The Mane Event
Page 101

Fuckup?
He nodded. Yeah.
She brushed his cheek with the palm of her hand. I hate to tell you, but he doesnt exactly look helpless. Plus it doesnt seem like he wants anybodys help. And, as my daddy would say, fuckup is relative.
Shaw gave a short laugh. Your father sure has a lot of interesting sayings.
You have no idea. Hed also say theres absolutely nothing you can do about any of this. Your brothers grown. He needs to make his own decisions. All you can do is hope he starts doing the right thing and that he doesnt set himself on fire in the process.
Brendon frowned in confusion. Huh?
Forget it. Long story. Nowshe smiled and he felt his mood lighten instantlyyou promised me wed get out of here.
That I did.
Then dont keep me waiting, hoss.
In one second. He leaned his head down and rubbed his cheeks against her face, neck, chest, and finally her hands when she giggled and tried to push him off.
What the hell?
Okay, now we can go. Standing, Brendon placed her on her feet.
He moved toward the door while she sniffed her hands.
HeyHey! Did you mark me?
Grabbing the back of her jacket, he pulled her toward the door. Stop squawking, sexy. Its totally temporary.
Daaaaaaaaaddddddddddddyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!
Ronnies eyes crossed. The kid hit notes that made her feel like barking in response.
The little girl pulled away from her mother and charged head-on into Shaws arms. He picked her up, lifting her in the air. She squealed in glee again, her little legs kicking out.
Ronnie stepped back, not wanting to intrude and refusing to ask why Brendon Shaw brought her over to meet his goddamn kids. Means nothing, Ronnie Lee. Figured hed just take care of it while he was out.
Yeah. That reasoning did sound stupid, didnt it?
Not wanting to obsess about it, Ronnie did the only thing she could think of. She watched the quiet city street for any danger. Shed do the same thing if this were a Pack pup.
Whats my baby girl up to?
Going to Grandmas. New Years hunting! she cheered.
Apparently Shaws child had one decibel level, and Ronnies head had already begun to throb.
A young couple walked down the opposite sidewalk, and Ronnie watched them with an intensity bordering on the psychotic. She couldnt help it. She didnt know them, wasnt sure she liked them, and Shaws kids were right behind her. The pair must not have liked what they saw on her face because they sped up and disappeared around a corner. Thats when Ronnie realized Shaw had called to her.
What? She turned andfound Shaw holding his daughter against his chest with one arm while he held the other out toward her. He wiggled his fingers and she took his hand.
Baby, this is daddys friend, Ronnie. Ronnie, this is my daughter, Serena.
Hi, Serena.
The little girl snuggled her fathers face while piercing gold eyes sized her up. Baby predators. Ya gotta love em.
You smell different, she finally said.
Ronnie nodded. I do.
And you smell like Daddy, too.
Glaring at Shaw, Ronnie said, That I do.
So youre Pride?
Uh
Dont be rude, Serena, a lioness chided while watching the butler or chauffer or whoever load up one of the waiting limos. Well be back about a week after the New Year, Brendon.
Thats fine, Allie. He and his daughter rubbed noses. When you get back youll be staying with me for a while, baby.
The girl cheered and kissed her fathers face.
Another lioness walked out, a small toddler in her arms. Hey, Brendon.
Hey, Serita.
Glad you could stop by before we left. She watched the limo driver try and put a bag into the trunk. No, no! Not like that. Oh, Ill do it!
She turned to Shaw, saw his hands full, and then turned to her sister who raised one eyebrow. Hands full.
Must be that one tiny Louis Vuitton purse she has on her arm.
Here. She looked at Ronnie. You dont mind, do you?
Uh Before Ronnie could answer either way, the little boy reached out for her, and the lioness practically threw him into Ronnies arms.
Shaw grinned. You okay?
Yeah. Sure. Shed held children before. Lots of them. She had more than thirty-five cousins last count. Still, this wasnt some wolf pup. This was a lion. Future Breeding Male. It felt a little overwhelming. What if she dropped him or something?
Im assuming Missys not here, Allie. Shaw rubbed his cheek against his daughters while he reached out and affectionately brushed his sons head.
Nope. She left early this morning with the other kids. Thankfully. If I had to hear her complain one more time about Mace and that woman, I would have ripped her arms off.
Low-class Po-rican whore.
Shocked, they all looked at the little girl in Shaws arms.
Allie winced when Shaw glared at her. Im sorry, Brendon. She tugged her daughters hair. I told you those were bad words, Serena. And youre not to say them. Allie looked back at Shaw. Ill talk to Missy when I see her.