Chapter 27

  “Shut up, boys. She’s going to know sooner rather than later.” Helen stood in front of her. “Now, let me have a proper look at you,” she said, cupping her cheeks and turning her head this way and that. Daniella went through the motions as the woman assessed her as if she was a prized cow. “What do you mean mate?” she asked.

  The men tensed while Helen kissed her cheek. “It’s so good to have another woman in the family. For some reason the line seems to breed a lot of men.” Helen eased her down into a chair at the counter. She noticed four settings with them all facing each other. Was anyone going to explain the mate comment? “Mate?” Daniella asked again.

  “Honey, my son has picked a fine woman in you.” The raised flesh of her neck prickled.

  We’re mated. It’s about time.

  “I really don’t know what you mean.”

  “Daniella, honey, haven’t you ever seen the marks of a mated female?” Helen asked.

  “No,” Daniella said, glancing behind her at Jason .