Page 53 of Echo and the Homicidal Sea Panda

Mael barked with laughter. “Okay, as long as I survive.”

Echo leaned in for one last kiss, hating to leave.

13

Echo glanced around, not seeing his backpack. The maps and his grandfather’s journals weren’t there, either. Only his pile of clothes Mael had neatly folded and left on a bench. “Anyone know where my bag is?”

Havoc pointed toward Diego. “He’s got the maps and the journal, too.”

“Whew, okay. Thanks.”

After snagging his clothing, he headed toward Diego’s boat but paused halfway, right beside Havoc and Tempest. “I really appreciate you both coming out to help today. It means a lot. Thank you”

“You’re welcome,” Havoc murmured.

Echo smiled and thought he saw a hint of one on Havoc’s lips, too. Maybe his icy façade had melted a tiny bit over the hours. Echo sure as hell hoped so.

“Not gonna lie,” Tempest said. “I only came to check out this dolphin my brother claimed was his mate. See if I liked him or not.”

“I’m happy I passed the test.”

Tempest grew super serious.“But have you?”

Echo’s eyes widened in fear.

“Oh, gods, I’m justfuckingwith you,” Tempest said, grinning. “I can’t stand those puppy dog eyes. You’re killing me.”

Echo relaxed, breathing easier.

“You seem okay.” Tempest lightly punched his upper arm. “So far.”

So far.“I suppose that’s better than the alternative.”

Tempest’s brows knitted slightly.

“If it’s meant to be, you’ll find your path together,” she murmured, adding a soft smile at the end. “But that doesn’t mean it’s going to be an easy path.”

“I know it’s not going to be.”

“Just promise me you won’t make my brother fight all of the battles to come alone,” Tempest said. “Because he will. He’s ferocious when protecting those he loves, even if the odds are stacked against him. If he’s who you want to be with, be ready to fight, too. I hope you have more in your bag of tricks than those puppy dog eyes.”

“I do.” Echo glanced at Mael—who was watching them closely while he stowed some gear. He smiled at his mate.

Mael returned the expression, his soft smile warming Echo through and through.

Echo turned back to Mael’s siblings. He noticed Havoc was staring toward Diego again. “He’s single, by the way.”

Havoc turned to eye Echo.“What?”

“Diego. He’s single. Has been for a while now,” Echo replied.

Havoc frowned.“So?”

“As if we all didn’t see the two of you makingfuck meeyes at one another,” Tempest said.

“No, you didn’t,” Havoc said. “Unlike my brother,I’mnot mated to a dolphin.”

“Who saidanythingabout you being mated?” Tempest asked.

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