Page 63 of Brandt's Rule

“You know, my Dad says they all knew from the time we were all four or five years old. I have cousins a little older than me, and they still pretty much did what I said when we were kids. We’re not the kind of clan that has an Alpha make all our decisions or that the Alpha lords it over everybody else. We’re family, and we all argue like family, even with me and with Uncle Kaid, too. Every one of us is free to be whoever we are, and the Alpha just kind of holds it all together. When there’s an issue, he steps forward and takes the lead. If there’s an argument, he’ll settle it if it gets out of hand or if whoever’s arguing can’t seem to work it out.”

“I like that. It’s kind of the way it is where I’m from, but with a few more rules.”

Brandt smiled at her to show he heard her and understood, then he pointed to another house just past the farmhouse. “There’s my Aunt Avaleigh and Uncle Daniel’s house. And Uncle Maverik and Aunt Valerie’s. Wait, I’m going on like you’ve never seen it before. You were here the other night for dinner.”

“Yes, I was, but I still like hearing about it. I didn’t get the tour when I drove in. Just knew to take a right at the farmhouse and it was the second house on the left.”

“Well, instead of going to Maverik’s, you take this fork and go to the left,” Brandt explained, doing just that. He drove for a few moments, then pointed out the next house. “That’s Jobe’s house,” he said as he passed the first house they came to.

“The one that you threatened to hurt if he touched me?”

Brandt’s head snapped in her direction and he grinned sheepishly. “I was dealing with some unidentified emotional stuff.”

“Yeah, I heard,” she said, grinning back at him.

They drove a little further and eventually they saw two more houses. One on the left, an Acadian style with a wrap around porch, and one right across the road from it, similar but raised a little further off the ground with a huge front porch instead of a wrap around one. “The house on the left is my Uncle Bam’s house. He’s my dad’s real brother, by blood. His mate is Everly. And the house on the right is my parents’ house. It’s where I grew up.”

“I like it. It’s very inviting.”

“I always feel safe when I’m here. It’s like going back in time.”

“I get the same feeling in my mother’s home, and in my grandparents’ home, too.”

He brought the truck to a stop in front of his mother’s and father’s home and turned off the ignition. “Maybe sometime I’ll get to see them.”

“The houses?” she asked.

“And the people. I’d like to meet your people.”

“We don’t usually let anyone in. No one’s ever accidentally wandered into where I live, but I could ask Enthrall,or Destroy if he’s not there, if he’d allow an exception. It shouldn’t be a problem since you’re not human.”

“Is there a problem with humans in your community?” Brandt asked.

“No! My grandmother is human. And so was Enthrall’s mate before he turned her. There are humans there now, as some of the inhabitants’ mates, but a lot of the paranormals there were hunted almost out of existence, so Enthrall made the rule centuries ago that no humans were allowed. Back then, humans hated and hunted them. It’s still glamored so that no one stumbles onto it by accident. Not everyone appears human, and would have to stay hidden if they didn’t live in Whispers. At least there, they can be themselves. It’s a sanctuary where no one has to hide from the humans. But, it’s a new time. I’ve met many that are able to pass for human living more in the main stream and just keeping what they are to themselves. Like you and your people.”

“That’s what we’ve always done. But like you said, we’re able to blend in. I can’t imagine how it would be if we weren’t able to hide what we are. I’m sure it could present all kinds of danger. I’d still like to visit there with you. Meet everyone you care about. See where you’re from.”

“I’d like that, too.”

The front door opened and Janie walked out onto the front porch, waving at them just as Bane walked out behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders.

“They’re going to come down here soon if we don’t get out.”

Tempest nodded.

“Don’t be nervous. You’re important to me. And my mother loves you already.”

“Does she?” Tempest asked, turning to look at him quickly.

“She does. Just be you. You’re my mate, Tempest, and I’m so proud of that, of you. All you need to do is be you. And know that I got your back. So does Daisy.”

Brandt got out and held his hand out for Tempest to slide across the seat to him. “It’s just my parents, Pest.”

Her eyes flew up to his and she had to hide a quick grin before she slid closer and placed her hand in his.

“I told you to be careful with that. Nobody but my grandfather calls me Pest.”

“I know, but I figured I earned at least a little bit of leeway here. I talked about my feelings and everything. And I didn’t lie, not one time.”

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