Page 105 of Justice for Puck Bunnies

“Bobby Vinson,” Vin says and offers a hand to him.

“Bennett Kramer,” my dad replies and shakes his hand.

Mason has the insight to release me so he isn’t pawing at his daughter and introduces himself as well.

“We’ll be in with the food in a minute,” I tell him.

“The family’s hungry. Best get to it.”

“Right,” I say and move toward the plates.

“Let the boys carry that,” Bennett says.

“I’d, ah, be glad to,” Mason replies.

The four of us stand silently in the kitchen, none of us sure what to do next.

I reach for a bowl, but my father’s words cut out and stop me again.

“Vin can take care of that, can’t you?”

“Uh, sure.”

The guys pick up their items but then refuse to leave without me following.

“We’ll be right along,” my dad reassures them.

The guys examine me, but I nod my acquiescence. They disappear with full hands.

They’re barely out of earshot before my dad starts in on me.

“What have we told you about the Admin?” he whispers harshly.

“It’s fine, Dad. They won’t tell anyone.”

“You’re risking your freedom on an unformed pack, and they’re already trapping you in.”

“They know I’m going to Brad and why.”

“Brad Cameron.” He says the words with so much venom, he practically hisses them.

“Yes, Brad. I don’t have any other options.”

“You can come home. We can protect you.”

“By what? Living in the basement apartment and cleaning the house while I twiddle my thumbs? I’m not starting over. I’ve built too much here. Brad is my only chance at freedom.”

“He’s unsuitable.”

“He’s suitable to me.”

“You’ll regret it.”

“I won’t regret having freedom, no. Brad wants to be bonded about as much as I do. If I tie myself to him, I can be completely free and able to do whatever I want without my status holding me back.”

The frustrated exhalation is harsh.

“If he doesn’t want to be paired, then he won’t bite you, pumpkin. If he hasn’t asked you after a year, then he never will.”

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