Don't Rush Me (Nora Jacobs #1)(72)

I shiver. Note to self: don’t get on the Agency’s bad side. Or a troll’s. Terrance misinterprets my shudder. “Nora…I know I don’t always have control of my temper, but you will always be safe with me.”

I pat his big shoulder. “I know, T-man.”

This conversation reminds me that we still have something to talk about. “So what’s this claiming business Nick mentioned?”

Terrance sighs. “It’s not what you’re thinking. I have accepted you. I’ve taken you in as clan.”

When I wait for more, he shrugs awkwardly. “Trolls can’t control who they claim—as clan or as mates. When our protective instincts kick in, the way mine have with you, it’s for life. My instincts have forced me to claim you as my clan. I will always consider you mine to protect and care for; however, you don’t have to accept me.” He glances away and rubs the back of his flaming neck, as if nervous that I’ll refuse him.

“What does it mean?” I ask. “To be clan?”

He pierces me with a sure gaze. “Family.” Something warm lances my heart. I’ve never had real family before. “You are mine now,” Terrance says. “Here in Detroit, I have my own territory. It makes me head of my own clan. I’ve been alone for a long time. You’re the first I’ve taken in. You are my first family. You have my support and protection for life.” He swallows. “But again, you do not have to accept.”

My throat closes up. Every foster kid dreams of finding that perfect family where they fit in. We all dream of getting adopted. It never happened for me. And, in fact, because I was such a strange and troubled child, I bounced around to more homes than normal. I gave up on the dream of having a real family a long time ago. Terrance has no idea how much what he’s offering means to me. “Terrance…” I choke out the word. “Of course I’ll accept. You’re my first family, too. I’m honored to be part of your clan.”

We hug again and are interrupted by a loud, giddy squeal. I look toward the noise and notice four trolls. Two of them I recognize. Shandra looks groggy and like she might be in need of a puke bucket, but it’s good to see her conscious. She’s standing with two men who make Terrance look like a runt. They look like a grumpy lot, but I have a feeling that’s just how trolls always look. Terrance’s sister, however, has a wide smile plastered on her face. The squeal had come from her, and when we make eye contact, she can no longer contain herself. She bounds across the room toward us. The entire place thumps with each of her footsteps. Terrance blocks her before she can tackle me. “Little sister, she is human. Do not break her.”

The affection in his voice makes me smile, as does Nell’s enthusiasm. Once she calms down enough, Terrance steps out of the way and allows her to wrap her arms around me. She’s almost as big as Terrance, and her hug engulfs me just as much. “I’m so excited!” she cries, letting me go to grin at me. “We’ve all wanted Terrance to start his clan for years. Surprising that it’s a human, but my brother’s never been much of a rule follower.”

Terrance and I both snort. “Well, I’ve definitely found the right family, then,” I say, making Terrance unleash his booming laugh.

“Nora, meet my little sister Nell. Nell…this is Trouble. And trust me, she lives up to the name.”

My grin only widens at his stern look. I look around the room and shrug. “I won’t deny it.”

Nell squeaks. “Oh, you guys are just perfect for each other! I’m so glad my big brother isn’t alone anymore. Now if we can only find him a mate…”

Terrance sighs, exasperated, but I can’t help casting a glance toward Shandra. She and the two other trolls are headed our way. “I thought…”

Nell follows my gaze, and her face falls. “Nope. They didn’t bond. Shandra isn’t the one.”

“It happens right away?” I ask, startled. I’m not much of a fan of the love at first sight theory.

Nell and Terrance both shake their heads. “No,” Nell explains, “but if it was going to happen, it would have kicked into place when she went missing. Or, at the very least, when Parker brought her out of the warehouse unconscious. A male troll’s instincts for his mate are even stronger than for those in his clan. He was concerned for Shandra, but his instincts didn’t take over like they did for you.”

I blush and shoot Terrance a look. He understands what I’m asking. “No. You are not my mate. My instincts for you are clan only. I promise.”

I huff out a breath of relief that has Nell snorting. “So you’re as afraid of commitment as he is?”

I laugh. “Something like that. Told you we’re a good fit for each other.”

I hold up my fist to Terrance, and he smashes his meaty knuckles against mine just as his friends reach us. Shandra is the first to speak. “I heard you’re the one who found me. Thank you for saving my life.”

“It was no problem. Happy I could help.”

She blinks, seeming stunned by my response. I hold back the urge to sigh. This is the part I hate—the gratitude. The awkwardness of feeling like they owe me something. I’d tell her she doesn’t, but if she’s anything like Terrance, I know it won’t matter.

One of the men clears his throat. He’s frowning at me, but I think it’s just his normal expression, because he doesn’t seem angry when he speaks. “Miss Jacobs, you are in favor with the Mackinac Clan. If there is ever anything we can do to repay you for your service to us and to Shandra, please let us know.”