Lily and James (werewolf novel) novel Chapter 26

Chapter 0026

(James POV)

It is now 11:37 am, which means that Stephanie’s first memorial event of the day is officially and already 37 minutes behind schedule. My father is freaking out, but there is nothing that he can do. There is not way that we can start the event without Stephanie’s brother and father.

Thankfully, Nick mind–links me that they are on the way. With luck, we can get this show started in a few minutes.

When Nick and Beta Robert arrive, they seem to be carrying a body bag. It is only when they come closer that I realize that the “body bag” is actually the Little Brat, wrapped up in a blanket.

“What happened to her?” I ask.

“I told you she was bad off,” Nick responds.

I walk even closer and pull the blanket back. As I do so, Lily’s chocolate and raspberry scent overwhelms

me. Distracted, my fingers then accidentally brush the Little Brat’s arm, which causes pleasurable sparks to run through me.

For the first time, I start to wonder if I made a mistake by insisting she be brought here

I force myself to focus so that my eyes can process what I am looking at. The Little Brat’s body is covered in bruises, welts, and cuts. I would not be surprised if she has multiple broken bones. She also has blood matted in her hair and covering her face. Her eyes and lips are swollen and purple.

I look around at the others, and everyone except Margie has the same concerned and shocked

expression on their faces. That includes Nick and Beta Robert, even though they had already seen what she looked like.

Strangely, Margie does not seem at all surprised, and her eyes have a hint of… guilt. Is it possible that Margie had something to do with Lily’s injuries? Could Lily’s mother have done this to her? I try to shove those questions out of my head. I need to focus on today’s mission.

“Nick and Beta Robert, please bring Lily to her seat in the front next to Sheila.”

My father puts his hand on my shoulder. “Son, I do not think that is a good idea. It looks to me like Lily needs medical attention. You’wanted Lily here, and she is, but why don’t we just keep her on the side or in the b

until the event is done?”

“NO! She will sit in the front next to Sheila, like planned.”

“Son….

“No, father. Lily and Sheila must sit together.”

Just as I say that, I hear Lily’s heart beginning to race. Despite our werewolf hearing, I do not think

anyone else can hear it, but as her “mate” I can because I am much more in tune with her than others.

I smirk.

“Little Mate, does it bother you that you have to sit next to Sheila today?” I ask Lily via mind–link. She

does not respond, but I do not care. Her increased heart–beat tells me that she is very much awake. “I

invited Sheila to sit next to you when she left my bedroom this morning. You know, she stayed the night

in my bedroom last night, which she often does these days.” 1