Page 166 of The Dragon's Mate

“Must have been a painful few hours,” Brensaid.

Bones grinned at him. “That, human, is whyyour kind so cleverly created whiskey.”

He opened the main cabin door and motionedfor them to go in. Still holding Bren’s hand, Kaida stepped inside. Herentire clan, as well as Ava and Bishop, were in the cabin. The council stoodat the front of the room, lined up in a neat row as her clan members turned andfaced Kaida and Bren.

“Step forward, human,” Cadmus said.

Bren’s hand squeezed hers and she squeezedback before releasing him. Bren took a couple steps forward, staring calmly atthe clan as they returned his look. It didn’t matter what her clan said ordid, she would not give up her mate, no matter the consequence or the cost.She wouldn’t…

The thought died in her head as one-by-oneeach clan member bowed to Bren. Her dragon purred loudly as each council memberbowed. Cadmus, a serene smile on his face, was the last to bow.

Ryul stepped forward, his hair gleaming inthe light. “We thank you, human, for saving not only the life of our high elder,but for saving the lives of Bones and Kaida.”

He took a deep breath, glancing at the clanmembers again before saying, “My clan, welcome Kaida’s mate, Bren Matthews, formerlyof the human clan, but now a member of our clan.”

The clan erupted into cheers. They poundedtheir feet and purred loudly until the entire cabin was filled with the sound. Kaidajoined Bren, taking his hand and smiling at him as he gave her a slightly dazedlook.

“So, did what I think just happen, happen?”he said.

She laughed and pressed a kiss against hismouth. “Welcome to the clan, my mate.”

There was a loud whistle and the cheers andpurring died out. The clan turned to face Cadmus as he walked slowly acrossthe cabin to stand in front of Kaida and Bren.

“Congratulations,” he said. “But there isone more announcement to make.”

He took Kaida’s hand, holding it firmly, ashe turned to face the clan. “My clan, long have you waited for me to choosethe new member of our council.” He squeezed Kaida’s hand. “My choice is Kaida.”

He turned and kissed both of Kaida’s cheeks.“Welcome to the council.”

She stared at him in shock, barely hearingthe fresh cheering and purring coming from her clan. “Cadmus, are you… are youcertain?”

He laughed and squeezed her hand. “I havenever been more certain of anything in my life, Kaida.” His gaze fell onBren. “Take your mate home and celebrate.”

He walked away and Kaida turned to stare upat Bren. “I… did that just happen?”

He pulled her up against him, a large smilecrossing his handsome face. “Welcome to the council, my mate. I love you.”

She pressed a kiss against his mouth. “Ilove you too, my mate. Always.”

* * *

“Dude, all I’m saying is that if we’reliving out here in the wilderness, I’m gonna need a car to get to school. Iknow you and Kaida are getting tired of driving me in every day. Plus, I couldget a car with tinted windows and those stupid reporters still camping outwouldn’t even know it was me.” Tyler grinned at Bren before flopping down onthe couch.

Bren rolled his eyes. “And where are you goingto get the money for insurance, gas, and repairs. Cars are expensive, Ty.”

“I know. But, like, Corey and I got it allfigured out. Roland said he would help us find a cheap second-hand car and we’llget both our names on the insurance and split the costs.”

“Did Corey get that job?”

“He did,” Tyler said proudly. “He’s workingweekends and one night a week at Walmart. Shit… since I’m working at Target,does that mean we gotta be, like, arch enemies?”

“Oh, how will your love ever survive,” Brensaid dryly.

Tyler threw a pillow at him. “Whatever,dude. Think about the car thing, okay? I need a small, miniscule loan, to puttoward my half of the cost of the car. And I’ll pay you back in three monthstops, I promise.”

“I’ll think about it,” Bren said as he unloadedthe dishwasher. “Now, how about you get over here and sweep the kitchen likeyou promised Kaida you would.”

“Sure. Where did she go anyway?”

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