Chapter Thirteen #2
Breeane is a stunning red-haired lion who mated three brothers, Logan, Las, and Lucas. They own a construction business in town. I haven’t spent much time with Breeane. Haven talks to her often and has built a friendship with her. As far as I know, my mate hasn’t met them yet.
“Congratulations,” Breeane says.
“A new bond in the family is something to celebrate,” Las says, tilting his head. He must sense the tension coming from Ezra.
“It is,” I murmur. Luckily, Ezra’s phone rings, breaking the awkward moment.
“Excuse me,” he says, squeezing my hand before releasing me.
Sally gives me big eyes, which I return, having no idea why he would greet them so coldly.
Everyone else received his usual casual personality.
The only other time he’s acted distant was when he killed someone.
The conversation moves on thanks to the rabbit shifter asking about the food.
I turn to watch my mate speak softly into the phone.
“He doesn’t like lions,” Kade whispers close to my ear.
“I’m thinking not,” I mumble.
“Must be a story there,” Cash says casually.
“Why are you huddled together?” Allie asks, and I jump.
“Shit, I didn’t see you come in,” I say.
“I came in the back.” She follows our line of sight. “What’s wrong with him?”
“Nothing. Can we stop talking about him as if he isn’t in the room?” I whisper fiercely. Everyone here has super hearing, even though we are speaking quietly while music and conversation fills the room.
“Sure.” Allie shrugs.
“Is he being good to you?” Kade asks.
“That’s not stopping,” I grit out, glaring.
Ezra hangs up and turns slightly. The four of us stand straight and smile. We fucking look guilty. I can’t tell if he heard us.
“Ezra, how’s it going?” Allie asks.
“Good,” he says slowly, narrowing his eyes.
“Natural,” Sally pipes up, appearing beside us. “I need to teach you lessons.” She rolls her eyes.
“Issy is here,” Ezra says, holding his hand out. He smiles, and I hustle to him, grasping his hand.
The door flies open, and a whirlwind of energy bursts inside the room.
I’m rocked back as she throws herself at Ezra.
He wraps his free arm around her and tightens his grip on my hand.
Issy is a mini-female version of my mate.
She has blonde curly hair, a gorgeous smile, and is shorter than I am.
Her ripped, faded jeans fit her slim build beautifully, showcasing her slight curves.
Her shirt is as holey as her pants, and her red bra plays peek-a-boo with the fabric.
“Big Brother,” she squeals. “I missed the fuck out of you.” She grins and pushes back. “I love this town. Can I move here? The vibes are amazing.” She glances around the room. “As is this room. Damn.” She pushes her hair away from her face. “Hello, beautiful people.”
“Issy,” Ezra sighs.
“I know. I didn’t forget.” She swings her gaze my way, and her smile turns tender. “She is a knockout.”
“She has a name,” he growls.
“Don’t be grumpy,” she says, winking at me. “I’m thrilled to meet you. Welcome to the family.” I freeze as she lunges toward me, wrapping her arms tightly around my waist, and tucking her head to the side on my shoulder. “He deserves a woman as fine as you.”
“Jesus.” Ezra tips his head back.
“He thinks I’m too much,” Issy grumbles, releasing me. “Am I?”
“No.” I shake my head. She moved too fast for me to adjust. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“Same.”
“Me too,” Sally says.
“Me three,” Serenity mumbles.
The door opens, and two men and one woman enter.
I don’t pay much attention to the men, a bear shifter, and a wolf.
The woman is stunning. Her long black hair reaches her waist even though it’s in a high ponytail.
Her almost-black eyes pierce you, but it’s her scent that sucks the air out of the room. She smells like…bird?
“Holy fuck.” River, a wolf shifter, strolls toward the group, a drumstick halfway to his mouth. His brother Kerian and their mate Ava, not far behind.
“Hello,” the woman says sweetly. “My name’s Raven. I know. My parents thought it was funny as fuck to give me the name.”
“You’re a raven shifter,” River mumbles, and takes a bite.
Raven smiles. “I take it you’ve never met one.”
“Uh…no,” Sally drawls.
“These are my bandmates.” Issy motions toward them. “Kylo is the wolf, and Nash is the bear.” She looks at Ezra and leans close. “I should have warned you—”
Another man enters. He’s lean and dresses as you would expect someone in a band to. The T-shirt is tight across his chest, and his baggy jeans hang from his hips.
“What’s up?” he asks, looking around.
“Bode, this is my brother.” Issy watches Ezra carefully.
It can’t be a coincidence. Bode is a lion shifter.
“Hey, man,” Bode mumbles, and I sense something in his scent. He’s not thrilled to meet my mate either.
“Bode just joined the band.” Issy lays her hand on Ezra’s arm. “He’s cool.”
Instead of the excitement of the night and hearing their music filling the room, silence descends.
My family moves closer to Ezra, their loyalty already chosen.
Issy knows why they are reacting oddly, and I want to know.
I don’t think they know each other. His body is tense, and he tightens his fingers.
“Why the fuck are we standing by the door?” Heath stops inside the doorway, Juliana tucked close to his side. “And why are you staring at a lion shifter instead of the fucking raven?”
Good question, Brother.