Page 21 of Wicked Wolf

Quinn set Jesse down then moved out of the way so Gina could walk in. “Jesse, this is Gina. She’s a Redwood who’s working with me.”

Gina got down at Jesse’s level so they were eye to eye. “Hi, Jesse. It’s nice to meet you.”

Jesse grinned and leaned into Quinn’s leg. “Hi. You’re pretty.”

Quinn closed his eyes and held back a groan. Like father, like son. Though from the way Gina had smiled at his son, Jesse was doing better than him.

Not that Quinn wanted to do any better. Nope. He was going to feed her then do his job so he could get her out of there. He opened his eyes and stared at the two of them, knowing he probably should split them up before something happened.

“Thank you, Jesse. You’re handsome, yourself.”

Jesse smiled big and leaned toward Gina. “Daddy says he’s the master of the universe. Are you the master too since you’re on the council?”

Gina blinked, then raised her brow at Quinn.

Quinn did his best not to shuffle his feet like some teenage pup.

“He says he’s the master of the universe?” she asked, laughter in her voice.

Jesse nodded. “Uh huh. I have to say it or he won’t quit tickling me.”

Gina snorted then. “I see. So that means you only say it under duress.”

Jesse’s eyes widened and then he shook his head. “But he is the master of the universe.”

“Sure, honey. I believe you.”

“You should. I know things.”

“Really? So, how old are you that you know so many things?”

Gina stood but leaned against the couch so Jesse could feel better. She put herself out of an aggressive position so the pup would feel safe. Clearly she’d been around kids before.

“I’m five.” Jesse yawned.

“Five? Already? You’re growing up fast.”

Quinn swallowed hard at the reminder and cleared his throat. “Okay, buddy, you need to get some sleep if you’re yawning.”

Gina frowned and looked outside at the sun in the sky. She didn’t understand, and Quinn wasn’t sure he wanted to enlighten her.

“I can put Jesse to bed,” Walker said, his voice soft. “Good to see you, Gina. I figure you and Quinn here are ready to get some food and be on your way. I know what you’re trying to accomplish, and I think it will do some good.”

He said his good-byes, and Quinn hugged his son. Jesse even hugged Gina before heading back to his room. Jesse didn’t have many females in his life—only Gideon’s sister, Brynn, really—so it was odd to see him attach himself to Gina so quickly.

“Food?” Quinn asked, knowing he sounded like an idiot.

Gina gave him an odd look then nodded. “Okay. Then we walk around the den like idiots and try to show people that we’re friends?”

Quinn turned and frowned. “Excuse me?”

Gina gave him a sad smile. “I know you don’t want me here. I know you didn’t want to touch my hand to get me through the wards. Hell, Quinn, you even stiffened when Jesse came by. I mean, did you really think I was going to hurt your son? I don’t know why you hated me on sight, but there’s something we need to talk about.”

He growled, wanting her out of his house, away from him before he did something stupid, like apologize.

“There’s nothing we need to talk about.”

“Yes, yes there is, you idiot.”