Page 119 of Echo and the Homicidal Sea Panda

“You did not,” their mother said.

“Did, too,” Tempest said. “And I’m the one who suggested bringing the photos to save the day.”

“You did do that,” their mother said. She turned to Echo. “Are you really sure you want to join this chaotic family?”

“I don’t think I have much of a choice now,” Echo replied, grinning.

“Well then… Welcome to our family, Echo.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Marino. Or am I to call you Matriarch?”

“Call me Amiria.” She smiled down at Echo. “Or better yet, Mom.”

“Alright then,” Echo replied. “Mom.”

She chuckled. “You fell into my trap.”

Echo frowned.“What?”

“If I’m Mom, I get to rub the belly.”

Echo shook his head and lifted his shirt.

“Awwww.”Amiria nearly squealed, her smile broad. She pressed both palms to Echo’s swell. “My first grandbabies.”

“That you know of,” Tempest said, one corner of her lips rising into a lopsided grin.

“Keep it up and I’ll pick another matriarch to follow in my footsteps,” Amiria said.

“Please do,” Tempest said. “If I knew it was that easy to get out of, I’d have been a bigger pain in the ass a long time ago.” She did a fist pump. “Nothing better than sloughing off a major responsibility and dumping it on someone else.”

Amiria shook her head. “You’re not dumpinganything,Princess.”

Tempest’s smile evaporated. “Way to get a girl’s hopes up.”

“Well, we should get back to the island,” Amiria said. She searched the handful of people left in the hall. “Where has Havoc disappeared to?”

Echo looked around. “Hmm… I wonder whereDiegohas disappeared to?”

Tempest and Maelstrom fought laughter.

“What’s so funny?” Amiria asked, searching all three of their faces. “What am I missing?”

Echo shrugged when she pegged him with her gaze.

“Let’s just say that it’s a good thing you accepted Echo… because you might be getting another dolphin son-in-law,” Tempest said.

“Who?”

“Find Havoc and you just might find out,” Tempest replied.

Amiria shook her head. “I’m done with this place today. If you’re not in the car in five, find another way home.” She kissed Mael’s cheek and then Echo’s. “Take good care of my grandbabies.”

“I plan to,” Mael said. “Themandmy mate.”

Echo leaned against Mael.

“Ready to go home? Or back to the boat? Wherever you feel safer,” Mael said.

---