Total pages in book: 35
Estimated words: 31591 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 158(@200wpm)___ 126(@250wpm)___ 105(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 31591 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 158(@200wpm)___ 126(@250wpm)___ 105(@300wpm)
“You too,” my mate replied, shaking his hand. “Thanks for inviting me.”
“Of course. We’ve all been excited to meet you. Let me introduce you to everyone; this is Grady.” Hunter stepped aside so that the big man could take his place, where he shook Brandon’s hand as well.
“Welcome,” Grady greeted with his deep, honey-smooth voice. “I love your sweater.” Grady's style was old-fashioned itself, with his flat cap and suspenders.
"Thank you," Brandon replied, running his palm down his chest. "It was my grandpa's. I lost him recently and wearing his favorite shirts helps me still feel close to him." I felt like an ass for not knowing that; I just assumed the sweaters were his style, but I also wasn't surprised that there was such an adorable meaning behind them. I pressed a kiss to his temple in a show of support as Grady gave him a sad smile.
"I'm so sorry for your loss." Brandon smiled and nodded, and Cedric came hustling forward, stopping right in front of him.
"Oh, you sweet thing." He threw his arms around my mate's neck and after a moment of shock, Brandon hugged him back. A growl built low in my chest, but before I let it out, Cedric let him loose and Hunter spoke up.
"You'll have to forgive Cedric; he's kind of the mother hen around here, taking care of all his boys."
Cedric nodded and added, "If I'm ever too much, just tell me."
"I think it's nice," Brandon assured him with a head shake. "And I have to say, your hair is amazing."
"Oh yes, I like you," Cedric said, wrapping him in another hug while my mate chuckled. "Talon is very lucky."
"Yes he is," Enzo agreed as he and Felix eased Cedric to the side and stood in front of my mate. When Enzo took Brandon's offered hand, he turned it over and kissed his knuckles. "Very lucky."
"You've got great taste, Tal," Felix agreed after giving my mate's hand a kiss as well. “He’s gorgeous.” The duo were drawn to men similar to my Brandon; small, young, and thin. This time, I couldn't hold in my feelings and gave the twins a warning growl, baring my teeth at them. They gave me a set of matching shit eating grins; I had no doubt that they found Brandon attractive, or that they made it obvious just to get under my skin. They should be careful messing with an unbonded lion.
At the sound of my disapproval, Brandon quickly tucked himself under my arm. Although he didn’t know it, our bond compelled him to provide me comfort. He propped up on his tiptoes and kissed my cheek before reminding me quietly, “I’m yours.” The rest of the pride clearly heard him, and gave me a mix of smiles and thumbs up; they knew what his words meant to me.
“Are you hungry?” Cedric asked my mate, resting a hand on his shoulder. Even though I knew Cedric meant nothing by it beyond friendliness, I had to bite back another growl. I wouldn’t be fully at peace until Brandon and I secured our bond.
“I’m starving,” Brandon replied with a smile. “Talon and I skipped lunch because we were working on a project together.”
“I heard that you were an artist,” Grady spoke up. “And Hunter mentioned that you were bringing some of your work with you. I’m excited to see it.”
Brandon smiled and pointed over his shoulder. “Oh, it’s in the car. I’ll get it.”
“After dinner,” Cedric interjected, wrapping his arm around my mate’s shoulders and pulling him from me. “I won’t let anyone be hungry in my house.” He ushered him towards the front door and when I scrambled to get to him, Hunter stopped me with a hand on my chest.
“Tal and I will grab it and bring it in.” The rest of the pride went inside and when they disappeared, I glared at my best friend. “He’ll be fine,” Hunter assured, and jerked his head in the direction of my mate’s car.
I grumbled but followed him off of the porch and to Brandon’s trunk, which held his box of comic books. I hefted the box into my grip and Hunter closed the trunk before leaning on it and smiling. “It looks like things are going great with Brandon.”
“Things are amazing,” I corrected him.
“I’m glad you two patched things up. But I didn’t see a mating mark on his neck; have you told him anything yet?”
I shook my head no. “He’s so sweet, Hunter; so precious. I’m waiting for the right moment to tell him so that I don’t scare him.”
“I get it, but don’t wait too long; you’ll definitely scare him if you get too aggressive.”
I nodded my understanding; it was a fine line to walk, and I just wanted to do what was best for my mate. “I told him that I love him.”