Page 135 of The Dragon's Mate

“This guy – he said his name was Davis andhe was from the security firm you hired – got us to his car and he drove Coreyhome and then took me home. If it hadn’t been for him, Corey and I…”

“Trust me,” Bren reached across andsqueezed Tyler’s leg, “your school will be getting a goddamn earful from meabout how they handled this.”

“Dad doesn’t want me to come back home.” Tyler’svoice caught in his throat.

“You can live with me, Ty,” Bren said.

“But you’re dating Kaida and I don’t wantto wreck that.”

Bren frowned at him. “You won’t. Kaidalikes you a lot. And even if she didn’t, you are what matters to me. You willalways come first, buddy.”

Tyler sniffed loudly before staring out thewindow. “What about the rest of my stuff?”

“Dad will go into the office tomorrow, I’msure. While he’s gone, we’ll use your key to go back and get the rest of yourthings. Okay?”

“Okay. I’m sorry, Bren.”

“Again, you don’t need to be sorry. I’m sorryall of this is happening to you.”

Tyler’s phone buzzed and he pulled it outof his pocket. He read the screen before looking up at Bren. “It’s Corey.His foster family is really mad at him because he didn’t tell them he’s ashifter. He’s locked in his room and his foster dad is threatening to break downthe door and kick his ass. We gotta help him.”

Bren flicked the switches that turned onthe lights and the siren on his car and stepped on the gas. “Hold on, Tyler.”

* * *

Bren had barely hit the answer button onhis steering wheel when Kaida’s voice, frantic with worry, filled the car. “Bren,where are you?”

“I’m with Corey and Tyler. We just pickedup Corey from his foster home.”

“Are they okay?” Kaida asked.

“My dad kicked me out and Corey’s foster dadtried to kick his ass, but, yeah, we’re okay,” Tyler said.

“Oh, mostoirín,” Kaida’s voice turnedgrave. “I’m sorry.”

“Thanks,” Tyler said.

“Are you with your clan?” Bren asked.

“No, I’m still at your place. I fell backasleep after you left. I was getting ready to leave when Elora came by and toldme what was going on.”

“Okay. I’m about ten minutes away. Sittight, all right?”

“See you soon,” she said.

He disconnected the call and took a right,heading toward his place. He was tempted to turn his siren and lights onagain, but instead took a few calming breaths and drove the speed limit.

“You should have arrested Corey’s fosterdad,” Tyler said. “He tried to hurt him.”

“No,” Corey said before squeezing Tyler’shand. “I didn’t want him arrested.”

Bren stared at him in the rear-viewmirror. “As soon as we get to my place, we’ll get in touch with your socialworker and let him know what happened. Okay?”

“Yeah, okay,” Corey said.

“Then what?” Tyler asked.

“Group home, probably,” Corey replied. “Therearen’t many foster families that’ll take kids my age.”

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