"Please refrain from calling my bride names," Juke said, drawing Dale closer and a little way behind him. The protective gesture sent warmth blooming through Dale's chest, his stomach doing a strange flip as he gazed at Juke with new eyes. Despite everything, Juke cared about him, about his feelings.
Juke's father tilted his head to the side as if he didn't hear properly and wanted it repeated. "Your, what...you say?" Each word dripped with venom.
"You heard me, we are mated." Juke's chin lifted in defiance.
"I don't believe you," Juke's father snarled. He turned on Dale with frightening speed, grabbed the sleeve of the ski jacket Kirk had loaned him for the trip, and ripped it clean off. The sound of tearing fabric echoed in Dale's ears as the sleeve of the sweater and dress shirt underneath went with it.
Dale's half sleeve ink was suddenly on display for everyone to see, and he he
