Page 34 of Shiny Things

“What are you doing here, Elias?”

“Kim. Shut up. Mr. Davenport is here to offer Pops an interim seat on the Congress Council to represent the Grimes Flock until elections when we get to vote in a representative. Don’t blow this for him.”

While Andrew scolded his sister and completely dismissed her outburst, their father eyed me cautiously.

“The going price of a mate, aye?”

“This offer has nothing to do with that, sir. I had no idea Kim was your daughter.”

I sure as hell would have been kissing more of his ass if I had.

“Take a seat, son.”

I gulped and did as I was told. I felt like a small boy about to be reprimanded.

“Are we done with Council business?”

“Yes, sir. I have some paperwork here for you.” I handed him a folder. “But they can be signed at your leisure. Time, date, and address of the next meeting is in there. They’ll be expecting you.”

“Okay.” Without looking at it, he set it on the table and turned back to me. “Now, explain your intentions with my daughter.”

“Pops! Stop it,” Kim screeched.

But he held up a hand to silence her.

“Look me in the eye.”

I did and lifted my chin in defiance. “I have every intention of taking your daughter as my mate, sir. Just as soon as she stops being embarrassed by it and finally agrees.”

“What the hell?” Andrew blurted out. “You’re seeing Elias Davenport?”

Kim groaned as she glared at me.

“This is not keeping it to ourselves. I can’t believe you told my father that.”

“He’s your father. I’m not going to lie to him.”

“You should have just kept your mouth shut.”

“I would have had you not blurted it out when you walked in.”

She opened her mouth and then shut it again as she scowled at me.

“But he’s a Davenport,” Andrew said.

“Tonight’s a family dinner and game night. I have pizza on the way. Would you care to join us?” Clarence asked.

“Nope. He has somewhere to be,” Kim insisted.

“I do?”

“Yes, you do.”

“Where?” I whispered.

“Anywhere but here,” she whispered back.

“Kimberly, that’s enough. Elias?”

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