Page 33 of Forbidden Love

Brock frowned, his brows drawing together. “Hunter shouldn’t have said anything.”

Deb tilted her head, her eyes narrowing slightly in the sunlight. “He didn’t say anything to me directly. He told Emily, who told me. That’s how it works around here with you Shifters and your Mates. If you don’t want it to get around, you better keep your mouth shut. Mated Shifters seem to run straight to each other with the tea.”

Brock laughed genuinely, and it felt good. Easy. “Well, fair warning, the next time I want to know something about you, I’ll come to the source.” He winked, and sure enough, her cheeks turned the prettiest shade of pink. She cleared her throat but didn’t look away, which he took as a win.

“Fair enough,” she murmured, voice softer now as well as sounding a little nervous.

“Come on,” he said, motioning for her to follow. “Tammy’s probably already got lunch out on the back porch. And I don’t trust Ben not to follow through on his threat—kid eats like he’s got a bottomless pit for a stomach.”

As they walked side by side, a soft breeze stirred the scent of honeysuckle and fresh-cut wood between them. Brock glanced over, catching the way her dress fluttered around her knees, the way her lips curved even when she wasn't smiling full-on.

He’d come here to protect his sister and nephew. What he hadn’t expected was—her.

“Did you redo the deck?” Deb gasped as they rounded the corner to the back of the house, her eyes widening at the sight before her.

“I did,” Brock said with a quiet nod, his gaze following hers. “Some of the boards were so rotted, I was worried someone might fall through.”

“It looks amazing,” she said, turning to him with a warm smile that lit up her face. “You’re really talented.”

“Thanks,” Brock replied, a hint of pride softening his voice. “It’s what I do. I like fixing things.”

“But not people,” she teased, one brow lifting playfully.

He chuckled, the sound deep and genuine. “No, not people.”

“Come on before it gets cold!” Tammy called from the patio, waving them over. “I’m so glad Brock asked you over. I can’t wait to show you what I’ve done inside—after lunch.”

“I’m excited to see it,” Deb said, her smile lingering as Brock pulled out a chair for her. She settled into it with a nod of thanks. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” he said, catching the way Tammy was watching him—her eyes dancing with a secret sort of amusement. He raised an eyebrow but said nothing, sliding into the seat beside Ben, directly across from Deb.

“What would you like to drink, Deb?” Tammy asked, setting a glass of water in front of Ben. “We’ve got water, or I made fresh sweet tea this morning.”

“Ooh, sweet tea sounds perfect,” Deb answered, watching Tammy with a fond smile. “Can I help with anything?”

“Nope,” Tammy said brightly, brushing her hands together with satisfaction. “This is my first time hosting someone, and I’m loving it.”

Deb laughed; the sound was light and genuine. “If there’s food and sweet tea, you can host me anytime.”

As they ate, the conversation flowed in light, easy waves. Most of it was carried by Ben, which no one seemed to mind. Brock especially appreciated it—he hadn’t seen Deb this relaxed before. Her shoulders weren’t tight, her laughter came freely, and the guarded edge in her eyes had softened. It felt… nice. Peaceful, even.

“Tammy, youhaveto give me the recipe for this chili,” Deb said with a contented sigh, rubbing her stomach. “That was amazing.”

“Thank you,” Tammy replied, her whole face lighting up with pride.

Brock watched Tammy closely, his smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. It was good to see her like this—happy, even if just for a moment. Lately, that spark in her eyes had been dimmed, shadowed by the weight she carried when she thought no one was looking. She wore a brave face for Ben, always trying to shield him, but Brock saw the pain behind her smile. He clenched his jaw, swallowing down the anger that rose in his chest.

One day, hewouldfind her bastard of an ex. And when he did, the man would answer for every bruise, every tear, and every sleepless night he caused her and that little boy.

“What’s wrong, Uncle Brock?” Ben’s voice cut through his thoughts, pulling him back to the moment.

Brock blinked, then gave the boy a grin. “Not a thing, buddy. Just thinking about how full I am.”

Ben narrowed his eyes like he didn’t quite believe him but let it go. Brock and Tammy shared a look, knowing that Ben picked up on moods easily. Tammy had told Brock a lot about what happened to them and how Ben was afraid of his father. Okay, he needed to stop thinking about this, or he would definitely head out tonight and find the son of a bitch. He knew that he had to wait a little longer, though, until he was sure Tammy and Ben were settled. He wasn’t comfortable leaving them yet.

“How about we clean up and let the ladies chat for a bit?” Brock added, rising from his chair and ruffling Ben’s hair.

“Ah,man,” Ben groaned, slumping in exaggerated defeat. “I wanted to go fishing!”

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