Page 103 of Brandt's Rule
Lily inclined her head, then turned her attention to Delilah. “Forgive me for eavesdropping. It was only my intention to observe the boy and his state of mind. I didn’t expect the family to be gathered.”
“Who are you?” Delilah asked.
Lily smiled. “My name is Lily.”
“This is Tempest’s mother,” Maverik added.
“Ahhh, I can feel the power signature is similar, I certainly see the resemblance. I am Delilah. Welcome to my home. And it’s only part of the family. The males are gathered at Maverik’s home trying to avoid planning Christmas.”
“I have no doubt you’ll be sure they do exactly what is needed anyway.”
“Of course,” Delilah said, winking at Lily.
Lily smiled graciously at Delilah, then turned her attention to Brandt. “Why is my daughter distraught?”
“I don’t know for sure, but I think she misunderstood something she saw.”
Lily stood quietly, not giving any indication she’d even heard, waiting for Brandt to continue.
“She’s everything to me. I would never hurt her in any way. I was trying to protect one of my clan, and in so doing I presented an opportunity for Tempest to misread the situation. I was trying to keep Tempest away from the female I had to confront, but from Tempest’s point of view, I can see how she might have thought it was more than that. It’s my fault.”
Lily smiled and clasped her hands in front of herself in a very feminine manner. “I’m here because I don’t think you would risk your mate. There are those who might, but I don’t believe that you’re one of them.”
“Thank you, ma’am, for your faith in me, but right now, I need to find Tempest. I need to explain. She’s got our connection blocked and won’t even speak to me,” Brandt said.
“My child is very powerful, extremely so. She’s equally independent, and can be amazingly self-sufficient. Over the years she’s developed a thick skin in order to deal with the loneliness she experienced. But beneath it, she’s so very fragile. She’s very sensitive and can run from anything she fears may cause her emotional pain. She’s naive in the way of relationships, but likes to believe that she’s not. She’s not had many of any kind to compare. The community we live in does not present much opportunity for growth in this area, especially when you don’t exactly fit in with those around you. This is all brand new territory for her. Not to mention she’s far too proud. Gets it from her father, he’s a Dragon.” Lily looked over at Delilah. “Nothing personal. I’m referring only to my particular Dragon.”
“Oh, I completely understand. Some of our line can be so haughty!”
Maverik laughed so hard he almost choked.
“But she’s got no reason to run from me,” Brandt said. “Doesn’t she know that?”
“I’m sure that somewhere inside, she hopes, and maybe even recognizes it. But her fear and her pride get the best of her.”
“Where is she? Please tell me so I can go to her. So I can fix this.”
“Why were you in the shadows with another female?”
“Trying to influence her to leave town. She’s caused my family a lot of pain, and it’s the first time we’ve seen her in years. She’s a rotten fu…” he cut himself off before he could use the words he really wanted to use, “not nice person. I didn’t want to expose Tempest to her.”
“Tempest allowed me to see what she saw. I have to admit, it appeared very incriminating… the female’s hand on your chest, looking up into your eyes as you looked down, pressing her against the wall.”
“I did not press her against the wall. She tried to walk away from me and I boxed her in on either side. My head was angled down toward hers so that I could snarl a threat up close and personal, but it was not intimate — not in any way.”
Lily stood quietly, feeling the sincerity from the young male who was Tempest’s mate.
“I give you my word. I promise you…” Brandt said, starting to feel desperate.
“I believe you.”
“Can you take me to her?” Brandt asked.
Lily considered it, then shook her head slowly. “I think, you would be better heard if you came for her yourself. Without my assistance.”
“I can do that,” Brandt said without hesitation. “Will I be able to find the community? She said it’s hidden.”
“I certainly hope you’ll find it. For your sake and Tempest’s.” Lily turned her attention to the other women in the room. “Again, my apologies for the intrusion, and the eavesdropping. I hope to meet you all again another day.”