(MxM)Tales Of A Shifter (P2) - The Clan Celebration

Chapter 27 - Bewitched By You

Chapter 27

After that Brandon soon found himself separated from Ezekiel's side, as he spent most of the afternoon and evening with Glen and Mantilo.

While in the Leopards Mansion, and living with Ezekiel's family....it was obvious to see the deference, and love....and adoration that Ezekiel and his brothers held for their father and mother.

The brothers craved their guidance and leadership....and because Mantilo and Glen were good parents they gave it to them with full and open hearts.

But as the night wore on Brandon was surprised to realize that the same devotion and openness that Mantilo and Glen showed their sons extended out wards to each of the Leopards in their Clan. Every Shifter that came up to speak with them...or to speak with Brandon gave them all of their attention or their respect. None of them made direct eye contact with Mantilo for long...or spoke in a brash or negative tone.

And even though there was a definite air of distance and dominance around Glen and Mantilo.....each and every Shifter that Brandon saw Mantilo touch, or Glen smile at, seemed to gravitate to them.

 The Shifters eyes and their body's radiated trust and clear esteem. It was heady to watch the powerful pair work and for the first time the word "Clan Head" hit home.

Queen, King and Princes....I've seriously been living with freaking royalty haven't I?

Brandon sighed to himself as he finally managed to slip away from Ezekiels parents, and all of the curious Shifters and find himself a spot just on the edge of the lawn. A shadow brushed against him and suddenly Brandon was sitting next to Ezekiel.

"What....is the guest of honor doing sitting in the cut all alone?" Ezekiel grunted and smiled softly as he sidled up to Brandon's side. His hair was still slicked back and a charming smirk touched his lips as he settled down.

Brandon felt his entire being grow still and calm in his presence....as only Ezekiel made him. Brandon took a deep breath and released it before he replied to him. "I just needed a moment. There were so many people bum-rushing me and talking....." Brandon told him.

"What about your arm....is it hurting you at all? Its been a few days..." Ezekiel suddenly inquired taping the side of Brandon's arm indicating the cut he had received to his shoulder a few nights ago.

The wound had in fact healed into a tiny scar, completely against his will, and only seconds after Brandon had locked himself into his bed room. "It was a superficial wound. No pain." Brandon forced himself to reply as he shook his head and looked away from Ezekiel and out across the Celebration.

The air thrummed with life, but beyond this was the pure levity on the faces of the people that passed him by. They were content. Ezekiel's people were happy here. Releasing a content sigh, feeling Ezekiel's eyes on his face Brandon smiled and turned back to him asking. "

How does your mother and father do it? Everyone seems to love them....or at least respect them? They have the hearts of the people so to speak."

With a soft smile of his own Ezekiel stretched back on the seat. "More than anything....they strive for the welfare of our people." Ezekiel began in a serious tone that made Brandon turn towards him. "My parents have done a lot for this Clan..." Ezekiel continued his eyes traveling across the masses. "They've guided our people through countless trials...and long ago, I'm told they even ended a civil war that nearly killed them and tore our Lands to pieces."

Wide eyed Brandon blinked. "That sounds amazing...." He exclaimed trying to envision the happy home of the Leopards as a war torn valley and failing. He shook his head and implored Ezekiel suddenly "You've got to tell me the story!"