Werewolf U by Brenna Lyons Page B

Marietta tripped over her words, and her eyes shifted left and right, as if searching for something. "Things I would have to do when Samara was in class. She will have James and Jason with her as protection, so I need not worry about that."
    An impressive idea. Then again, I've always known Marietta was intelligent. "You get a few days and nights off once a month. That is coming due, I believe."
    They both knew she didn't, but Marietta had followed the game this far.
    Her brow crinkled, though she didn't voice her opposition to the plan.
    "Yes?" he prompted her.
    "Yes, of course. Coming soon." But something remained unsaid.
    "Is there a problem?"
    "Your rules about Samara's protection."
    He smiled. Well done. You even seek to protect my daughter from my own short-sightedness. "All Samara has to know is that you are absent. She doesn't need to know about the guards stationed out of her sight. When her mates are not in the room with her or are sleeping with her and not actively on watch, the guards will protect her back for you."
    Marietta nodded. "Done. My first night away will be tomorrow."
    Sebastian bit back a laugh at the wondrous subterfuge they were planning. It was like a chess game with another master. "Is there any other news?"
    Her cheeks darkened, and she cleared her throat.
    He raised an eyebrow in surprise. The old woman had seen everything, from what he'd heard. Family stories had it that his parents had shown no decorum at all in mating. What could possibly embarrass such a woman? Sebastian cleared his throat, a gentle reminder that he'd asked a question.
    "It was a rather…rude message from James. It would hardly be appropriate to repeat it." She didn't meet his gaze.
    James. According to Pietro, he was the more outgoing—and outrageous—of Samara's mates. "And the message is?"
    Marietta winced, then sighed. "Your daughter's shifted form is lovely."
    Sebastian laughed long and hard. So hard that tears pooled in his eyes and rolled down his cheeks. It wasn't until after Roberto delivered the tea that he composed himself again.
    "Such a bold challenge," he marveled. "Of course it is simply his frustration speaking out of turn." Sebastian considered the message. "Still… It is good to know Samara can shift. I wasn't sure she would."
    Marietta took a dainty sip of the hot tea. "It is also good to know her mates excite her so."
    "Yes. It is." To his surprise, Sebastian found it also bothered him. More than a little.
    He would like to deny he had secretly hoped Samara would refuse the brothers and stay close to him for a while. I can't.
    Samara is an adult. If she wants James and Jason, she'll have them. They will protect her well.
    That settled, somewhat, he picked up the second cup of tea and started planning Samara's protection with Marietta.

Chapter Seven
     
    Samara considered putting on the robe, then tossed it across the mattress. The short nightie Eva had given her was scandalous, but it was just the impression she wanted to make on the brothers.
    Besides, with Eva attending a late study group and Marietta gone for the night, who is going to see me?
    That thought in mind, Samara opened the door and peeked down the hall. No one. Just as I thought. She padded barefoot over the hardwood floors.
    At the staircase, she took a moment to right her senses. It seemed the vertigo was still with her.
    I could take the elevator…or call them to come to me. Or even wait another hour, and they will come up on their own.
    Samara dismissed those ideas nearly as quickly as she thought them. Any of them would undermine the independence she was proclaiming by going to them, whether James and Jason knew about it or not.
    Besides that, I want them. Now. Right now.
    Hold the rail. Take it slow. She repeated the mantra silently as she inched down the stairs.
    At one point, Samara was sure she heard someone behind her. She turned to look, cautiously, wary of slipping on the marble stairs. There was no one there. A shadow moved,