The Mane Event
Page 84

Why would I cry about him?
Brendon returned his gaze to the television. He knew he should have gone back to the hotel but, to be honest, he wasnt really in the mood to be on his own. So here he sat, watching Born Free and listening to his sister cry. Not exactly what hed call a wild evening.
He could have gone out. Probably could have found some companionship, too. But he didnt want that. Brendon didnt want to wake up next to a no-name piece of ass he didnt want to talk to in the morning. At twenty-three that was all he could think about. At thirty-three it was starting to get a little creepy.
Youre thinking about her again, arent you?
Busted. What are you talking about?
Dont bullshit me, Bren. Youre thinking about Benji.
Dont call her that.
Now that the movie ended, Marissa grabbed the remote and changed to Resident Evil. Not exactly Citizen Kane, but better than Born Free. At least she wouldnt cry.
What do you care what I call her? When did you get so protective of dogs?
Since they saved my ass.
Yeah, but that was more Llewellyn.
He may have got them down there, but they didnt have to help me. You and I both know some Packs would have happily left my ass there for the hyenas.
Yeah.
And she didnt have to stay with me in the hospital. She didnt have to protect me from those two guys who snuck into my room. She sure as hell didnt have to take me to her aunts house. So do you think we can elevate this Pack beyond dog status?
Christ! Okay. Okay. Geez. When did you get a soul, anyway?
Just do me a favor and lay off.
Fine. Whatever.
Fine. Whatever, he imitated back to her. The snarl he received would have scared a lesser man.
Chapter Five
B rendon and Marissa reached for the last grapefruit at the same time. Eyes locked on each other, they tried to stare the other down. Then Brendon roared and Marissa jerked back with a vicious hiss. Feeling smug, he took the grapefruit and cut it in half. He tossed the other half to Marissa, laughing when it hit her in the face.
Bastard.
As are we all, he joked around a mouthful of grapefruit.
So what are you doing today? Marissa buttered her toast and turned the page on her copy of the Wall Street Journal.
I gotta stop by the Pride and see the kids. You wanna go?
She nodded, then stopped. Is that bitch going to be there?
Do you mean Missy?
I hate her.
Yes. I know. In fact, I think the entire universe knows.
The only thing that givesme ease is that you never bred with her.
You kidding? Im almost positive she has fangs in her crotch. Snap a mans penis right off.
Marissa burst out laughing.
If you come with me, you can give the kids their gifts.
She nodded but didnt answer.
You did get them gifts this year.
Of course I did. She bit into her toast. Cash is a gift.
Marissa.
Dont give me that tone. Look, I dont know what to give children. And theres absolutely nothing wrong with a Baby Gap gift card.
Brendon sighed. Youre pathetic.
Yeah. But you love me anyway.
I have no choice. Brendon looked around for toast already made, didnt find any, so he reached over and took it out of Marissas hand. Look, have you ever thought of having your own Pride? We have cousins you sort oftolerate.
Weve had this discussion and I dont want to have it anymore.
All right. Then in twenty years you can be the kids old bitter aunt.
Well, Im already their young bitter aunt, so its really not that big a stretch. What else are you doing todayand get your damn hands off my sausage.
Brendon dropped the sausage hed taken from his sister onto his plate. Nothing. Kids then hotel. As it is, the kids will take a few hours and Ive got to make sure everythings okay at the hotel. Then Ive got me a She-wolf to track down.
Marissa slammed her fork down. You must be joking, she barked.
Nope. I know shes around somewhere. I just have to find the Smith Pack.
Reaching over, Marissa slapped her brother in the head.
What was that for?
Hello? Cat. And she motioned between the two of them. Dog. She made a throwing-away motion; Brendon just didnt know why. Mortal enemies.
Actually thats more hyena.
She clenched her fists. What I mean, you big-haired idiot, is that she is not the female for you.
Why?
What do you meanwait a minute. Why do you have that look?
What look?
The same one you had when you went for the grapefruit. The this is mine and Im never giving it up look. Youve never had it about a female before. At least pick a cheetah maybe. Or a leopard, she cried desperately. Shell spend most of her time in the trees anyway. But a dog? A dog with a group of dogs behind her? Are you insane? They howl. They bay. They whine.