Page 42 of Shiny Things

I opened her door and pulled her out to hold her. My raven had been on edge all morning and finally relaxed at her touch.

“My mother’s a bitch. She doesn’t always think before she speaks.”

“No, she says exactly what’s on her mind. She left no doubt to me how she’d feel about her son taking a Grimes as a mate. This is why I didn’t want our birds to meet. I knew this would happen.”

“Don’t do that, Kim.”

“Do what?”

“Use her prejudices as an excuse. That’s her problem. And if she can’t handle it, then screw her. You are my mate, my responsibility, my family, and the love of my life. I’m not going to let her drive a wedge between us.”

“She’s your mother, Elias.”

“I know, and I can’t change that. But you are my number one priority. Not her.”

Kim’s phone rang, and she huffed when she looked at the screen.

“It’s Gia. I have to take this.”

She stepped out of my arms and into her house. I followed like a lost puppy, unsure what else to do.

“I don’t know, G. I hear you, but I don’t trust her not to say something more. I know I shouldn’t let it get to me. She’s a Davenport. I expected it. I just wasn’t prepared for it.”

She sighed heavily.

“I know. I don’t want to leave you in a pinch. I’ll be back in a bit, but not until I know you’re there to run interference. Do not leave me alone with her again.”

“Fine. You can stop the guilt trip now. I said I’d be there. Text me when you get there, and I’ll head over. But you owe me big time for this.”

She hung up the phone and pouted.

“I really hate your sister right now.”

“I thought it was my mother you hated. What’s Gia done now?”

“She’s guilted me into agreeing to come back for more insults.”

A guttural noise erupted from me, startling us both.

“Let me talk to mom first.”

“You will do no such thing. I don’t think she knows anything about us yet. I’d like to keep it that way at least until I get through this weekend. Gia has a lot riding on these events, and I’m going to be working them for her. That means putting up with your mother. I don’t need her freaking out over us and your family’s reputation on top of it all. Please, just save that for another day. One crisis at a time.”

I hated it. She was my mate, and I wanted the entire Congress to know it. But because I knew she was upset and I would do anything she asked of me, I found myself nodding in acquiescence.

She wrapped her arms around me and buried her face in my shoulder.

“Thank you.”

I hugged her tightly, letting her touch soothe my worries away.

“But if either of them upset you one more time, I’m going to go off on them. I won’t stand by and just allow them to hurt you. I don’t care if it’s my family.”

She smiled. “I know. And I’m sorry you got dragged into this. I’m a big girl. I was just so happy this morning, and then it was like all the worst of my fears came crashing down. Maybe I’m overreacting some.”

“I highly doubt that,” I muttered.

Her phone buzzed, and we both knew it was time to get back to work. I had a lot to handle preparing for the announcement of the new additions to the Council, and she had a party or two to prepare for.

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