Page 43 of Brandt's Rule

“Thank you for letting us host your first night out,” Barron said. “Second will be epic.”

“We’re planning that already?” Tempest asked with a laugh.

“Oh, yeah,” Barron said.

“It was so good meeting you,” Daisy said. “I’ll see you real soon, I’m sure.”

“I look forward to it,” Tempest said. Then she turned her attention to the males. “And since you didn’t let me buy a round of drinks, I still owe you all next time.”

“Do not let these clowns make you pay for a round of drinks. They can completely afford it,” Hellen said. “Gotta teach you how to do things. It’s not going to hurt them to pay for drinks.”

“I like to provide for myself,” Tempest said. “Establishes independence. Indicates that depending on someone is not a given. In any circumstance, even fun.”

Hellen opened her mouth in surprise, then she shoved Brandt out of the way as she dramatically mock-rushed to hug Tempest. “You’re my spirit person. Like a spirit animal, but in person form, since I’m not really sure what exactly your animal is other than Dragon.”

“If I told you, you wouldn’t believe me,” Tempest said, laughing as she patted Hellen’s back while the female still hugged her.

“Don’t need a male. Males are nice, but optional. If they help you be a better you, then fine. But if they try to change you to be a better you for them, send them packing!” Hellen exclaimed.

“Hey! You sound like there’s a problem with us,” Barron said.

“Some males there are. Some females are even worse. Watch out for the thirsty bitches out there, too,” Hellen said with more than a bit of an edge to her tone as she let Tempest go.

“Amen,” Ronan said under his breath.

“You hear me, Daisy?” Hellen asked pointedly.

“I hear you,” Daisy said. Her half-hearted smile was for Hellen’s benefit, Tempest was sure.

Tempest walked over to Daisy and reached for her hand.

Daisy placed her hand in Tempest’s trustingly, and Tempest rubbed her thumb across the back of Daisy’s hand, erasing some of the pain the woman carried just as Daisy had done to her earlier. Daisy’s eyes widened as she felt the angst that had become part of her lessening.

Tempest smiled at her again. “It’s been a pleasure. This too shall pass, yes?”

“Yes,” Daisy agreed.

“We’ll help each other, right?”

Daisy grinned at her and nodded, completely missing the slightly purplish wisp dissipating from the contact of Tempest’s touch.

“Y’all can keep this up all night, but I’m out. I’m going home,” Barron said, typical of a grumpy Bear when they get tired. “See y’all in the A. M.”

“When you get home and you’re all safe and sound in your apartment, please send a message to Barron letting him know you’re home safe. He’ll let me know,” Brandt said.

“If I have your phone, how will you call if you need help?” Tempest asked, simply to irritate him.

“I live on a compound with my family around me. I’ll be fine,” Brandt said.

“As will I,” Tempest said, walking toward Bailey’s car again. “Are we going, Bailey?” she called over her shoulder.

“I’m coming!” Bailey answered, tossing a flirty wave over her shoulder at Remi.

“Do you even know how to text?” Bailey asked as she caught up with Tempest.

Tempest huffed out a laugh. “No!”

“Then how are you going to text him?” Bailey asked.

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