Page 23 of Fight
I told him about the incident of Brandon slapping me and my breaking his nose in response.
"When did this happen?"
"A few weeks ago."I shrugged, not remembering exactly how long it had been.
Raine didn't like the answer."He hit you weeks ago, and this is the first I'm hearing of it?"I could hear the growing anger in his voice.
"Raine, I realize you're a police officer, and that as my brother you feel the need to protect me."I tried to calm him."But you need to understand.The Kitsune have had to live in secret for centuries.Getting the police involved in internal problems would make that secrecy difficult, to say the least, and not only because of our increased strength and healing.
"So, I didn't tell you about it, no.But I did tell Bill," Devon made a sound of protest from his seat beside me."and Brandon's already been punished."I laid my hand on Devon's knee."It's alright, Bill's told me I can tell Raine whatever I feel the need to."
Devon covered my hand with one of his, and visibly relaxed. I knew he'd been trying to keep me out of trouble.Raine watched the exchange silently but I knew he wasn't missing it.
"You know how I feel about vigilante justice-"
"It's not vigilante justice though, Raine."I interrupted."It's more like royal rule.The king, or pack leader in this case, hears the case, makes a ruling, and orders the consequences as needed.Punishment in this case."
"As I was saying," Raine looked pointedly at me for interrupting him."you know how I feel about vigilante justice, but seeing as how he's still alive and walking around fine.I don't have too much to complain about, since he's already been dealt with.If you think they're the ones responsible for this, why call the police now?"
"To document the damage, and so my insurance will cover it."Devon reasoned.
Raine nodded.
Devon went on."And now, if things continue to escalate, I'll be able to show a history of damages.I can take the documentation from the police to the Anikitos, and have proof."
"Good reasoning.If it's escalated to the point of property damage, what makes you think they'll stop there?Why won't they continue as far as assault?"
"I have no plans to let it go that far, but if it does, they'll have a fight on their hands.Unless they've got someone a lot more dominant than Brandon in the group, it'll be over quick."
"Unless they blindside you, gang up on you, or better yet, try to hurt you by going after Nickie."Raine countered.
"I don't think they'll hurt me.At least not yet."I put in."Brandon's still convinced I'm his mate, and as long as he believes that, he won't let them hurt me.Besides, growing up with you and Cam, I learned to defend myself pretty well."
"Be that as it may," Raine said."I'll be a lot happier when this is all over, and I don't have to worry that you're safe."
"Me too."I agreed.Devon nodded, quietly agreeing.
"No more hiding this from me."Raine scowled at both of us."If anything else happens, to either of you.I want you to call me right away."
"Will do."I agreed.
"I'll get your number from Nickie and call you if anything else happens.I feel better knowing that someone outside the pack knows what's going on." Devon agreed.
"Now that that's settled,."Raine leaned forward in the chair, resting his forearms on his knees."Tell me about the two of you.This," He motioned to where the two of us were sitting together on the couch."is new."
"We're seeing each other now."I said simply.
"I knew that, you've been bringing him to Sunday dinner, and you told Pace you're seeing him, but something tells me it's more than just dating."
"It's more of a mating."I gave him a brief description of Kitsune mating."We're not sure where it will go, but we're not willing to throw it away, just because we weren't looking for it."
Raine was silent for a moment.He sat there watching us like before, but he seemed to not be seeing us anymore.After a few seconds, he spoke again."You're right, you don't want to throw it away because you weren't looking for it."
"Do you know something you want to tell me?"I lifted one brow at him.
"Nothing that you need to know, just a little insight for me."He smiled.
Devon looked back and forth between us, knowing he was missing something but not sure he should ask what we were talking about.
