CHAPTERTWENTY-SIX
“Hey, Mom. What brings you by today?” Rev asked as he opened the front door. He was surprised to see a tiny wisp of a woman behind his mom. He had no idea who she was, but he knew without a doubt she was another tiger. Rev wanted to slam the door shut and ignore his uninvited guests, but he knew better. His mom would kick his ass up to his neck if he even tried to do something so rude.
“Isn't a mother allowed to stop by and visit her only son?”
“Of course, you are. It’s just that now isn’t a good time.” Rev flung the door open and ushered the women into the house. The last thing he wanted was for his mom to be attacked by the same meth-head jaguars that had kidnapped Hallie.
“What’s the matter? Why are you …” His mom stopped the second she entered the house. “I didn’t know you were entertaining,” she said with a dismissive sigh.
“Mom, I’ll explain everything in a minute. Right now, I need you and …?”
“Emily,” his mom said, filling in the name of the woman with her.
“You and Emily to get away from the windows. There’s been some bad stuff going on out here in the bayou today.”
“What are you talking about, Rev? What sort of bad stuff? And do you really think we can’t handle ourselves?” His mom rolled her eyes.
“I know you can handle yourself just fine in a fair fight, but Hallie was kidnapped by a bunch of methed-up jaguars today.”
“Who is Hallie?” his mom asked.
“Hi,” Hallie stepped into the living room. “I’m Hallie. It’s nice to meet you,” she said, giving a slight wave.
“Oh, God! Rev! What have you done? A human? Really? You know our community will not accept her!”
“I don’t want to hear it. She is my mate. If you don’t like it, you can walk right out that door. I’m not going to argue. I’m not going to fight about it. I didn’t make the decision. The Fates did, and if you don’t like it, feel free to take it up with them.”
“Don’t be a smartass. I’m not going anywhere. I’m your mom, and I will always love you no matter what. I’m just surprised. Can you really blame me?” she asked.
“No. I guess not.” Rev should have known better than to doubt his mom’s love for him. She had always had his back no matter the stupid shit he did in his youth.
“Now, come here, young lady, and let me meet my new daughter.”
“It’s okay, love. She won’t bite.”
“Ha-ha. Very funny,” Hallie laughed.
“I’m Kitty, and this is Emily.” Kitty pulled Hallie into what Rev thought would be a quick hug.
Instead, his mom sniffed Hallie, pulled back, and did it again.
“Mom, what the …”
“Rev, I don’t think she’s human at all.”
“What? What do you mean I’m not human?” Hallie gasped.
“What are you talking about? What would make you say that?” Rev asked, wondering where the hell his mother was going with this and wondering if she spiked her coffee this morning.
“I’m not joking. Come here,” she demanded.
“Okay.” Rev would play along until he figured out what it was his mom was up to.
“Smell her. Right here on your mating mark,” Kitty said and stepped out of the way.
“That’s … odd.” Rev twisted his head and looked at his mom. “I don’t understand.”
“What’s going on?” Hallie asked.