Page 67 of Echo and the Homicidal Sea Panda

“No,it’s not,” Echo said, emphatic.

Mael scoffed and returned to work, refusing to answer.

“How much did all the supplies cost?” Echo yelled up to the twins.

The twins eyed him. Then Mael. And then him again.

“It’s paid for,” Storm said.

Echo sighed. “When you’re done, I want a bill. Supplies, time, and labor.”

Storm snorted.“No.”

“This isn’t right. You deserve to be paid,” Echo said. He whipped to look at Mael. “Please.”

Mael leaned closer. “It’s. Paid. For.” He pressed his lips to Echo’s and returned to work.

Echo wanted to argue, but he sensed he was no match for three stubborn alpha orcas. He’d figure out a way to repay them, come hell or high water. “How about I go pick up some pizzas and beer while you finish up? It’sthe leastI could do.”

“Sounds good to me,” Rav said.

Storm eyed Mael, who nodded. He looked over his shoulder at Echo. “We’d love that, thanks.”

“You had to get Mael’spermissionfirst?” Echo asked, lifting a brow.

“I’m not dumb. I know he wants you to himself tonight,” Storm said. “I’m not getting my head chewed off tomorrow for getting in his way.”

“I wouldnotchew your head off after all your help today,” Mael said.

“Uh-huh,”Storm said.

Echo had to smile at the brothers. All of Mael’s siblings seem to genuinely care for him, and that said a lot about the man. The fact the two of them had been willing to come out and help build Echo’s stairs said even more.

“Are there any requests for the pizza or beer?” Echo asked.

“A lot of meat. A lot of cheese. Extra anchovies. No pineapple. And anything that’s not Budweiser or the same piss yellow for the beer,” Ravage said.

Storm and Mael nodded their agreement.

“I’ve never fed three hungry alpha orcas. How many pizzas should I get?”

“Six large… and however much you’ll eat,” Mael suggested. “Wouldn’t hurt to get one more just in case. We’ve worked up an appetite today.”

Echo’s eyes widened for a brief second.“Okay… eight pizzas coming right up.” He turned to go before spinning to eye Mael. “Where’s Tilly?”

“Upstairs in your bedroom with the door closed,” Mael said. “I brought her food, water, and litter box up there, and they’re in your bathroom. We’ve checked on her a few times today. She’s not exactly happy, but she’s fine.”

Echo sighed with relief. He was also touched that Mael had taken care of his little furball and kept her safe.“Thank you.”

Mael leaned in for another kiss. A kiss that lingered a little longer than expected. Not that Echo was disappointed by that.

“Get a room,”one of the twins said, their tone filled with humor.

Echo’s face warmed. He smiled at Mael. “That’s the second time a Marino has told us that. I’m starting to get a complex.”

Mael kissed him softly, biting his lower lip as they parted. “They’re just jealous.”

Heat washed over Echo from the look in Mael’s eyes. The sound of a hammer dragged him from his naughty thoughts. He took a step back from Mael before he did something stupid.

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