Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 54968 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 275(@200wpm)___ 220(@250wpm)___ 183(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 54968 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 275(@200wpm)___ 220(@250wpm)___ 183(@300wpm)
Zara bounced around excitedly as her Daddy accompanied the girls upstairs to put the finishing touches on their party decorations. When Zara went into her apartment to change into the prettiest party dress she’d ever seen—thanks to her Daddy’s amazing taste—she paused in the middle of their apartment and looked around.
Kestrel came up behind her and pulled her back against his front. “You really did turn this boring apartment into a home. Thank you, Little Swan. The colors really brighten the rooms.”
“They make me smile,” she said as she turned in his arms. “You make me smile, too.” She rose on her tiptoes and kissed her Daddy soundly. “I love you.”
“I love you too, Little Swan.”
“Now, let’s get ready to party!”
The next evening, they were all gathered for dinner when Sadie entered the basement holding a small mailing envelope. “Magnus, something was just delivered for you.”
“Oooh! It’s Magnus’s turn,” Celeste celebrated.
Magnus didn’t like the spotlight. He never wanted to have anyone focused on him. This, however, held special possibilities. Surely, Baldwin Kinglsey III would screw up someone’s assignment, and it wouldn’t be his Little girl. Taking the package, he tore it open and poured a flash drive and message onto his palm.
Magnus Taverson, your marker has been called into effect. Here is your assignment. Protect Juniper Hazen. The encrypted drive contains all the background information I can provide you.
Baldwin Kingsley III
“Pull it up,” Phoenix ordered, earning a glare from the tech guy.
“I don’t suppose you’d all get out of here and let me look at it alone…?”
“Not happening,” Rocco said with a tickled grin. “You’re going to need us at some point. You might as well bring us in from the beginning.”
Leaning forward, Magnus opened the drive. A picture of a blonde with green eyes looked back at him. He groaned at the sight of the press nametag hanging around her neck while being drawn to the lonely expression in her eyes.
“This is Juniper Hazen. She’s thirty-two and a freelance photographer,” Magnus read.
“Thank goodness, she’s not a full-time reporter. That could be dangerous,” Caesar teased.
“She visited Danger Bluff as a child when it opened originally,” Magnus continued.
“What’s the threat against her?” Sadie asked.
“None that I can see. She is quirky and has few friends,” Magnus read.
“That’s sad. Everyone needs friends. Why is she coming to New Zealand?” Zara asked.
“She’s on vacation and wants to see what we’ve done with Danger Bluff…?” Phoenix suggested.
Magnus drew in a breath. “Your guess is as good as mine. She arrives tomorrow.”
“So, the team won’t have to rescue her?” Rocco asked, tugging his Little girl to his side. He kissed Sadie’s temple softly.
“You never know what Kingsley has in mind for us. There has to be more to the story. I’ll do some digging,” Magnus promised.
“In the meantime, I’ll put her on the fourth floor. She’ll be as close to us as possible,” Sadie suggested.
“Thank you. Would you let me know when she arrives?” Magnus asked.
“Of course.”
As the rest of the team scattered, Magnus continued to stare at the pictures of Juniper Hazen. Her green eyes seemed to bore into him. “What’s your story, Little girl?” he murmured to himself.
Rocco, Hawking, and Kestrel had all seemed to feel an instantaneous bond to the women they’d been chosen to protect. As Magnus rubbed his chest, he felt that same instinct. It was uncanny. How could Kingsley possibly have that kind of power?
Magnus wasn’t the sort of man who smiled very often, but as he stared at Juniper, he felt the corners of his mouth lifting. Whatever she was facing, he would be right next to her battling her demons.