Page 54 of A Shade of Myself
“Yes.”
His admission was bittersweet because while Tatiana investing her precious cash in my health was a huge step in our relationship, I wanted Laurent to be here because he couldn’t stand to stay away. Even if it was totally fair that he be paid for this.
That made me a bit pissy when I asked my next question. “Your job doesn’t extend to training my daughter, so what’s that about?”
He walked over to the window and looked out at the backyard. “Kids in my pack.” He took a breath, addressing the window. “We trained them starting at a young age, especially the ones without magic.”
Laurent had never spoken to me about his old life. I had dozens of questions I wanted to ask, but I was scared I’d push him away if I did. “This isn’t the same thing,” I said. “Sadie isn’t pack.”
He turned to face me. “Eli is a trained cop who can handle himself in both worlds, even without magic. Now Sadie must as well.” He strode into the foyer. “I’ll ask Juliette to work with her if you don’t feel comfortable with me doing it.”
“Laurent, no. Wait.”
He opened the front door. “Figure out a training schedule with Tatiana and she’ll fill me in.”
I threw myself against it to stop him from leaving. “Would you hang on one second, you idiot? Of course I don’t have a problem with you training her, it’s just the idea of my baby doing that means accepting that she isn’t safe.” I ran my hand through my hair. “I’d hoped it was enough to make Zev promise to leave her alone, but it’s not.”
“Even Sapien females learn to defend themselves,” he said.
“I know. It’s a smart idea and I appreciate the offer. I’ll pay you for your time with her.” I held out my hand to shake but he pushed it away.
“I don’t want your money,” he said gruffly. “Meet me outside. Bring Sadie. We’ll go for half an hour today.” With that, he walked out, shutting the front door behind him.
“I think you insulted him.” Sadie stood in the kitchen doorway holding both our mugs.
I took that bracing first sip of the day, almost burning my mouth. “Me too. You okay with this?”
“Running before camp? No. But if it gets me to the good stuff, I’ll do it.”
I glanced at the front door. So would I.
