Page 66 of Brandt's Rule

“Please. Just go inside,” Brandt begged.

Both Bane and Maverik looked questioningly at Brandt.

“Now!” Brandt said, a rumble coloring the word as his lips pressed into a straight line.

Bane raised an eyebrow.

“Please,” Brandt said once more, his voice still firm.

“I just love it when he does that Alpha shit. That’s something special, you know?” Maverik asked Bane. “Come on, let’s let the boy do his thing his way.”

They both walked inside, leaving Brandt and Tempest on the porch.

Brandt looked at her apologetically, trying to get his irritation under control.

Tempest started laughing.

Brandt started laughing.

“Thank you for being so understanding.”

“It’s not a problem, but that’s not why I’m laughing.”

“Why are you laughing, then?” he asked.

“Because you actually seem to think this is unreasonable. This is absolutely lovely compared to the greeting you’ll get from my people. Am I nervous? Yes, I am. But we’re not even in the house yet and I already know that this will be a piece of cake compared to my people. My grandfather, Carnage, will probably tell you that if you hurt me, he’ll skin you. And he won’t be exaggerating. So, just remember this when you meet them and want to run for the nearest border.”

“You’re kidding, right?” Brandt asked with a hesitant look on his face.

Tempest smiled at him and leaned over to kiss his jaw. “Nope. Not at all. And I suggest telling the absolute truth when you do meet them. That’s what I’ve decided to do. Now, take me inside so they’ll all stop looking out the windows at us.”

Brandt glanced toward the front windows and saw everybody crowded there, trying to get a look at Tempest. “I’m the first of my generation to find a mate. They’re a little excited. Well, except for Havoc and Analise, but they’ve known since they were toddlers.”

“Toddlers?”

“Yeah.”

“Oh, that’s not good.”

“No, it’s not. I’ll have to tell you about it sometime. For now, let’s get this over with, if you’re still game.”

“Just remember, this is nothing compared to my people. Your time will come.”

“Just promise to protect me.”

“Same,” Tempest said, as she stepped through the door Brandt opened for her.

“Hey, everybody. This is Tempest, my mate.”

Chapter 15

Most everyone had rushed to look busy, like they weren’t just watching through the windows. Lots of different faces smiled at her.

A very large male, a Bear shifter, walked right up to her and grinned at her. He took both her hands in his and just looked at her. “Hi, I’m Uncle Bam. And you’re so pretty! And gold!” he looked over at Brandt. “She’s gold, Brandt.” He canted his head to the side as he looked at her again. “And kind of purple around the edges. I never saw that before. It’s good though. I think.”

“Hello, Uncle Bam. I’m happy to meet you,” Tempest said.

Bam grinned again. “This is my ever. Which works out really good because her name is Everly, and she’s my ever.”

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