Robin, page 11
“We’re having problems with Miko’s grandparents,” Robin explained.
The alpha frowned. “I’m not sure I understand. Oh, and Miko, please call me at Gal. You’re part of the family, now that Robin is.”
With a start, Miko realized that was true. Robin wasn’t officially a pride member yet, but Miko knew the alpha—Gal—had been putting everything together to make that happen. Since they were bonded, it meant Miko would be right there with him because they were a package deal.
That made him feel better. Even if he and Robin were unable to do something on their own, they had the strength and weight of the pride behind them. Miko had never had much to do with the pride, but he was friends with enough pride members to know that Gal was a good alpha and that he wouldn’t abandon them.
“To make a long story short,” Robin said, “Years ago, they tried to get Miko’s father to go through with an arranged marriage, but he’d met his mate, so he refused and left. They were angry and refused to talk to him for the next twenty years, but they contacted Miko a few weeks ago. They said they wanted to get to know him, so we went to visit. But once we were there, they insulted the way he looked and told him that they’d arranged a marriage for him. Even though we told them we’re mates, it didn’t stop them, and Miko’s grandfather apparently petitioned the council. He told them that Miko’s unable to take care of himself and that his parents can’t help him, either. He wants to become Miko’s guardian and seems convinced that the council will go with whatever he wants.”
Gal blinked as if he wasn’t quite sure what to think of all of that.
Miko couldn’t blame him, because he wasn’t, either.
“You’re telling me they think they can become Miko’s guardians?” Gal asked.
“Yes, and I wouldn’t put it past them to manage that. They’re rich, Gal. From what Miko’s grandfather said, they’re also influential and know a lot of people.”
“I have no doubt that’s true. Rich people tend to believe they’ll always get what they want.”
“That’s the case here. Miko’s grandfather wants Miko, and he believes everyone will fall over themselves to hand him over.”
“Does he know about you? You said you visited, but what did you tell him about your relationship?”
“The truth,” Miko intervened. “Once he told me what he had planned for me, I told him that Robin was my mate and that I wasn’t leaving him. He’s aware of the bond, although he doesn’t know yet that Robin and I have bonded.”
Gal broke into a real smile. “You have? Congratulations.”
Miko found himself smiling, too, even though he was terrified. “Thank you. Just in case, we wanted to have one more line of defense against him.”
“I can understand that. I think this will help and that you weren’t wrong to bond. Considering the laws, even if you did need a guardian, I doubt the council would choose your grandfather. You have a mate, and you’re bonded to him. The law is clear on mate bonds, which means that unless Robin is unable or unwilling to take care of you, he’d be the first person to be appointed as your guardian. I’m not sure what your grandfather thinks he’s going to get, but I doubt it’ll be what he wants.” Gal reached for his phone on the desk. “Just to be sure, let me make a few phone calls. You can stay here, since this involves you. That way, you’ll know what’s happening.”
Miko leaned back in the chair, not relaxed but hopeful. He had no idea what his grandfather had been thinking, or rather, he knew what the man had been thinking and that he fully expected to be awarded everything he wanted. From the looks of it, he’d have a fight on his hands, and that was what allowed Miko to feel better. He wasn’t alone in this. He didn’t just have his parents. He had an entire pride at his back, and it was clear Gal was ready to fight for him.
“All right?” Robin asked in a whisper.
Miko sucked in a breath. “Better now. I’m not sure I’ll fully be all right until all of this is over.”
Robin nodded. “But it’ll be over soon, and when it is, your grandfather will be nothing but a bad memory.”
Miko couldn’t wait until that happened. He wished he’d never agreed to meet his grandparents, but unfortunately, he had, and now he had to deal with the consequences of that.
* * * *
Robin needed to be strong for Miko, even though inside, he wanted to scream. He’d seen how shocked and panicky Miko was, which was the only reason he’d taken charge. He normally wouldn’t have. That wasn’t the kind of person he was, and he’d accepted that a long time ago. He preferred to have people make decisions for him, especially when they were big ones. But Miko’s eyes had been wide and he was still pale, and Robin wanted nothing more than to wrap him in his arms and tell him everything would be all right.
The problem was that he couldn’t be a hundred percent sure that it would. He never wanted to lie to Miko, which was why he hadn’t said it. He was tempted to if it helped Miko relax, though.
“Remember everything you have going for you,” he said instead, keeping his voice soft so he wouldn’t bother Gal, who was on the phone. “You’re an adult. You’re nineteen, which means no one has a right to make decisions for you or to become your guardian.”
“Sometimes it happens,” Miko whispered.
“For good reasons. But none of those reasons apply to you. You don’t need a guardian. You just need to be left alone, and once your grandfather is told that he needs to stop being an idiot, he’ll do it.”
“I don’t know. He likes control, and he’s still pissed that he lost my father. He’s trying to make up for that, and I think he won’t stop until he gets what he wants.”
Robin extended his hand, taking one of Miko’s in it. “Well, he can rant and bitch all he wants, but I’m not letting you go. I’m your mate, and we’re bonded. Even he will have to bow in front of that.” Or at least, Robin hoped so. He had no idea what kind of people Miko’s grandfather knew, though, or what he might be able to do. He prayed that having the pride’s support would help. The two of them alone would have had trouble with all of this. With Gal and everyone else helping them, Robin was confident they’d get out of this without a hitch.
Miko nodded, but Robin could see something was still on his mind. He didn’t blame him, and he waited for him to decide whether or not he should say that out loud. Whatever he decided, Robin would support him. But he wouldn’t be able to help Miko if he didn’t tell him what was wrong.
“You think they’re right?” Miko said eventually.
“About what? Because I’m not letting you go so you can marry a woman they chose for you.”
Miko chuckled and shook his head. “Not that. I meant with the blue hair and stuff. You think they’re right and that I’m ruining my body?”
Robin couldn’t let Miko think his grandparents were right about anything, not even this. He got to his feet and moved in front of Miko, crouching so they could look each other in the eyes. He pressed both his hands onto Miko’s thighs and waited for Miko to look at him. Once he did, Robin smiled.
“Do you like your hair?” he asked.
Miko blinked. “Of course.”
“And your makeup?”
“Yeah, I like both. And I know what you’re trying to say.”
“Do you? Why don’t you tell me?”
Miko rolled his eyes, but he went along with it. “I can look any way I want as long as I’m happy with it. This is my body, and I’m the only one who should make decisions about it.”
“Exactly. I’d never dye my hair blue, but then I’m boring. It suits you, and if you like it, then continue doing so. I only want you to be happy, and if that means blue hair and makeup, then so be it. To be honest, I like both of them, especially the way you do your eyes. They look huge when you use that black stuff around them.”
Miko wrapped his arms around Robin’s shoulders and clung to him. Robin almost fell backward, but he grabbed the chair, then leaned against Miko so they could take each other’s weight.
That was how they should do things. They balanced each other, and they had to remember they weren’t alone. They never would be now they were bonded.
I love you, Robin told Miko through their bond.
He couldn’t see Miko’s face since it was buried against his neck, but he could feel Miko smile. I love you, too, Miko said, still using the bond.
When Robin leaned back, Miko felt a bit calmer. Robin could feel he was still agitated, but he didn’t blame Miko for it. That feeling would fade, too, eventually, but probably not before they dealt with Miko’s grandfather.
And they would. Robin was convinced of that.
“They’re doing what?” Whoever Gal was on the phone with asked so loudly that even Robin could hear it.
Gal winced, lowered his phone for a moment, then raised it again. “Are you done trying to blow up my eardrums?”
Robin didn’t hear the next answer, but seconds later, a man appeared in the middle of Gal’s office. Robin blinked at him, wondering who he was. He was certain he’d never met the guy because he’d have remembered him.
For one, this man had pink hair. It stuck up all around his head, almost as if he’d been running his fingers through it for a few hours already. Either that or he’d just had a tumble between the sheets, which Robin supposed was possible.
The man also supported many tattoos, and Robin found himself cocking his head so he could get a better look at some of them. He could see vines, leaves, and many other colorful elements.
The man put his hands on his hips and looked at Miko. “What’s your grandfather trying to do?” he asked.
“Become my guardian. No offense, but who are you?”
Robin had been asking himself the same question, so he was glad Miko had asked. The only clue he had was that the man was a Nix, but that didn’t tell him anything.
The man opened his arms wide. “Why, it is I, Nysys.”
Robin and Miko stared.
Nysys frowned. He lowered his arms and crossed them over his chest. “You don’t know my name?”
“I’ve never heard it,” Robin said.
“I think I have, but I can’t remember where,” Miko answered.
Nysys sighed. “I suppose you’re too young, which makes me feel way too old, and I don’t like that. I’ll need to find my mate and show him how young and virile I am as soon as this is over.”
“Nysys,” Gal said.
He sounded tired, which wasn’t surprising if he had to deal with this guy every day. Robin didn’t think he did, because he’d never seen Nysys around pride territory, but he might not know everything that happened in the house.
“Sorry, honey bear.” Nysys ignored Gal’s glare and turned his attention back to Miko. “I’m the Nix council member.”
Robin could only stare. He’d never really looked into the council members because it didn’t involve him. He was human and hadn’t thought he’d ever have to deal with the council. He might recognize a few members from seeing them on the news, but that was about it.
He couldn’t say he’d expected a council member to look like Nysys. He’d thought they’d all be older, serious, maybe acting as if they were owed everything. Nysys seemed like a good person, though. More importantly, Robin suspected Miko could see himself in Nysys, at least a bit. Nysys’s hair was pink, and he’d lined his eyes with the same black stuff Miko used. They almost looked like siblings, and Robin hoped that would be a good thing and that Nysys was here to help them.
* * * *
Miko was in awe. He should have recognized Nysys, but even though the council represented him, he’d never looked into its members. He clearly should have, because if he had, he’d have had a new hero.
Nysys was awesome.
“So, what was Gal telling me?” Nysys asked as he hopped onto the desk.
Gal glared at him, then moved some files to the side so Nysys wouldn’t push them to the floor. Nysys didn’t even seem to notice. He was entirely focused on Miko, which was unnerving, yet at the same time, pleasing.
Miko cleared his throat. “My grandparents want to become my guardians just because I didn’t want to marry the person they chose for me,” he explained.
“Did you tell them to fuck off?”
Miko almost laughed. “I’m pretty sure I did when I yelled at them that I wouldn’t be going along with whatever they’d planned.”
“Good man. I’m not sure what they think they’re going to obtain. Gal said they petitioned the council?”
“That’s what my grandfather said.”
“Okay, so they want to become your guardians just because you’re not going along with the arranged marriage thing. You’re over eighteen, right?”
“I’m nineteen,” Miko confirmed.
Nysys clapped his hands, making everyone else in the room jump. “Then that’s it. They can’t become your guardians because you don’t need one. You’re an adult, and you can do whatever you want, including not marrying whoever they picked for you.”
“We’re worried because Miko’s grandfather is rich and has friends in high places,” Robin said. “If it were anyone else, we doubt he’d have even a chance at getting what he wants, but him?”
“And you are?” Nysys asked.
“Robin. I’m Miko’s mate.”
Nysys’s eyes widened. “How adorable. Are you bonded yet?”
“We are.”
Nysys started to clap his hands again, but Gal slapped his arm, stopping him. Nysys pouted, but when he turned his attention back to Miko and Robin, his expression was more serious. “With the two of you bonded, there’s absolutely no way your grandparents will get custody of you,” he said. “Even if there was a reason for them to become your guardians, which I’m pretty sure there isn’t, they wouldn’t be allowed to do so when you have a mate, especially since you’re bonded. I don’t want you to worry about any of this. It doesn’t matter who they know or how many bank accounts they have. The mate laws were created for a reason.”
“So you don’t think they’ll win this?”
“Not with me on the council. As their representative, I am ashamed to claim them as Nix. Most of the council members are my friends, and I know and trust them. They’d never say yes to this, but if they did, I’d intervene, which I have every intention of doing. I want your grandfather to explain to me what he thinks is happening here and then to give him a slam down he’ll remember for the rest of his life.”
Miko was almost giddy. “You’ll do that?”
“Hell yes, I will. Look, now that he petitioned the council, we’ll probably have to listen to what he has to say. We don’t hear all cases, but most of them, and depending on who he contacted about this, we won’t be able to ignore him. But I don’t want you to worry. As long as I’m on the council, your grandparents won’t ever get to you.” He wiggled his eyebrows. “But I do hope your mate will.”
Miko laughed, while Robin’s cheeks turned so red that he’d have been able to cook an egg on them.
Miko really liked Nysys.
“Seriously, don’t worry about it,” Nysys continued. “Just go on with your life, and go without hesitation when you get the summons to see the council. I’m sorry to say you’ll have to face your grandfather, but maybe it won’t be a bad thing. Maybe you need to tell him to his face how much of an asshole he is. I certainly plan to.”
“Thank you,” Miko said.
He was overwhelmed with gratitude and wasn’t sure who to start thanking first. Robin had put all of this in motion, but Gal had been the one to bring Nysys in, and Nysys didn’t have to reassure Miko like he had. These three men made Miko feel better, and whatever happened next, it wouldn’t be that much of a disaster.
He hoped he wouldn’t be wrong about that.
Nysys hopped off the desk, stepped away, and clapped his hands again, grinning like a loon when Gal rolled his eyes. “Well, I have to go back to my mate and what we were doing before I got Gal’s phone call. Don’t you worry about anything, Miko. I have your back, and I won’t let your grandparents touch you in any way, shape, or form.”
And Miko believed him.
Nysys shimmered away, leaving Robin and Miko alone with Gal.
Gal sighed, looking tired. “I know he’s a lot, but he’s a great person to have on your side. He meant everything he said. If he tells you he’s going to fight for you, then he will. People tend to underestimate him and the kind of damage he can do because of how he looks and behaves, but there isn’t a better person.”
“Thank you for calling him,” Miko said.
“Like I said before, you’re family, and I’ll do everything I can to make sure nothing happens to you that you don’t want. Now that you’re reassured, I’m sure you want to tell your parents about what happened.”
Robin groaned, and Miko remembered that they’d been about to go visit his parents before all of this happened. Maybe now wasn’t the best moment for Robin to meet them, or maybe it was. Either way, it was about to happen, and that was that.
Miko got to his feet. “We better go. They’ll freak out once they find out about this.”
“You’re right. We need to tell them what happened,” Robin said. He didn’t look enthusiastic, but then Miko supposed there were better ways to meet his new in-laws. Doing so in this situation couldn’t be easy, but Miko had faith that his parents and Robin would get along.
They had to.
They said goodbye to Gal and left the office. Miko wanted to go right away, but instead, he led the way to Robin’s bedroom. Before they left, he needed a few minutes alone with his mate to wrap his mind around what had just happened and convince himself that he wasn’t about to be taken from his life and everyone he loved.
No matter what Nysys said, Miko was anxious. He suspected he’d feel that way until the council confirmed that Miko’s grandparents had no rights over him and told him to fuck off.
Although he supposed they wouldn’t say it in those words, but he wished they would. He desperately wanted someone to tell his grandfather to fuck off. Doing it himself was satisfying, but not as much as seeing the council do it would be.
