Page 95 of Brandt's Rule

They stepped outside and started toward home.

Brandt was quiet while he walked along, holding Tempest’s hand in his, while he updated the clan telepathically on the family he’d just given a home to at least through the holidays while they saw how this worked out, or didn’t. Once he was done, he put his arm around Tempest’s shoulders and enjoyed their walk back home.

“I’m feeling a little left out here. Can you hold my hand,” Barron asked, doing his best not to laugh.

“Do not make me punch you,” Brandt said, unable to hold back his laughter.

Barron gave up trying to keep from laughing and joined in with Brandt.

Tempest giggled at the two of them. “I knew you were good males, I just had no idea how good. I’m just so proud to be a part of this,” she finally said when she stopped laughing at the two of them.

“You fit with us perfectly,” Brandt said, kissing her cheek.

“Yes, indeed. You got a sister. I could stand to have somebody like you on my side,” Barron said

“I am on your side,” Tempest said.

“No, you’re on his side. I just happen to be here, too.”

“That’s not true! I’m on your side for you. You’re like the brother I never had,” Tempest said.

“I like that. Brother you never had. So even when you’re mad at him, you still like me,” Barron said.

“Of course.”

Barron grinned at Brandt. “She likes me better than you.”

“She does not!” Brandt said, shoving him.

“You two stop!” Tempest said, laughing again at their antics.

“Fine. What’s for dinner?” Barron asked. “Oh, I’m coming over for dinner.”

~~~

A few moments after Brandt, Tempest, and Barron left the house Kiernan and his family had been assigned, Kiernan finally made eye contact with Abby. He’d been afraid to while they were still with the Alpha and his people. He didn’t want them to see how much emotion he was trying to control deep inside.

Abby let out a short, choppy sob, then threw herself into Kiernan’s arms while she cried.

“It’s okay,” he soothed, stroking her hair as he held her and let her cry. “It’s all gonna be okay now. I told you I’d find us a place, didn’t I?”

“I never even dared hope for a place like this, though. I’m afraid I’m gonna wake up and it’s all gonna be a dream or something,” Abby said through her tears.

“It’s not a dream. It’s real. And it’s not temporary. I’ll work at anything they give me to make sure you and our babies get to live in this house,” Kiernan promised, smiling at his mate as he held her while she cried. A few minutes later her tears were finally drying and he kissed her gently. “Everything’s gonna be alright now. I just know it.”

Chapter 20

“Alright, that’s fine. Just let us know what to bring,” Brandt said. He listened for a few moments then smirked. “We’ll be there. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but not tonight. Tonight we’re going to the Christmas Festival. Tempest hasn’t ever been so I’m taking her to see what it’s all about.” He listened again, then smiled. “It doesn’t matter what it is. Appreciate it, Mom. Love you. Bye.”

“Making plans for Christmas?” Tempest asked.

“Oh, yeah. It’s a huge deal around here. Used to be Kaid and Delilah hosted it and Avaleigh and my mother and Valerie would bring food. Everly would make thousands of Christmas cookies and candies, and we’d all just eat everything. But now that everybody’s older, we all bring something. Makes the load on Delilah and the other ladies less. We usually get together early in the week before Christmas and decide what we’re all bringing over for dinner. But, we’re not going. We’re going to have fun instead. So my mom is going to let us know what we have to bring on Christmas Eve. Christmas Day is usually just a lot of leftovers and visiting.”

“I don’t want to be the only ones not there,” Tempest said, not wanting to appear like she wasn’t willing to participate in their traditions.

“Remi’s not going either. He’s got a date.”

“Oh, with who?”

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