Page 567 of Love Bites

Carly

The restof our meal was spent brainstorming ideas of how to present the new interclan marriage law to the kingdom. It was decided each clan would announce it during their Fourth of July celebration. News travels fast when you talk in your heads, and everyone will know within hours. While some of the older population won't be happy, the majority of werebear shouldn't have a problem with something that has already been in practice for years.

The highly polished railing is smooth under my hand as we descend the wooden staircase. I say, “Donna, I'm going to use the restroom before we go.”

Donna points to a set of antique chairs. “I'll wait for you over there.” Patricia keeps walking. Clearly she's had enough politics for the day.

When I'm finished, I find Marion has waited with Donna. As we exit to the wet outdoors, Marion says, “Ladies, do you mind if we talk in your car?”

Donna answers, “Not at all. Right this way.” Her umbrella pops up with a snap as she walks briskly toward the car, and I splash along behind her with Marion by my side.

Once we're closed up in the car, rain beats gently on the roof, and it makes me long for a nap.

Marion is in the back and gets right to the point. “Now that we've gotten the interclan marriage issue sorted out, I have bigger goals for the kingdom. It's high time we became a collective council to rule instead of playing all these clan games.”

Smiling, Donna nods, and I'm glad Marion was the one to bring it up. I say, “From what I've seen, I think it's a good idea, but I get the feeling the Veilleux might not go for it.”

Donna nods. “Getting the Veilleux on board with the idea will be difficult.” She looks straight at Marion. “But there's no reason the Le Roux and the Robichaux can't work together.”

Marion smiles. “I think the same, so let's start there. Now do you suppose Brady will agree?”

A car drives by us, and water from a puddle splashes up from its wheels. Donna cocks her head and says, “We'll work on Brady. What about Richard?”

Marion winks at me. “There are some benefits to being the alpha.” She holds out her hand and shakes both of ours. “Carly, you did a great job dealing with Patricia. I'm sure Donna was as proud as I was.”

“Thank you. But knowing the two of you have my back made it easy.”

The car door opens, and I notice the rain has lessened. Marion leaves us, and I turn to Donna. “I think we can make the alliance happen, don't you?”

She nods in response.

“So, Patricia. Is she always so warm and friendly?”

Donna chuckles. “You handled her well. I think you come to this with experience dealing with difficult people.”

The rain increases in intensity, and I raise my voice. “Yeah, working at a tattoo parlor introduces you to some tough customers. I'm probably more fearless than I should be.”

“Fearless is good as long as you aren't foolish about it. Don't forget you're carrying my precious grandchildren.” She smiles, and my heart warms at her words.

I reach over and touch her arm. “Thank you so much for welcoming me into your family so quickly. I feel lucky to have you as a mother-in-law.”

It occurs to me that in the last few months, I've gained quite a family. Not only am I part of the Le Roux now, but I've found my mother.

The words Donna spoke to Marion about getting Brady to agree to an alliance come to mind, and I'm curious about what his reaction might be. I ask, “Do you think Brady is going to object to joining forces with the Robichaux?”

Donna snorts. “Yes. He's fine with being allies, but the idea of sharing power won't go over well. But between the two of us, he'll see reason.” I have no trouble hearing the word she mumbles as she starts the car. “Eventually.”

* * *

Donna insinuatingthat Brady would be reluctant to form a joint council with the Robichaux made me tread with caution when approaching the subject with my husband. But his reaction is more than I bargained for.

“It'll be a cold day in hell before I partner with them.” Brady isn't at the point he's going to shift, but his fists are clenching repeatedly.

“You do realize two of them are going to be spending a fair amount of time in our children's lives, right?” Hot cream splashes up when I dump frozen corn kernels into the soup pot.

Brady huffs and walks across the kitchen to yank a cabinet open. He tosses a box of saltine crackers on the table, and they slide across with a swoosh. We're having fish chowder for lunch, and he likes to crumble saltines into it.

I ask, “Would you care to explain the hostility?”

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