Candy nodded. “I’m glad you understand. I was a bit worried about what you would all think.”

“Well, I do understand and it doesn’t matter what we think. It only matters what you and Torrent think and feel.” She paused. “My mate respected and loved me all the more in the end and so will Torrent. I’ve never seen the boy smitten.” She shook her head. “Of all the boys, I never expected him to fall the hardest.”

“Tide and Storm don’t have mates yet.”

“There is no way they’re beating that boy.” She squeezed Candy’s hands in both of hers. “He really does love you.”

“I know.”

“Don’t do that. I can see the guilt. You take the next step when you are ready. He’ll wait for you.”

Candy nodded. “Thank you.”

They said goodnight and Candy went back inside. The atmosphere was tense. Or, at least Torrent was tense. The others were laughing.

“Stop,” he said, his voice had a hard edge. He shifted on his feet, his abs were so ripped. His chest broad.

They all stood by the fire. Except for Sky who was sitting on the nearby sofa.

“You should take your female home now,” Tide said. He took a big swig of his whiskey and chuckled. “Oh yes, I forgot, she’s your friend.”

Storm laughed before turning serious. His mouth twitched. “What’s it like anyway, having a female that’s a friend?”

“Stop your shit,” Torrent spoke under his breath. “She’ll be back any minute and you’ll embarrass her.” He glanced towards the door. His eyes widened as they landed on her. “Hi… you’re back. Can I get you anything? My brothers were about to leave.”

So they were all giving him grief about the fact that they hadn’t actually mated.

“We’re not going anywhere.” Tide swirled his drink. “We were just talking about—”

“Nothing.” Torrent narrowed his eyes on his brother.

“Uh oh.” Sky rolled her eyes. “I can see where this is going.” She locked eyes with Candy and pulled a face. “They’re about to fight. It won’t take long and they’ll be beating the scales off of one another.”

“There will be no fighting.” Torrent folded his arms across his chest. “My female might get hurt.”

“Except, she isn’t your female.” Storm smirked.

“She’s your friend.” Tide choked out a laugh. “There was no sealing of any deal.”

“Should I get some of those human pills for you?” Storm asked. “The ones that…” He pointed to his… man part.

“I don’t need any goddamned pills. Shut up already.”

“Yeah, because then he’d have a hard dick and a best friend. How awkward would that be?” Tide took a sip of his whiskey, smacking his lips.