Page 118 of Echo and the Homicidal Sea Panda

“Will do and the same goes for you,” Echo said.

Tatum offered a little wave and left the hall just as Mael’s mother walked over to them.

“I think an apology for my actions are due,” she said to Echo.

“I heard what you said. That was enough apology for me,” Echo replied.

She smiled. “What I say in private is a bit more in-depth.” She took Echo’s hand. “With a little help from my daughter, I realized my error in thinking. I can now see how Mael looks at you and the happiness in his eyes. You’ve given my son back to me, not the empty shell I’ve had the last eighteen years. Thank you for that.”

Echo smiled sliding his arm through Mael’s. “You gave him to me. I’d say we’re square.”

She smiled. Slowly, she turned her gaze. “Maelstrom…” She paused, trying to control herself, it seemed. Tempest’s words about her mask were either an utter lie, or Echo had only seen her at her most extreme. “You saved my life two decades ago and how did I repay you? I tried to stand between you and your happiness. I’m so sorry for that. I hope you can forgive me, my darling.”

“I knew it wouldn’t be easy to learn a dolphin was joining the family,” Mael said. “I expected pushback. I'm just glad we got to acceptance sooner than later."

“I love you, Mael,” she murmured.

Mael let go of Echo to hug his mother. “I love you, too.”

When they let go, she let out a sigh. “Well, there are a few other odds and ends we need to clear up.” She smiled at Mael. “You’re fired. Effective immediately.”

“Excuseme?” Mael asked, brows knitting together.

“Your sister is our new sheriff,” the matriarch continued. “You’re no longer needed.”

Mael’s jaw opened, his frown deepening. “Mom? I’m soon to have two children to support.”

She chuckled. “I’d like to offer you a position on a new orca council. One of your roles will be to assist me in the discussions with the dolphins and helping to craft a new treaty if we reach that point. I also think you moving here to Dolphin Bay in the near future might not be a bad idea. From what I hear you spend most of your time at Echo’s these days anyway. You can help be a liaison of sorts and have a presence here. Mix with the natives.” She grinned. “I was also hoping you might lead the study and preservation of our new historical landmark that currently resides inourwaters.”

“I know nothing about studying and preserving a landmark,” Mael argued.

“I just need you to oversee things and ensure our lands and waters are respected. We have an archeological team consisting of a mix of marine shifters coming to work the site. You’ll be their point of contact here in the pod, oversee larger work, and regularly check in on them. Ensure they’re working diligently to preserve this treasure.” She turned to Echo. “We’d love to have you on the team, as well.”

“Me?”Echo asked.

“You’re a marine scientist, are you not? Lab trained with a doctorate?”

“I’m a marine biologist,” Echo argued. “Not a marine archeologist.”

“You’re the one who found this magical place. Do you not want to play a role in its analysis?”

Echo grinned. “Of course I do.” He turned to Mael. “Maybe I can get a sample of that blue material and get it under a microscope. I was so out of it from my heat, I didn’t even think about it—though, I don’t know if I had anything on me to collect a proper sample even if I’d been coherent.”

“Out of it from your heat?” she asked.

“The treasure you want us to help preserve?” Mael asked. He rubbed Echo’s belly. “Might also be where your grandchildren were conceived.”

She lifted her hand. “I know we’ve always been close and can talk about many things, but I do not need to know the intimate details of your mate’s impregnation.” She shivered. “I will not see my little boy in that way. My grandchildren were conceived via immaculate conception, and there’s nothing you can tell me that will change my mind.”

“I now see where Tempest gets her charm,” Echo said to Mael.

“Did someone call me?” Tempest asked, wrapping an arm around her mother’s shoulder.

“No one ever calls you. You simply show up and worm your way in. That’s your superpower,” the Matriarch said.

“Harsh,” Tempest said.

“What did you think of Mom’s speech? I wrote most of it,” Tempest said.

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