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feelings were real, or if they were something fabricated by the mating
bond. Maybe it went beyond that, and it had something to do with the
potion the elders gave them.
Either way, they were stuck together for at least the next four
years. He couldn t go anywhere if he wanted to which meant there
was no reason for Whitley s insecurities.
No, he wasn t being fair. Whitley knew what would happen if
they were separated for any length of time before the next gathering.
He was just scared that Jude would leave him to go feral.
Jude knew exactly what happened to paranormals who went feral.
First came the pain, then the sickness, and finally the delirium until
they were left as snarling, screaming, writhing mockeries of
themselves.
The execution sentence handed down by the elders to those who
had gone feral was a blessing. The probability of bringing someone
out of that hell was so minimal it was more merciful to just end their
suffering.
 Hey, Whitley said quietly.  Are you okay? Did I say something
wrong?
Jude shook himself out of his depressing thoughts and plastered a
smile on his face for his mate.  No, Whit. I m fine. Let s go so I can
meet your parents.
* * * *
 Whitley! his mother sang.  I ve missed you, dear. How was
your trip to Scotland?
Whitley kissed both of his mother s cheeks as was expected of
him. Her falsely cheery attitude was already grating on his nerves, but
he didn t want to scare Jude off the minute the man got out of the car.
So, he kept his opinions to himself and turned to introduce his new
mate.
 Mother, this is my mate, Jude Chambers. Jude, this is 
40 Gabrielle Evans
 Please, call me Elaina. She held her hand out daintily as she
looked Jude up and down suspiciously. Was it Whitley s imagination,
or had her face paled just a bit?  My, you are a big one, aren t you?
Jude took it all in stride with a big smile on his face as he took her
hand and brought it to his lips.  It s a pleasure to meet you, Elaina.
 When Whitley said he was bringing a mate home, I didn t expect
someone so& 
 Tall? Jude asked jokingly.
 Attractive, Elaina deadpanned.
Whitley saw Jude flinch and the way his mouth gaped open
momentarily before he could hide his shock. He d heard it all of his
life, though, so it barely fazed him. He d known Jude was too good
for him the minute he d laid eyes on the man. If Melody hadn t
deceived them, it was unlikely Jude would have even given him a
second glance.
 Well, thank you, but I must say I m envious of your son. I m a
pretty face, but he s the total package. You must be very proud.
 Oh, well, that s sweet of you, dear. Elaina s eyes darted to
Whitley, but there was little more than disappointment there.
 Whitley, don t slouch, and what on earth are you wearing? She
plucked at his plaid shirt and wrinkled her nose.  You ll change
before dinner.
Whitley ducked his head, embarrassed by the way his mother was
treating him in front of Jude. What was he supposed to do, though? It
was his mother, and no matter her faults, he loved her. Besides, if he
disrespected his mother, he had his father to deal with. And he made it
a point to never deal with his father.  Yes, Mother.
Elaina sniffed haughtily and gave him something that was
probably supposed to be a smile before she turned back to Jude.  I m
sorry that my husband isn t here to meet you. I m afraid he s been
called away on important business.
 Understandable. I hear that he s a very busy man. I m sure we ll
meet soon. Jude s smile was still in place, though it was looking a
Splash and Elegance 41
little strained. Of course, Elaina was so lost in her little world, she
didn t notice anything amiss.
Things were going exactly how Whitley knew they would. The
only thing that could have made it worse was the presence of the male
members of his family.  Where s Ashley?
 You have a sister? Jude arched an eyebrow, but looked nothing
more than curious.
 My brother, Whitley answered quickly before his mother could
say something snotty. Why she d insisted on giving them feminine
names and then getting indignant when people mistakenly assumed
they were girls was beyond him.
 He s around here somewhere. Elaina turned and strode toward
the front door, obviously confident they d follow.
Whitley gave Jude an apologetic smile and motioned for the man
to precede him. It wouldn t do any good to argue with his mother. The
woman always got what she wanted. He just wished he knew what
she wanted now.
 Ah, the prodigal son has returned.
Whitley groaned as he stepped into the foyer and was immediately
greeted by the sound of his brother s snide voice. Could things get
any worse? Jude was probably already planning his escape. [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

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