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“Yes,” Victor said. “We know what’s happening. Storm started about an hour ago. The closer we got, the worse it was for her. I knew it would only be a matter of time when they got back together until they were both lost.”
“Are you bonded to them?”
“No. We would love it if she chose us because we are matched to them both, but it is completely up to them.”
“Do they know they can’t go through this alone?” Dell asked.
“What’s going on, son?” Mr. Druman asked.
“Um, they are going into heat.”
“What? But I thought that didn’t happen until they were older. Isn’t Storm Riley’s age?” Riley’s mother seemed at a loss as to what to do or make of this news.
“We think that because Storm and Riley are matched and bonded, that it may have jump-started the process. We need to get them inside, however. They do not have a claim or bond from an alpha and with the way their perfume is spreading, it won’t take long until every unbonded alpha in this town comes looking.”
Riley’s mom’s eyes widened in fear. “Franklin, we have to help them.”
“Yes, Sofia, we will. What do we need to do?” he asked Victor and Declan.
“Does Riley have a nest here? Or a space that’s all her own?”
“Her bedroom . . .”
“That will be perfect. I’m honestly surprised they haven’t started trying already, but they will both need to nest soon. Can you bring them up to her room, ma’am?”
“Yes, yes, of course.”
Sofia hurried over and crouched down to look at the girls. She talked to them quietly and seemed to get through because she helped them to their feet and herded them toward the house. At the doorway, Storm stopped and spun and ran to the Hummer. She wrenched open the door and gathered the clothing that, until this moment, I had forgotten was in there. She rushed back to Riley and showed it to her, and they both buried their noses in the pile.
“Smells good. Want,” Riley said.
“Yes,” Storm replied.
Full sentences seemed to be too much for them as they fell deeper into the heat fog that was taking them over. Sofia got their attention again and led them inside. That left Riley’s father, brother, and us standing outside.
“Look, I don’t get all this heat stuff, but I have a faint idea of what’s about to happen.” Riley’s father looked extremely uncomfortable. “Please, promise me you will help her. Be kind to her. She’s my little girl.”
Victor took a few steps forward and held Franklin’s gaze with his own. “I promise you we will. No harm will come to her under our care.”
“Does she even want you?” Dell asked, stomping over, full of righteous brotherly energy.
Victor smiled at him. “Never let go of how much you care. You’re going to make a great alpha someday. I give you our word as well that if she doesn’t choose us, we will not touch her. We are under no illusion that this is forever. She can choose us for today, for tomorrow, or forever. Or even not at all. It is your sister’s choice, as it always should have been.”
Dell stood a little taller with Victor’s words. He gave him a nod of thanks. “You said our word. Do you speak for them as well?”
“He can. He is the head alpha of our pack, but you have my word as well,” Declan stated.
“And mine,” I added.
“Thank you.”
Franklin rubbed the back of his neck, looking embarrassed. “I guess we should probably leave. I don’t think we should be here during this.”
“It might be for the best,” Victor agreed. “We booked a room at a nearby hotel. We weren’t sure how long we would be staying. It’s paid for through the next two weeks. If we don’t show up, it’s money lost. Would you and your family like to take our place?”
“Oh, we couldn’t ask that . . .”
“Nonsense, you didn’t ask. I offered. Here is my card that is on file if they ask for proof. I will call them and tell them to expect you in our place. It is a suite, with plenty of room for you, your wife, and Dell. Go, enjoy, and have some room service. Think of it like a spontaneous vacation.”
