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They were entering the new reality as soon as they saw that other male

As they came up to the library doors, both sides were closed and V knocked once When Marissa answered, the Brother opened things up … and Mary found herself blinking a lot and staring at the floor

And then somehow, she was in the roo and first editions on the shelves … and nicely arranged furniture … even a plate of cookies and soh No hand-wrapped presents No Bing Crosby playing

And there he was

Her first impression of Bitty’s uncle was that he was just as nervous as they were His foot was tapping and his arms were crossed over his chest and his eyes bounced back and forth between her and Rhage

Her second thought was that he was big Much bigger than she would have iiven Bitty’s size and Annalye’s relatively delicate build In his clean blue jeans and red and blue flannel shirt, he took up almost all of the sofa he was on, and not because he was fat He was covered in muscle, clearly a field worker of some kind

His hair was dark, just like Bitty’s His eyes were soe’s Face was … yes, there were clear echoes of Bitty’s features there

Marissa stood up fro to ot to his feet, and yup, he was very tall And he wiped his palhs repeatedly as nae--which was a measure of respect and showed an awareness of vae were mated, it would have been entirely inappropriate for Ruhn to touch her without express invitation by either her or her hellren

"Sire," he said in a low, soft voice

Rhage reached out, and as they shook, Ruhn bowed deeply

Then he turned to her and did the salanced at Rhage His face was reression … as sad with unhappiness

"Perhaps we should all sit down and get co various chairs and sofas "Tea, anyone?"

The fe back on her finely bredthe silence as Mary nodded about the offer of Earl Grey because she needed so in the far corner, apresence that was a reminder that the rest of the house was e rescheduled just so they could have this neutral space He alone was here on guard

But you know, he was h to feel safe--

Except abruptly Mary noticed a figure outside on the back terrace Z, going by the skull trim And … wait, was that--yes, that was Butch at anotheron the other side

Undoubtedly, otherunseen--and she drew strength froe

"So we all knoe’re here" Marissa leaned forith an ad a full teacup to Mary "Perhaps someone would like to say what’s on their mind"