Chapter 12 I will never question her behaviors
“Can you sound more like a girl?”
“I think it’s sweet.” She realized her mistake when Brennan cringed at her description of him. “I mean, romantic.” That only got her another cringe. But she should’ve known Brennan would understand her misguided compliments.
“Sounds good to me. I’m thinking she likes me better than you, bro.” Marck rested his weight on his elbow. “Like hell she does.”
Brennan was up on his elbow, too. “Yeah. She does. I’m sweet and romantic. You’re just crude and hairy.”
“Fuck you.” Marck shoved his brother in a halfhearted way.
She giggled, loving their playful interaction. If they joked around like this often, she’d be laughing a lot. “Guys, don’t get all worked up. I love you both the same amount.”
“Naw. You said I was sweet and romantic. You didn’t say anything about him.”
“That doesn’t mean she isn’t thinking it.” Marck pouted, joking. “Say something nice about me,
Nic.”
“You’re sexy as hell.”
Marck thrust out his chest. If he had beaten both fists against it, she would’ve loved it. Or, better
yet, if he’d howled.
“Yeah. Being sexy is better than being sweet any day of the week.”
Brennan fell back. “I’m crushed, baby. He’s sexy? Then what the hell am I?”
“Like she said. You’re sweet and romantic.” Marck chuckled as he lay back down, too.
“You’re both sweet and romantic. And you’re both the sexiest guys I’ve ever seen. Are you happy now?”
Their moods changed, growing more serious than she’d meant with her question. Surprisingly, they both took one hand. Marck squeezed the one he held.
“We’re the happiest we’ve ever been.”
His words, simple and truthful, made her blush with joy. “Me, too.” They stayed that way for a while, lost to their own thoughts, yet together.
“I have an admission to make.”
She kept her attention on the ceiling, ready for whatever Marck had to say. “Yes?” “Now who’s getting sweet?” joked Brennan.
“Be quiet.” “Shut up, man.”
She and Marck grinned at each other since they’d spoken at the same time.
“Anyway, I was about to say…” Marck shot his brother a look, daring him to interrupt again. “I was never sure the connection was real. Even after meeting you at the bonfire.” He shifted to look at her. “But when I saw you the other day, walking around town, I knew I’d been a fool to doubt it.”
“Yeah, bro. You were a—”
Both she and Marck growled at Brennan, shutting him up again. Brennan snarled, but kept quiet.
“I never doubted it for a minute.” She skimmed her fingers along Marck’s cheek then rolled onto her back so she could see both of them.
Brennan ended his playfulness. “The connection brought us together, but we’ll have to work hard to keep us that way. It won’t be easy considering you’re a werebear.”
“And you’re werewolves.” She sighed, hearing her father’s voice in her head. “But no matter what, I know you’re worth it.”
“How do you know, Nic?”
“Easy, Brennan. You stood up to the other werewolves. And to my father. You showed you were already two good men way back then.”
“But we left you behind.”
She hurried to ease Marck’s worry. “You left so you wouldn’t get me into trouble. Nothing could’ve happened anyway. And when you saw the need to stay and help out your uncle, you were willing to do it no matter what it cost you. You both have big hearts and you’re willing to put family before all else. I not only respect you for doing so, but I’m proud of you, too.”
“The feeling’s mutual, baby.” Marck played his fingers over her breast, circling her nipple to send shivers of desire through her.
“Why would you say that? I didn’t do anything.”
“The hell you didn’t.” Brennan started teasing her other nipple. “We did some asking around after we ran into you on the street.”
“You checked up on me? What’d you do? Hire a detective?”
“Didn’t have to. We have human friends who know people in both Forever and Shatland.” She wasn’t sure whether to be flattered or annoyed.
“Don’t get upset, baby.” Marck nipped at her shoulder. “We had to find out if you were already married or had kids. If so, then we would’ve gone away.”
“Okay. I understand. Go on.”
“Anyway,” added Brennan, “we know you still live at home. Partly to help save money for the salon you want to open and partly because you know your mom likes having you there.”
“Yes. True on both counts. I guess your friends know more than I would’ve thought anyone did.
Other than Feather, that is.”
“Plus, we heard that you’re ready to help anyone who needs it. And that you and Feather sometimes go into Forever to shop.”
“Wow. I’m not sure whether to be impressed or a little frightened.”
“It wasn’t hard.” Brennan gently tugged on her hair. “I know it sounds a little like we’re stalking you, but we didn’t have time to talk. Besides, talking about you with others made us feel closer to you.
She could understand. Feather often complained about her wanting to talk about them. And that was before they’d seen each other again.
“We already knew you were brave when you came to the bonfire,” said Brennan. “Or stupid.”