“Es no problem, Chica. When you get back, I cook for you again.”
I got lost in a few more heavenly bites, then glanced at the clock in my kitchen. My fork clanked down onto the plate. “Oh, goodness!” I said in what I hoped sounded like mock surprise. I felt bad kicking her out so quickly, but there was no other choice. I had to get moving. “I didn’t realize it was so late. Tyler.” I nodded my head toward Juanita. “If we don’t leave soon, we’ll miss the plane and Gram will be alone tonight.” How did you go about getting rid of someone who just cooked you a wonderful meal without looking like a chump? You didn’t really.
My brother put his fork down and stood. “Yep, we better get a move on.” He walked over to Juanita and playfully hooked his arm around her waist and planted a kiss on her cheek, all while ushering her toward the door. “Juanita, that was a truly fantastic meal. I haven’t had anything home cooked in a long time. When we get back, we’ll be sure to return the favor. It’ll be our turn to bring something by your place.”
“Oh, you are too much!” she twittered, looking up at my brother in adoration. “But I weel still do the cooking. Next time, I weel bring a feast!”
“That sounds perfect, Juanita,” my brother told her with a genuine dimpled grin. “We’ll be sure to let you know when we get home. And can you do me a favor? If you see anything out of the ordinary coming from this apartment, I want you to call this number.” He handed her a card from his wallet. “But—and I can’t stress this enough—please don’t try to act on your own. In fact, don’t even open your door. Okay, Juanita? If you hear anything, stay in your apartment and call me.”
She glanced down at the card and then back at Tyler with a wide smile. He had a fan for life. “Sí, I weel do this for you, Tyler.” It came out like Teeler. “But, for me, you must promise to take good care of jour sister. Do you hear what I am saying to you? Lots of bad theengs, they happen lately, and they weel happen again. Familia looks out for familia. Don’ let her out of jour site. Swear this to me.”
“I understand completely, Juanita. I swear I will look after Jess. I promise not to take my eyes off her.”
My heart gave a twist. Letting Tyler and Danny accompany me might not be entirely the right choice. As Selectives they wouldn’t be allowed to change into their true forms. It was forbidden under a sworn oath to my father, our Alpha. If they broke that vow, they would be severely punished. And the risk and danger, especially facing someone as powerful as Selene, would be immense. But I knew my brother would never see reason, so there was no use trying.
I just had to make sure nothing happened to either of them.
“Goodbye, Chica. I weel take care of things here for you, don’ worry.” She waved and blew me a kiss. I waved back. “And be safe on your travels. Jour grandmother needs you, I am certain. If the road is rocky, jus’ pick jourself up. That’s what my abuela always taught me.”
“Thanks, Juanita,” I called. “I’ll remember that.”
Tyler turned and closed the door, an amused expression still lingering on his face. He shook his head. “They don’t make humans like that very often. That woman has balls, and she’s fiercely loyal to you. Did you smell her strength?”
“I did, but just barely. My nose was struggling to get through all the Freesia perfume. And who knew you were such a rake? You got her out the door in one swoop. That was a talented maneuver if I’ve ever seen one.”
“I have a way with all the ladies.” Tyler grinned. “Even your elderly neighbor.”
“She’s not that old!” I laughed. “I think she’s in her fifties, but she could pass for late thirties on a good day. What do you think she meant about the bad things that are supposed to happen again?”
Tyler scratched his head. “I don’t know. She was probably talking about all your recent ‘coincidences,’ like your break-in and your ailing grandmother.” He smirked. “Your life has been a whirlwind since you made your first shift. Humans who are close to you would be foolish not to notice.”
I guess it was a good thing I didn’t know many humans. Juanita and Ray were plenty. I didn’t want any other human to end up on the wrong side of us like Ray had. If that happened to Juanita I’d be crushed.
“And, Jess, if you’re going to be a good wolf, you have to learn to parcel away scents efficiently. It’s a relatively easy thing to learn. Once you take in a new smell, you file it away and then you open up your senses to the next layer. If you don’t, you’re going to be at a severe disadvantage. You’ll never be able to identify or track anyone accurately.”