Resisting the Cougar (Cascade Shifters #2) by Jessie Donovan Page A

the same room as Claire Davis. One whiff of her scent would turn his cock hard.
    He needed to think of some way to keep distance between them.
    Then it hit him. If he brought Chloe with him, then he could focus on his daughter’s safety and happiness. Kian hadn’t told him he couldn’t. Aidan would pounce on the opening.
    He made a quick turn and soon arrived at his brother’s quarters. After a quick knock, Aidan’s younger brother, Jeremy, opened the door with a quizzical look and asked, “Can you tell me why Chloe needed to stay here? I never mind, of course, since my mate loves to look after her. But is there a threat I should know about, brother?”
    Aidan shook his head. “No, just a new assignment. I wish I could tell you more, but Kian should make an announcement in the next few days.”
    Used to Aidan’s secrecy, Jeremy nodded. “Can you stay for dinner?”
    “No, I need to collect Chloe and get back to work.”
    Jeremy gave him a curious look, but didn’t press the matter.
    His daughter rushed out of one of the side rooms. Aidan crouched down and engulfed her in a hug. Chloe’s voice was muffled against his chest. “Daddy, you’re here.”
    Breathing in his daughter’s light scent of wild flowers, some of Aidan’s stress dissipated. “Yes, my little cub, I’m here.” He leaned back to smooth Chloe’s curly hair from her face. “But I have a special assignment.” He lowered his voice to a whisper. “This time, you’re going to be my secret partner. Would you like that?”
    She squealed before putting on a serious face and whispered, “What’s our secret partner assignment?”
    “Well, we need to protect a human and make sure she stays out of trouble.”
    “A human? Like Lauren?”
    He nodded. “Yes, baby, like Lauren. Are you up for the challenge?”
    Chloe bobbed her head and then wiggled out of his hug. “Let me get my backpack. We can fill it with special soldier tools.”
    Aidan chuckled as his daughter raced into the next room. Standing up, he looked to Jeremy. “I know you heard me, but don’t repeat what I just told Chloe. Your mate is fine, but no one else.”
    Jeremy nodded. “Of course, but I never thought you would be the one guarding a human.”
    “It wasn’t my decision.”
    Chloe raced back out, with Aidan’s sister-in-law right behind her. Aidan walked over and gave his sister-in-law a hug. “Thanks for helping out with Chloe, Naomi.”
    Naomi released him. “No problem, Aidan. Whatever this ‘secret assignment’ is, she’s pretty excited about it.”
    An unanswered question lingered in the air and Aidan decided to answer it. “She won’t be in any harm. Believe me, it should be somewhat educational for her.”
    Naomi studied him a second. “If you say so.”
    Chloe grabbed his hand and pulled. “Come, Daddy, we should hurry. I want to start our assignment.”
    Aidan bit back a smile and looked to his brother. “Thanks, Jeremy. I’ll stop by in a few days. Hopefully by then, I can fill you in on what’s going on.”
    Chloe tugged his arm again and Aidan gave in to his daughter. She was so determined that she didn’t say a word as she practically ran down the hallway. Only when they reached where the corridor split off into different sections did she stop and look at him. “Which way, Daddy?”
    “Head toward our home.”
    She frowned. “Why? I want to get started.”
    The way Chloe stood there, with a frown and stubborn jaw, reminded Aidan of her mother. At least, he would always have a small part of Emily in their daughter. “Our person to protect is staying across the hallway from us.”
    Chloe’s amber eyes lit up. “Then we can bring her into our apartment sometimes, too. Maybe she wants to play dragons with me.”
    The image of Claire with her arms out to mimic flying and roaring through the living room made him smile. “You can ask her tomorrow.” He covered the few steps between them and leaned down to Chloe’s ear. “First, we need to