Page 67 of Edward’s Bunny
Edward clasped my Nana’s outstretched hand. “Edward Satchel, a pleasure to meet you, ma’am.”
“Nana, he’s a —”
Nana turned to Olivia. “Never mind that, Olivia. Go inside, tell your mother and father our guest has arrived.” Nana focused back on us as Olivia did as instructed. “Please come in. I’m sure my son will want to greet his new son-in-law properly.”
I reached over and gave Nana a quick hug and whispered. “Thank you.”
She patted my back and pulled away. “Come on. I want to hear all about how you two met.” Nana grabbed Edward’s arm and pulled him inside. She leaned close, and I thought I heard her say, “Stay strong,”
“What?” I heard my family yell, and I jumped.
I hurried to Edward’s other side and squeezed his hand. My rabbit wanted to run. He hated confrontation. “It will be okay, Bunny,” Edward whispered.
“What did you call him? Get away from my son,” my mother screamed.
I lifted my gaze and took in the expressions of my family. There was confusion, fear, concern, hate, and anger. It was the anger and hate that caused me to cringe internally, but I took a deep breath before stepping forward.
“Mom, Dad, this Edward Satchel, King of the Satchel Pride and my fated mate,” I said formally.
My mother's eyes widened, and she looked at Edward with a mix of fear and disgust. "You can't be serious, Brian. You expect us to welcome this... this predator into our family?"
Olivia stepped forward, her expression hostile. "Brian, you've got to be kidding. How could you choose a predator as your mate?”
“Fate matched us. Did you miss that part?” I retorted. Edward gave my hand another squeeze, and I found strength in his presence. “Look at us, not just Edward. Don’t you feel it? Don’t you see it? We’re bonded.”
Most of my family narrowed their eyes while Olivia and my mom crossed their arms. They weren’t even attempting to see the possibility. Lucas cleared his throat. “I feel it. Brian’s different. I know they’re together just by looking at them.”
“Exactly,” I said.
“Ridiculous,” My mom said at the same time.
I sighed. “Ma, I know your feelings about predators. Hell, I had the same feeling, but they’re wrong. Not all predators are vicious creatures.” I hugged Edward’s arm. “Edward is kind. He’s sweet and caring. He worries if I have a bad day or if I’m happy. I love him, Ma.”
My mother’s expression didn’t soften, and Olivia scoffed. Edward spoke up. “Mrs. Bondar. I love your son. I thank fate every day for bringing him into my life. You raised him to be a strong independent man. I swear to you. I’ll never hurt him and always strive to make him happy.”
My father, brothers, and other sisters appeared to consider his words. Even my mother tilted her head, but the hardness came back with Olivia’s words. “What good is the word of a predator? You are all domineering beasts. We could never trust you.”
My mother jerked her head in agreement. “I cannot stand for your—”
“Cam, all of you,” Nana interrupted. “You all don’t get a say in this matter.”
“Mom,” My dad said. “You—”
“E—”
Just as Nana was about to continue, the front door swung open with a loud creak, drawing everyone's attention and momentarily halting the heated discussion. My mouth dropped, and Edward stiffened beside me as a very disheveled Randy ran into the room.
“Brian,” Randy said, grabbing my hands. His eyes were wild and darting around the room. “You gotta help me.”
“Randy, what’s going on? What are you doing here?” I asked.
“I know I messed up. I know I cheated on you, but you gotta help, please. That monster is after me, and no one will help me.”
“Randy, I don’t understand. Who’s after you? You’re not making any sense.”
Randy’s eyes continued to dart around the room, and Edward moved closer to me. Something caused Randy to freak the freakout.
“Randy?”