Daniel laughed. “I’ve noticed.”
“So, you said you’re Angelle’s father?” Dima asked.
“Yes. She’s Boon’s mate,” Daniel said, feeling a bit queasy as he said so. Daniel’s lip lifted a bit and his nose wrinkled up as his stomach flip-flopped.
Carnage laughed. “Dahn ‘ick,” he said.
“And you’re standing beside him?” Dima asked.
“I’m not sick,” Daniel said.
Carnage nodded.
“He thinks I’m sick because I’m having trouble accepting that my daughter is a mated young lady, instead of my little girl.”
“Oh, I understand. Kind of like when you threatened to skin Tempest’s mate. And I’m pretty sure you considered killing Carrik when he tried to win Lily over, too.”
Carnage shrugged again. “Mahbe stiiill,” he said thoughtfully.
“Oh, so it’s not just me,” Daniel said.
“Oh, no. It’s part of who Carnage is,” Dima said.
“Dima! Dima, love! Would you and your little friends like some lemonade? I can make it fresh in just a few seconds.”
Dima looked over his shoulder at the woman standing on his raised porch and Daniel couldn’t help but smile when Dima’s whole countenance changed. Instead of unsure of himself and standing on unsteady ground, he was suddenly confident, very sure of his place in this world.
“That would be very nice, Zahra. Thank you,” Dima said. He turned back to Daniel, still wearing the smile he’d beamed at his mate. “That’s my Zahra,” he said proudly.
“She seems like a very special woman. The way you look at her, the way she looks at you… that kind of bond right there is what I want for my daughter,” Daniel said.
“Boon ‘Gel goood bohnd,” Carnage said.
“Yes, they do have a good bond,” Daniel said. He sighed and looked at Dima again. “I hope you don’t mind we’re fishing on your property.”
“Not at all,” Dima said. “It was Carnage’s favorite fishing hole before it was my property. He’s always welcome here, and any friend or family of Carnage’s is always welcome here with him.”
“Appreciate that,” Daniel said. The sound of splashing had them both turning toward the bayou.
Carnage was wading out into the water with his fishing pole held high.
“I’m pretty sure you’re scaring the fish,” Daniel said.
“Suuuusshh!” Carnage hissed at him. “Tooo much ta’k. My feesh!”
“Then I guess it’s time to fish,” Daniel said to Dima.
“Deemah feesh,” Carnage said, waving Dima back toward his house with one hand.
Dima nodded. “I could fish,” he said. “I’ll be back with my pole.” He headed off at a slow jog toward his house.
Daniel thought about rolling up his jeans, but instead decided to just walk right into the bayou like Carnage had. Once he’d reached the distance from the shore that Carnage was standing, he moved a few feet down from him and cast his line out into the water. “I like Dima. He’s a good male.”
Carnage nodded firmly. “Bes’ mahl.”
“I like that he has someone who obviously thinks he’s the best male, too,” Daniel said.
Carnage looked back at the house, then shuffled sideways toward Daniel. When Carnage reached him, he leaned closer and lowered his voice to a harsh whisper. “Ta’k, ta’k, ta’k. Noo s’op.”
