“Mitch, please. Mitchum is Alexander’s son, and that’s not me,” Mitch interrupted. Why he needed to make a point right now, he was unsure. But Mitch didn’t want to be called Mitchum.
“Apologies, Mitch. Ness, shift, we won’t hurt your mate,” Maeve promised.
Ness hissed, and Mitch smirked. His woman remained pissed and didn’t care who knew. Maeve quirked an eyebrow and, in response, Ness settled on the shoreline and glowered at everyone, swinging her head back and forth. When one of the strangers got too close, Ness immediately swung at them.
“Mitch, please reassure Ness, you’re okay and safe,” Maeve asked.
“Why would I do that? He tried to drown me!” Mitch demanded, pointing at the tentacled creature.
“Shift back, Jase!” Maeve ordered, and he glowered but did.
“I know you, Jase Monroe,” Mitch snarled, his eyes narrowing.
“You aren’t the only rich one here,” Jase retorted.
“Ness, please shift back; everyone else apart from you has,” Maeve asked. Mitch laid a hand on Ness’s throat, and she craned her neck to peer down at him and crooned.
“Babe, I’m okay,” Mitch said, patting her.
Ness released another growl and swung her head again before shifting. Jess tumbled into Mitch’s arms, and he held her tight.
“You stink,” Jess complained.
“Try brushing Ness’s teeth in future. I nearly shit myself thinking you were about to eat me.”
Jess laughed. “That wouldn’t happen. You’re not that delicious.”
“Oh, I think I’m more than tasty enough,” Mitch teased in return.
“Do you mind?” Jase snapped.
“Nope. In fact, take a hike, Monroe,” Mitch retorted.
“Rein it in, Jase,” Maeve ordered. “And you, Vladimir.”
Another man bristled. “Maeve, this is our home. Jess brought a Hunter here.”
“I’m not a damn Hunter.” Mitch sighed, exasperated.
Vladimir began, “You come from a line—”
“Do you think I’m blind? Did I sleep for the last thirty years? I was the kid who lived it and the teen who escaped it. I’m well aware of what monsters my family are. Trust me, Ifucking knowfirsthand. There’s no way I’ll ever develop into what they are; I’d rather die than become a Weideman,” Mitch snapped.
“I can arrange that,” Leon said, stepping forward.
“Don’t go there, Ericks,” Mitch warned. “Lamia has a child; does that mean we should judge that kid by what her mother did?”
Lanie bristled, and Mitch turned to her. “And you’re pregnant. According to you lot, your kids have to be accountable for your alleged crimes.”
“Are you threatening my wife?” Mac commanded, stepping forward.
“She’s your wife?” Mitch mused. “Guess you need to pay too, as you’re guilty by association. What, you don’t like it? Being judged isn’t nice, is it?
“What would you know about being damned?” Leon demanded.
“About as much as you. You’ve been judged since you were changed. I’ve been criticised from the moment I was born. Atleast you had a period that you were able to live in peace,” Mitch shot back.
Leon opened his mouth and then closed it. Mitch guessed he’d made a relevant point.
