“Didn’t have to. You could have walked.”
“Yeah, remember that and let me know how it goes for you.”
Lucien grinned, knowing Brandt was right. “Yeah, you get it then. But I’m not there yet.”
“If you’re standing here in front of me, despite the fact you’d rather not be, you’re closer than you think.”
Lucien scratched the side of his jaw and focused on Brandt. “Maybe. But I’m still thinking I can get her out of my system. We’ll see.”
“Yes, we will.”
“So, I’m good?” Lucien asked.
“Yeah, you’re good. But fair warning, if you hurt her, and she doesn’t handle you herself, we’re all coming after you.”
“Fair enough. Hope you can swim.”
“Swim… Oh, you gotta be kidding! You’re the damn gator!”
Lucien grinned at him. “I’ll be good. Won’t bite anybody that doesn’t make me.”
“You’re the one Tempest gave clothes to.”
“Yep. That’d be me. Thanks for use of your raincoat. Helped to not present myself with the boys swinging in the breeze, you know what I mean?”
“Good Lord, I’m gonna need a new raincoat,” Brandt said.
Lucien grinned again. “Alright, well appreciate the permission to stay. But, this is done, so I’m on my way to find somebody named Kaid and his half of the clan.”
Brandt’s eyes widened. “You’re going to Kaid’s?”
“I guess. That’s where Hell said she was going to visit her sister and her Alpha mate. Hey, let me ask you, is every damn body around here an Alpha?”
“Are you?” Brandt asked, already knowing the answer to that question.
“Yep. Would be if I tolerated others well. But my kind prefers to just kill the others.” Lucien shrugged. “I’m lying. Some go in for all that brotherhood, strength in numbers crap. I don’t. Most of the strongest don’t. But I can behave when there’s a need.”
“Like a particular she-Wolf shifter,” Brandt asked.
“That’d be the need. But I’m also aware I’m on your property, among your people. I’m not looking for trouble.”
“Good. Neither are we. Hang on, I’ll drive you over to Kaid’s. I gotta see this.”
“Ought to be interesting,” Lucien said, turning his back to the door to wait while Brandt did whatever he needed to be able to leave.
~~~
Brandt closed the door, leaving Lucien on the porch, and went to the bedroom. “Tempest? Baby, I’m going over to Kaid’s for a bit. Want to come?”
“No, thank you. I’m going to lie my pregnant ass right here and be lazy,” Tempest said.
“You just don’t want to get too close because somebody other than Lucien might notice you’re pregnant despite the glamour you keep throwing around yourself.”
“I should have asked how he knew when he congratulated me this morning. And yes, I’m keeping my distance. But I’m also lazy.”
Brandt laughed. “Want me to bring you some food back.”
“Oh, yes! Yes, please. What are they having?”
