“Not wrong,” Eagle says, making everyone smile.
“Next,” Panther says.
Dove, our resident chaplain, shifts in his seat. “I’ll go. So far, everyone seems to be healing from the loss of our brother,” he says, referring to Mustang. “Some of the older members have asked for my ear, mainly to tell me stories.”
“That’s good,” Panther tells him.
Dove shoots me a sympathetic look before continuing. “Some of them have also expressed concern.”
“Regarding?” I ask, tensing.
“They want to know if you are going to claim Rain. If you plan on being her husband only on paper or if you are going to take your marriage vows seriously,” Dove says, not holding any punches.
My jaw clenches. “If you’re asking if I’m going to be faithful to her, the answer is yes. We might not be the most traditional couple, but I’m taking this seriously.”
“Are you going to claim her?” Panther asks.
“Yes.”
“Wait, are you serious? Are you two actually going to become a thing?” Eagle sputters.
I shake my head. “Yes, I’ll claim her, but that’s where it ends. I won’t force her into a relationship, but she will fall under my protection, no questions asked,” I say, shocking all of them.
“So you are claiming her and don’t plan to be with her?” Falcon asks.
“Going celibate?” Talon adds.
I take a deep breath and try to tamp down my annoyance. “Yes.”
“You’re not going to hook up with anyone for multiple years or, like, the rest of your life?” Talon presses.
I shoot him a dirty look. “Last time I checked, my sex life isn’t any of your business. Rain is my wife on paper, and I won’t do anything to disrespect her.”
“What brand of lotion do you like?” Meek asks, catching me off guard.
“Why?”
“So that way we can buy stock in it,” he says, making the brothers laugh.
I raise my hand and flip him off.
Once everyone has calmed down, he speaks.
“Is everyone good with Ridge claiming Rain as his old lady? Everyone say, ‘Aye.’” Panther says.
All at once, every brother says, “Aye,” making me relax into my seat.
Shit, I didn’t realize how worried I was that someone would say no, that someone would oppose.
“Awesome. Should we start planning the party?” Panther tells me.
“Why not? She’s going to be pissed at me either way,” I mutter.
Is it a risk? Springing this on her? Absolutely. But Rain has been around long enough to know that this is how things are done.
“All right. I’ll ask Maggie for help and tell her to keep it a secret,” Panther says.
“Sounds good,” I tell him.
