“Ah, Tempest! And Elijah! Come see Great Grand Uncle Lore,” he said, holding his hands out for Elijah to willingly come to him.
Elijah seemed to examine Lore for a few seconds, then looked at his mother before leaning toward Lore with his arms extended.
Lore laughed delightedly as he took the baby into his arms and turned to Evangeline who was already deep in conversation with Angelle about the cinnamon rolls she’d just taken out of the oven. “Evangeline! Look! He likes me! I knew that he would,” Lore said proudly as he tickled Elijah’s chin and laughed riotously when the baby growled at him and tried to bite him. He realized that Evangeline was already talking with Angelle and immediately stopped laughing. “Forgive me, please, both of you. I was so distracted that I forgot to introduce you. Angelle, this is my mate, the only soul who could ever save me — and did — Evangeline. She is as good as you.”
Evangeline smiled lovingly at Lore and went directly to his side. “I would save you again every day,” she said, kissing his cheek.
“And you, my love,” Lore said. “What are you speaking of so excitedly?”
“The sweets Angelle has made. They came from a can! I could make those!”
“Why if I can just mist some into being?”
“Because I’d like to make them myself,” she said with a slightly deflated tone.
“And then you shall! I will bring you many cans!”
Evangeline smiled at the baby Lore held. “Hello, little one,” she said, her delicate fingers tracing his smile. Not once did Elijah try to bite her. Instead, he leaned into her touch.
“Did you see that? He likes her,” Brandt said.
Tempest nodded. “She’s an Angel. Everyone loves her.”
Brandt’s mouth opened like he was going to ask a question, but instead just decided to go along with it like everyone else did.
Lore returned his attention to Elijah who’d grabbed hold of Lore’s long, wavy, dark hair and was yanking it around. The harder Elijah pulled, the more Lore bubbled over into laughter. “You bring me so much joy, little boy,” he said.
“Uncle Lore, have you met Brandt yet?” Tempest asked.
Lore pulled his attention from Elijah and focused on the male Tempest had draped herself against. Lore took the time to examine him from where he stood several feet away, finally ceasing his evaluation when he reached the male’s eyes. “So, you are Tempest’s mate.”
“I am. And Elijah’s father. And you’re the infamous Uncle Lore.”
“Ah, you’ve heard of me!” Lore said delightedly.
“I have. Tempest speaks of you often.”
“Then you know of my exploits,” Lore said.
“I do.”
“Then you will continue to treat my niece with the utmost respect and tenderness.”
“I will. Because she’s my mate, and I love her, so I’ll happily kill anyone who disrespects her.”
Lore watched him for a few seconds, then grinned ear-to-ear as he approached Brandt. “I like you, my boy! Death to all who dare to insult our females!”
“And our people in general,” Brandt said.
“Absolutely!” Lore agreed. He reached out and smoothed a hand over Tempest’s cheek. “Good choice, Tempest. A most excellent choice.”
Elijah growled at Lore again, bringing Lore’s attention back to himself.
“I know where the growl came from now! Your father! Let us go lie upon the floor and growl together!” Lore exclaimed.
“What was that now?” Lily asked as she, Daniel, Avaleigh, Carrik, and Boon walked into the kitchen.
“Ah, my little Lily! I knew you were here somewhere,” Lore said, pausing beside her on his way to the family room that shared an open space with the kitchen. He kissed her cheek. “I have a great-grand-nephew,” he said emotionally.
