Page 17 of Tides of Fate

Right onto Leo’s mom’s lap.

She doesn’t hesitate to catch him, for which Leo will be forever grateful, so Nix doesn’t hit the floor or the table on the way down.

Both Jay and Gideon forget themselves in that instant, growling and posturing like the alpha idiots they are. They don’t like another alpha’s hands on their newly bonded mate. That Nix is an omega has obviously made them stupid.

Whether the swoon is because Nix is feeling Grayson’s Broken Bond Syndrome or he’s finally experiencing his own, Leo can’t be sure. But they are not helping de-escalate the situation at all.

“I am so sorry.” Nix comes around quickly, pink with embarrassment. He tries to stand, but his mom just helps him onto the couch beside her, arm holding him close to her side.

Leo is momentarily glad that Nix presses himself closer to her in return, a small smile on his face—happy that his new mate and his mom have become fast friends.

When Gideon grits his teeth to stem his growling, he cuffs Jay’s shoulder. Leo is relieved there won’t be a fight today.

“Give me my mate,Lauren,” Gideon growls.

Perhaps Leo has spoken too soon.

“Your mate is fine with me,Gideon.” There’s a tiny uptick at the corner of her lip, and her black tea scent is sharp while she holds Nix protectively.

Leo whispers under his breath, “For fuck’s sake.”

It’s a standoff, and Jay is right to stay silent, but something’s gotta give.

“Nixie, Grayson needs you to go home right away. He’s missing you, and it’s making him sick, okay? Gideon and I will stay for tea.”

“We will?” Gideon mutters. “Oh, goody.”

Jay approaches Leo’s mom and reaches for Nix’s hand as if she might snap his fingers off. She just snorts. “Jay, I’m not going to bite.” She stands effortlessly, pulling Nix up. “At least, not today.”

She turns her attention to their mate and smiles again. “Nixie, you willcome back to see me soon, yes?”

“Yes, please. I really want to see the kittens. Can I do that next time?” Nix has a soft smile and bright, inquisitive eyes—once again, he’s winning hearts everywhere he goes.

“Of course. I will show them to you myself.”

What is happening?His mother is not an animal lover.

His Mama pushes in the tea tray and catches the last part of her mate’s words. “Lauren, did you just say you are showing the kittens to Nixyourself?”

His mom sniffs. “Yes. But sadly, Nix must go home now. Grayson isn’t well.”

No one says a word, and his Mama’s mouth drops open.

“I will take pictures and send them to you immediately, my dear.”

A nickname and cat photos? It’s theTwilight Zone.

Nix smiles even wider. “Really? Oh, thank you!” He throws his arms around her, and her eyes bug out, but she presses her nose into his hair.

He smiles as big as Leo has ever seen him, not guessing that Lauren had wanted those tinyfurry interlopersremoved posthaste not twenty-four hours ago—her exact words, according to his Mama, who also does an excellent impression of her wife after almost thirty years.

“That would be nice. Will they still be here? I…have some things to do, which might mean I won’t be able to visit for a while. Will you keep them for me?” His scent slips away again, and every other person in the room raises their nose.

Thankfully, Jay is already pulling him toward the door.

“Jamie, what are—okay! My goodness. Goodbye, Moms, thank you for having me!”

The sound of Nix giving Jay a verbal blast is followed by the slamming of the front door.

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