Silence reigned, and then chaos erupted as the room filled with shouts, cheers and a lot of betting.
Cullen disengaged from his mother and drew Sarah close. “You can’t do this.” He wanted nothing more than to protect his mate.
“I have to. This is my fight, Cullen. One I should have taken care of a long time ago. If I can’t stand up for myself, how I can I expect you to?”
She kissed him on the lips and stepped away, but Cullen wasn’t about to let her go so easily. He pulled her back for a kiss that left them both winded, amid catcalls and hoots for more.
“Really, Cullen. Did you have to make a scene?” Ian asked on a laugh. “That’s more Sean’s style.”
“Shut up,baby.” Sean grinned at the snarl Ian threw him.
But Cullen couldn’t stop worrying. He’d seen Jenny’s bird, and the bald eagle was huge. Her wingspan had to be at least five feet long, and she had no problem using her talons to dig and slice.
“Cullen, trust me. It’ll be okay.” Sarah forced him to bend low and cupped his cheek with her hand. “Look at all we accomplished just by standing up to them today.”
“I don’t give a shit about the clan.” He kissed her palm. “I don’t want to leave town, so don’t lose.”
“But, Cullen, this way you won’t have to. Only family has to leave—”
“Fuck that.We’refamily.” Anger gave him the strength to tell her the truth. “I love you, dammit. So win one for me, mate.”
She opened her mouth, and nothing came out.
“I really like my workshop. I’d hate to have to move,” Cullen muttered.
Sarah smiled at him, her heart in her eyes. “I won’t make you move,mate. I promise.”
Overjoyed to hear her finally admit it, he hugged her tight. “It’s about damned time.” Then he glanced around and saw Jenny shifted and ready to fight, her bald eagle screeching with threat. “Just one thing, honey.”
“What?”
“No stripping in front of my brothers. Ever.” He forced the jerks to turn around, conscious none of them could stop grinning at him.
“’Bout time you stopped mooning after her,” Sean whispered. He took a peek over his shoulder before Cullen could stop him. “Nice ass on the wallet chick, bro.”
“Sean Whitefeather, watch your manners,” his mother threatened. “Or I’ll watch them for you.” She winked at Cullen. “But you know, I like Sarah. Let’s keep her, hmm?”
Cullen grinned, and then his mate took to the skies, her claws outstretched. Damned if she wasn’t more vicious than Jenny.
