, I think. I know he’s a lion shifter. All of the men living on this property are lion shifters, but this is my first time meeting any of them. I’ve heard rumors. These men arrived and purchased this logging company after my mom died, after my life went to shit. But I always press my ear to my bedroom door and do my best to listen in on every conversation Vincent has with his guests. It’s the only way I have news from town or the world in general.

The lions are a hot conversation topic, so any mention of them gets my attention.

I couldn’t believe it when Vincent ordered me to go with him today. He never lets me leave the homestead. He never lets me speak to other people. He never lets me go anywhere. He never lets me interact with strangers. And he sure as hell in a million years wouldn’t let me walk off with these people he doesn’t know.

What does he have up his sleeve? I don’t like it. I’m nervous.

Orion rubs his stomach. “A sandwich sounds like heaven right about now. Too bad I need to get over to the east grove of trees instead. I’ll drop the ladies off at the house for you two, though.”

He doesn’t hesitate. In fact, he’s already turning and walking quickly before Vincent can respond.

I hold my breath. There’s no way in hell Vincent is going to let me get in a truck with these strangers.

And yet, he grips my arm painfully, one more time, and growls at me. “Make a good impression. Understand?”

His voice is low, imperceptible. Except I hear him fine.

I hold my breath as I follow Brea and Orion toward a big black truck. It’s nearly new and has a back seat, but Brea takes my good hand and leads me around to the passenger side.

I’m far enough away from Vincent and well enough hidden by the truck that he must not notice soon enough that Brea helps me up into the cab in front of her and climbs in behind me, causing me to sit in the middle between her and Orion.

I don’t dare look out the driver’s window. I know if I do, I’ll find Vincent having a silent meltdown. And I don’t fully exhale until Orion has pulled the truck away from the logging site.