Found(69)

“It’s fine,” Lauren assured her. “And don’t worry, Xairn packs light. In fact, he literally came with only the clothes on his back. I need to take him shopping tomorrow and get him some Earth clothes.” She smiled at her mom. “You can come too, if you want. It’ll give you a chance to get to know him better and we can do lunch.”

“I’d like that.” Her mother squeezed her arm. “And, honey, don’t be mad at me for saying this but if you ever feel the least bit unsafe, just call me, okay? The place I’m staying is only a few miles down the road and I’ll be here in a heartbeat. I mean, I know you like this guy but let’s not forget he was basically the one who kidnapped you in the first place.”

“No he wasn’t.” Lauren frowned. “His father did. Mom, how many times do I have to tell you Xairn won’t hurt me?”

“I know you think that. But—”

“Your daughter has nothing to fear from me.” Xairn was suddenly standing there, his arms crossed over his chest. He was so big that his shoulders filled the entire doorway. Lit from behind as he was, he looked like a monstrous shadowy figure emerging into the night.

Lauren bit her lip. Her mom was right—he really did look kind of threatening. Not that she felt threatened at all—she had perfect trust in Xairn. But she wished he looked a little less scary for her mom’s sake. She felt her mom stiffen beside her and for a moment she drew Lauren close. “Hello,” she said clearly, looking at Xairn. “I’m sorry if you heard that but I can’t help being worried about my baby. Especially after what she went through.”

“Of course you’re worried, Mom,” Lauren said. “But please try not to be. If anything I’m safer with Xairn in the house. Can you imagine anyone being stupid enough to try anything with him around?”

Her mother took another look at Xairn’s massive shape and gave a shaky laugh. “No, I guess not.”

“There you go, then.” Lauren squeezed her arm reassuringly. “Can I go now?”

“Just one more thing. Come here.” Her mom pulled her into a warm hug and held her close. “Oh sweetheart, I was so worried about you. I know you’re home safe now but just give me a little time to believe it. I was so afraid I’d never see you again.”

“I was afraid of that too.” Lauren was surprised to feel tears pricking at her eyelids. “But I’m back now. Back to stay, I promise.”

Her mom sniffed and Lauren realized she was crying a little too. “I thought about you, Mom,” she admitted in a low voice. “It was all that kept me going until I started to get to know Xairn.”

“I love you, honey.” Lauren’s mom gave her a kiss on the cheek and then on the forehead. “So very, very much. Don’t ever forget it.”

“I won’t.” Lauren sighed as her mom finally let go. “We’ll see you tomorrow.”

“All right. But I have one more thing to say.” Wiping her eyes, Lauren’s mom straightened her shoulders and marched up to stand toe-to-toe with Xairn. She was a good foot and a half shorter than him so the effect was kind of like a Pomeranian confronting a Pit-bull, but Abby Jakes wasn’t one to back down. “You take good care of my baby girl,” she said clearly, staring him in the eyes. “I appreciate you bringing her home safe but I still don’t know you well enough to trust you completely. Don’t make me regret leaving her here with you tonight.”

“Mom!” Lauren was horrified but to her surprise, Xairn didn’t give back an angry retort. Instead he bowed deeply from the waist. When he straightened up, he looked at her mother seriously.

“Please believe me when I say I would rather die than harm your daughter,” he said in a low voice. “I vow to you that I will protect her with my life.”

“Well!” Lauren’s mom seemed surprised at his response. “Um, thank you very much Mr. Xairn.”

Lauren stifled a smile. “It’s just Xairn, mom. His people don’t have last names.” Walking up the steps, she took Xairn by the arm. His big body was tense—his muscles as tight and hard as iron. Was something wrong? Was he offended by her mom’s lack of trust? “We’ll see you tomorrow,” she told her mother firmly.

“All right.” Reluctantly, her mother nodded. “I love you.”

“Love you too.” Lauren smiled at her and nudged Xairn toward the door. “Come on—let’s get inside before the mosquitoes eat us alive.”

He looked around alertly. “You have carnivorous beasts near this residence? Should I get a weapon?”