Page 34 of Healed
“He’s lost. He’s going to need to do the work himself. Until he does, or until something other than you or any of the rest of us happens to touch something deeply enough that he wakes up, nothing else is going to make a difference.”
“I shouldn’t have been so hard on him. Maybe I should have let the girl in.”
“I can tell you right now, you made the right call. She’s all about herself. All she wants is more — of anything. She’s already disrespected you, and intimidated Abby and her kids. She’s trying to separate him from those he trusts. She comes in all sweetness and light, then manipulates him into believing everything she says and blames everyone else for any fall out if they don’t buy into her shit. And he’s hurting so badly inside that he believes it. He’s terrified to be alone, so he’s trying desperately to forge a bond with her.
“He’s got us!”
“We’re not his mate. We have each other. Most of the clan is mated already. He wants that desperately.”
“Stupid bitch,” Brandt grumbled.
“Oh, she’s not stupid by any means. She knows exactly what she’s doing. She’s survived that way all her life. The only reason she didn’t try it with you is because she knows you see right through her. You made the right choice to keep her out.”
“Maybe you can talk to him,” Brandt suggested.
“I’ll try, but I don’t think he’ll react any differently to me. He’s defensive because she’s licking his wounds and justifying everything he says and does while telling him how heartless we all are for not wanting him to be happy.”
“I don’t know how to fix this,” Brandt said.
“It’s going to take more than just you. He’s got to fix himself. Once he does, you can do your part. Until then he wouldn’t recognize any effort you made anyway.”
“Is he going to be alright?”
Tempest smiled at him and smoothed her hand over his cheek. “It’s up to him. Only he can make the choices that take him to where he’s supposed to be.”
The baby, nestled in Tempest’s womb kicked so hard that Brandt felt it. He smiled and looked down at her huge, and I do mean huge, belly. “Hey, now! Don’t hurt Momma.”
The baby kicked again, and Tempest laughed. “It’s almost time.”
“Now? Right now?!” he demanded, fear coloring his features.
“No, not at this moment, but it won’t be long.”
“Let’s get you inside and off your feet.”
“That’d be great,” Tempest said.
Brandt led her back inside and helped get her propped up on several throw pillows on the sofa. “Can I get you anything?” he asked.
“Just sit with me. I’ve missed you today.”
“Don’t have to ask me twice,” Brandt said, removing one of the pillows and replacing it with himself.
Tempest leaned back against him and sighed. “Best thing ever.”
“Using your mate as a back rest?” he teased.
She laughed. “No, just being beside you. I love you.”
“I love you, too. Don’t know what I did to deserve you, but thank fuck I did.”
Tempest laughed, and snuggled herself against him for an unusually long amount of time until she was comfortable.
“I swear, you’re part cat,” Brandt said.
“You know my dad’s a Dragon. It’s kind of like a giant cat. With temper issues. Sometimes.”
Brandt laughed this time, but ended up pressing a kiss to her head before leaning his head against hers. “I don’t know how to tell everybody Remi’s out. I’m going to have to tell not onlyour people, but all our parents, too. I am not looking forward to that.”
