Page 13 of Mane Full Of Stripes
“Don’t be!” Sed shouted.
“Sed!” Tam admonished. “Sorry. I have you on loudspeaker. We’re both here for you and if he does anything to hurt you, we’ll find him and rip his nuts off!”
Jost giggled as Sed shouted, “Twist them off and make him scream!”
“We’re here for you. Go out and have some fun and make him pay!” More laughter from Tam and Sed had Jost chuckling along with them. “Seriously. Have a good time,” Tam said. “Tell us all about it when we see you at work.”
“I will and thanks.” Jost hung up, shaking his head.
“Jost, love.” Jost looked over at Ella, where she stood in the doorway. “Are you ready?”
Sitting up and swinging his legs over the edge of the bed, Jost nodded, then shook his head. “I want to go, but at the same time, I’m nervous.”
“Nerves are normal on a first date.” Ella came over and sat on the bed next to him, taking Jost’s hand in her own. “I know you’ve been asking about Apollo and what kind of shifter he is, and I also know you’ve been told how he’s a good shifter. That he’s strong and fair but won’t put up with silliness within his dazzle.”
“I’ve heard there are a couple who don’t like him and want him out.”
“The Helmers. They weren’t happy when we all came here, but the others have been welcoming to us. The Helmers don’t seem like nice shifters, and he does have his hands full dealing with them.”
“What will they do when they find out we’re mates?” Jost chewed his bottom lip, and Ella squeezed his hand.
“Not much they can do. Mates trumps everything. If they don’t like it, they can move to a dazzle where their prejudiced ways will be accepted. You have nothing to fear. Plus, you have the pride behind you.”
“I do.” Many in the pride had congratulated him on finding his mate and it had made him feel warm inside knowing his pride members cared for him.
“Now, let’s get you ready. You’ll need to wrap up, so get a nice sweater and some gloves, otherwise your fingers will be cold.”
“Mom. I’m not a child.”
“I know, but you’re my child.” Ella kissed his cheek. “Do you want a hat?”
“I’d better, yes. You know I tend to feel the cold more than others.” Standing, Jost opened his closet and grabbed a sweater. Putting it on, he made sure he had his woolly hat and gloves and went downstairs into the living room. His entire family was there, and all looked at him as he entered, making him stop. “Er, yeah?”
“Oh, you look so cute in your sweater.” Freya grinned.
“Thanks. I think.”
“No, you do. Red suits you, but it makes me look so pale. Why don’t you do something with your hair? Make the curls stand out.”
“I like my hair as it is, Freya. I don’t have time to spend an hour teasing it into a style that looks like you just got out of bed.”
“It’s an art, I admit.”
“You look alright.” Otto looked him over, then shrugged. “It’s just a date. Nothing’s going to happen.”
“And what would you know about that, Otto?” Anslem arched an eyebrow at him. “You’re fifteen. Too young to be knowing all about that.”
“Me! I’m innocent. Totally. Not even kissed a girl.”
“Yeah right,” Freya muttered. “What’s her name I caught you behind the school with?”
“Freya!” Otto jumped up after hitting Freya on her arm. “You told me you wouldn’t tell anyone.”
“I didn’t tell anyone. I told family.” She gave him a smug smile. “You and whatshername seemed very friendly.”
“I hate you! Why did you have to be my sister? You’re so annoying! And what were you even doing at school to have caught me?”
“I had to pick up some work that I could use in college.” She made kissy faces at Otto, who growled at her.
