ShiftinDirty-ElizaGayle by Eliza Gayle Page A

things though. If we do them right and work together.”
    Gage hated putting his faith in anyone outside his own family and that only included the people in this house. Everyone else was a gamble.
    “What if she gets pregnant?”  
    Bhric swallowed another whiskey shot. “There are so many unknowns here that make this situation complicated at every turn. I think the first thing we need to do is get you two over to Simon. Let him run some tests or whatever the hell he does over there. While you do that I will continue to work on the alpha leaders. The more we present a united front to the council, the better chance we have of a positive outcome.”
    Gage picked up his second shot of whiskey. “My mate isn’t just some bargaining chip to be used for political game. Maybe you could talk about her like it’s not some chore to do so.”  
    Bhric sighed. “I mean no disrespect, but the more pragmatic we are the better. What does she say about all this? Is she ready to become your mate yet?”
    All the men snorted at Bhric’s question, especially Calder. “Dude, when have you ever seen a female willing to jump into the mating process? I’d bet dollars to donuts she’s going to come out here and say she can’t mate him yet because of the lack of emotions or some nonsense. Women are driven by those damned things.”  
    Gage glared at him. “As opposed to what? We’re only driven by lust?”
    “Who’s driven by lust?” Nikki came into the room carrying baskets of something sweet that smelled out of this world with Sienna right before her with a huge tray covered with bowls and plates filled to capacity.
    “Calder, be a doll and get the plates and silverware we left by the door. Any hurry before these guys pounce on this amazing food.”
    The bear nodded and walked to the kitchen.
    “What is this—” Gage started to ask about the food when Nikki set the first basket in front of him and his eyes nearly bulged out of his head at the assortment in front of him.
    “Sienna made homemade donuts.”
    “What?” All the men in the room asked in unison.
    “Pumpkin, Maple Bacon and Cherry Blossom. They’re my favorites. Hope that’s okay.”
    “Okay? Move over Gage, Sienna is going to be my mate.”
    “No mine.” The two brothers practically dove into the baskets to get the first two donuts.  
    Gage growled at Dean and Bhric even though he knew both were kidding. Dean was totally in love with Nikki and Bhric was even more of a bachelor than he’d been.
    “Don’t listen to these two.” He warned Sienna. “We’re doughnut fiends and willing to do just about anything for them.”
    “So what were you discussing when we walked up? Have you plotted your way to taking over the shifter community yet?”
    Dean wagged his finger at his mate. “Hey, we can’t all be high octane kick ass assassins. Some of us have to use our brains.”
    For a second the room died in silence before everyone broke out in laughter. Except for Sienna who looked thoroughly confused by it all.
    “Whatever.” Nikki said as she plucked one of the pumpkin doughnuts from Dean’s fingers. “You’re all just jealous.”
    Bhric nodded. “That we are.”
    Gage patted his knee, hoping Sienna would take a seat on his lap. Instead she shook her head and pulled a chair next to his. “Glad to see you got to make your treats this time, babe. They’re amazing.” He’d already crammed one of each in his mouth and was about to try a fourth.
    “Looks like I’ve found the perfect subjects for all my kitchen experiments.”
    “Hell yeah.” Calder whooped.  
    “Although you might enjoy them more if you ate them instead of inhaling them.”
    Everyone laughed again. The rest of breakfast continued the same way despite the underlying tension still festering in the room. Things were far from settled. When every last crumb was consumed and they were all sitting around rubbing their stomachs, Nikki nodded toward Gage and Sienna.  
    “How long you