Page 89 of Chased

He was not even doing that. “Seriously?” she said. “You saw him do it. You saw the magic. All of you did.”

But those asshole foxes all had the balls to shake their heads and deny everything.

“They saw,” Sanchez said, still at her back. “And now they’re going to see it again.” He dipped his head slowly, and kissed her shoulder right on the claiming mark.

The magic still fizzing in her veins exploded outward in a flash of blue fire, outlining both their bodies. A murmur went through the wolves, sort of a collective, “Awwww.”

Cisco said, “Shit. Is that gonna happen every time he kisses her?”

Matéo remarked, “Won’t even need to put a sock on the doorknob. That’s handy.”

Gunn and Jace were both grinning. “Well,” Jace said. “As a member of the Wolf Council, I formally recognize the hell out of this bond. Congratulations.”

Kane chimed in. “This mating, between Gabriel Sanchez and Madison Fontaine, is recognized by the Wolf Council and the Shifter Council.” To Henri he added, “If you continue to wish to dispute it, you may file formal petitions with both governing bodies. Such petitions will be tabled until any charges have been settled regarding today’s events—”

Madison said, “Drugging, kidnapping, assault with attempt to maim, attempted rape, and attempted murder?”

She saw his mouth twitch. “Indeed. And also, tabled until the Shifter Council has done a full investigation into the mating customs of the Renards and lapins, and made a ruling.” He bared his teeth. “That should only take a couple of years.”

Kane turned to Thanatos. “Do you have anything further to add?”

“Yes.” He turned his hood in Henri’s direction, and Madison could see twin points of fire glowing inside it. Holy hell, what was this guy?

Thanatos said, “If you or any other Renards show up in my territory unannounced and uninvited, keep in mind that my people will have standing orders. Shoot to kill.” He turned to Kane. “I think that’s all.”

“Very well then. Mr. Levesque and his accomplices—ahem, companions—will remain in Enforcer custody pending formal charges. This hearing is adjourned.”

Madison felt the tension drain out of her in a big whoosh of relief. “Let’s get out of here,” she said to Sanchez.

Henri snarled at her, “I can’t believe you’re giving up your family—your heritage—for these… barbarians.”

He gestured around the room.

Madison looked around and saw something completely different. “They’re my family,” she said. She gestured to Cisco and Matéo. “Come on, guys.”

As they walked past Henri, Matéo stopped next to him. “Ocean teal,” he said.

“What?” Henri looked utterly confused.

“Her favorite color, dickhead.” Matéo walked on, making sure he hit Henri with his shoulder on the way past.

Cisco stopped and said to Henri, “Her favorite thing to do is painting. Oils. Acrylics dry too fast, and water colors are for pussies.” He also shoulder-butted Henri on the way out.

Dealer followed. “An Officer and a Gentleman,” he said. “That ending. Makes her cry every time.”

“The Secret Life of Pets.” That was Boomer. “Thinks she’s fucking Snowball.”

Right behind him, Boomer’s brother added, “Zootopia. She says it’s because of the rabbit hero, but everyone knows it’s the dancing tigers at the end. And the song.”

Breanna stopped too. “She wants to do something that matters.” She poked the stunned Henri in the chest. “You do not matter.” And she stalked out.

Madison was tearing up right then and there. These were her people—the ones who cared about her. She’d only been here a few weeks, and they knew.

Sanchez was last out. He said to Henri, “Don’t ever come near her again. Or I’ll be the one doing the shooting.”

And Madison didn’t have to say anything to Henri at all.

Chapter 37