Page 92 of Moon Tamed

I forged a basic compromise within five minutes, making use of the seat belt to contain the wolf beside me in case of accident without forcing him off my lap. Calden’s father tolerated the seat belt with minimal complaints, much to my amusement. “Dad, why are you arguing with the wolves? You can’t win against the wolves. They’ll stare you into submission. The seatbelt laws are specific to humans anyway. They’re not human right now.”

“They can be human, so they count. If they want a ride in my SUV, they’ll be wearing their seat belts.”

“Sorry, Calden. You’re just going to have to deal with wearing your seat belt.”

The wolf huffed, but as the seat belt verdict hadn’t forced him off my lap, he limited his complaints to disgruntled noises.

“Did you not show your wolf sufficient attention today, Coraline?” my father asked, and he twisted in his seat to regard me with a raised brow.

“I think he’s upset because he is tired and wants to be somewhere comfortable. I’m premium real estate for a wolf. All the wolves want lap time, and Calden doesn’t want to share.”

“Well, he is a wolf, and wolves really aren’t good at sharing. I could have waited for them to shift, you know.”

“They were having a good time, and nobody was bothering Mr. Stephans for a change, so he probably wanted some breathing space. And he figured out if he’s a wolf, I’m less likely to shoot him with my paintball guns. I’m going to have some issues if my guns jam, because at this point, I don’t think anyone is going to be willing to help me fix it.”

Peter laughed. “It’s true, Dad. She decided everyone was fair game, so she spent every spare moment shooting her new co-workers. By the time the week is over, everyone is going to either love her persistence or hate her willingness to ruin clothes and cause bruises. Some are making a point to wear goggles whenever going near her office now. Nobody is willing to shoot her because Calden keeps growling. Mostly, it’s posturing. Just keep doing what you’re doing, Coraline. They’ll get over it, and they’re probably relieved Calden is hovering with you rather than worrying everyone else.”

“Why would Calden worry everyone else, Peter? That’s ridiculous. It’s not like he enjoys spreading his wolf breath.”

“That much repressed, handsome masculinity might explode,” my brother informed me in a rather serious tone.

I shifted in my seat so I could get a better view of my brother, who occupied the front passenger seat. “You have got to be kidding me.”

“I would never joke about something as serious as repressed masculinity bursting forth.”

“You’re ridiculous, Peter.”

“I am not! I just pay attention when I’m around women, and they’re whispering about things. I have good hearing. Admittedly, it’s a little disturbing listening to a bunch of women trying to figure out if my sister is sleeping with their boss’s son, but they were keeping the other predators away, so I took advantage of the situation.”

The Hunters of Moonriver needed more help than even I could provide. “Please tell me you aren’t being serious.”

“I’m being very serious. So, inquiring minds want to know. Are you sleeping with the boss’s son?”

“Dad, please take us to your home before I’m forced to murder my brother in the SUV.”

“Peter, what have I told you about asking your sister about her evening activities?”

“You keep asking me not to do it, but when a bunch of women stare me down and tell me I should ask, I’m asking. I’m more afraid of them than I am of you.”

Huh. “Peter can be taught, Dad.”

“I’m letting you off the hook this once. Just tell the ladies that you were cruelly beaten within an inch of your life so they nurse you back to health tomorrow. Coraline, you may beat your brother within an inch of his life but try not to damage his face. Be civil in your beating.”

“Peter, I think Dad is hoping you’re the one who begins venturing into the wonderful world of evening activities.”

“Do you think he hates me? Those women are vicious.”

“I think he wants grandchildren.”

“That again? Do I look like father material to you?”

I considered my brother with interest. “Some days, yes. Others? Please evict yourself permanently from the gene pool. I suspect, due to our parents and their contribution to your genetic material, you will ultimately become tolerable father material, assuming you can find a woman strong enough to put up with you. But you’re going to be a lot of work to make presentable. This is because I received the best of their gene contributions, and you’re just the leftovers.”

“What did I do, Coraline?”

“I’m sure you told someone about my kitten panties today.”

My brother winced. “That may have happened, but only because someone asked if I knew of something comfortable, and I said how you owned a bazillion of these sets with tiny bows and kitten print. They asked which store, and I was not stupid enough to refuse them. I’m not sure why the idea of kitten print with bows is so appealing, but I swear at least six of them ran off to get some.”

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