Summer of the Beast by Trinity Blacio

your family?”
    Mr. Rae narrowed his gaze on him. “No, and you'd better explain better than that.”
    Frank glanced around. “Maybe we should take this inside? I really don't like having Whitnee out here in the open right now.”
    “For Pete's sake, Dad, they saved me,” Whitnee whined.
    “Don't start with that mouth, young lady. Follow me, Mr. Stein.” He turned and made his way up to the house.
    “I don't think so,” Whitnee mumbled under her breath.
    Cruse leaned down and stared down at her. “Your father might not spank you, but I sure will later.”
    Whitnee glared at him. “And who the hell do you think you are? Remember, I'm a tiny human and I could get hurt.” She threw a look at him and tried to follow her father.
    Frank pulled her back into his arms. “Whitnee, enough. We'll explain later, but right now we need to settle your parents and get somewhere safe.” He turned her around, pushing her towards the door and swatting her ass. “Whitnee, you have a fine ass to swat.”
    “It's my ass, so hands off.” She stomped up the stairs and into the house. “Men!” She snarled when she went past her father.
    A small black-haired boy ran to her and jumped in her arms. “Mommy!” His small arms wrapped around her neck.
    “Have you been a good boy?” Whitnee kissed his cheeks and laughed as he squirmed to get down, seeing Frank.
    “He's big. Who is he?” Andrew held onto her hand as she turned to him.
    “Andrew, this is Mr. Stein. We're going to be staying with him and his friends for the next few days. Frank, this is my son, Andrew.”
    Frank kneeled down in front of the boy and held out his hand. At first Andrew just stared at him, then slowly put his hand in his. “It's a pleasure to meet you, little warrior.” Gently, Frank shook the little guy's hand.
    He turned when a woman built like Whitnee came into the room. “Whitnee Rae, what are you wearing?”
    Whitnee rolled her eyes and shook her head. “Mom, I didn't have time to get new clothes, okay? Frank loaned me one of his shirts so I wouldn't have to stroll around naked, since my other clothes were torn up and dirty. Now, let's sit down and I'll tell you what happened.” Whitnee turned to her father. “And please hear me out before you go crazy.”
    “I'll hold my peace and I won't go wild.” He frowned at his daughter while she sat down, scooping Andrew in her lap.
    “Please, Frank, Cruse, Dana, Theodore, please sit.” Whitnee waited till everyone sat and she turned to her mom. “Marci and Allie took me out last night. Well, it was more of a booty call than anything.” She covered Andrew's ears. “Anyway, the man they picked for me happened to be Alfred Grant. No, I didn't know who the hell he was before you even ask Dad.” She sighed and glanced behind her.
    Mr. Rae shook his head. “Go on.”
    “I don't know how, but he knew I'm a witch and decided he was going to keep me. In his words, he was going to change me and mate with me so he could use my powers against Frank in the upcoming challenge. I tried to get away, but I couldn't. My magic wouldn't work. He bit me and thought I would be out for a while, so he left me alone. That's when I escaped, but four of his men tracked me to the subway. That's when Frank and his men found me. They helped me escape, Momma, and they helped me through the change.”
    “Oh baby, I'm so sorry. See, that's why you should just use your toys. They don't lead you anywhere and you can control them.” Her mother patted her arm.
    “Mom, please!” Whitnee rolled her eyes. Her face turned a pale pink and she glanced at Frank.
    Andrew squirmed in her arms. “Mommy, you have toys too? Can I play with them?”
    “See what you started? Yes, Mommy has toys, but they're adult toys, Andrew, not for little kids.” She groaned and buried her face into Andrew's head.
    Mr. Rae held out his hand. “Thank you for saving our baby. Please call me Bran. Are you really going to challenge Alfred? You know