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Aspen gaped at her. “Wow, I have to admire you for that. I genuinely don’t know how Deke copes with this one.”
“Hey,” Bailey groused.
Aspen shot her an impatient look. “Oh come on, you know you’re a pain in the ass. It’s deliberate with you.”
“Deke’s your mate?” Quinley asked Bailey. “I met him briefly on Saturday. He didn’t say much.”
“He’s one of those people who is talkative around those he knows well but otherwise says little unless he really has something to say.” Bailey gestured at the porch. “He’s on his way over with Camden, Aspen’s mate.”
Quinley glanced over to see a very hot specimen—who only seemed to have eyes for Aspen—at Deke’s side.
“I have to say,” began Havana, “my devil has taken an instant liking to you. You make us feel so calm. How do you—” She cut off as Isaiah reappeared.
He arched a brow. “Are we all ready to leave?”
“Yup.” Havana threaded one arm through Quinley’s and smiled at her. “I’ll escort you to the Tavern.”
Both Tate—who no doubt wanted to walk at his mate’s side—and Isaiah frowned at that, but the devil shifter ignored it and strode away, taking Quinley with her while Bailey and Aspen flanked them.
“Havana,” Isaiah drawled.
The Alpha female sniffed. “You had your chance to talk to her. I didn’t. And once the celebration starts, she’ll be treated to a sea of faces and it’ll be hard for us to talk alone. Also, I’m still not happy with you.”
Quinley tried and failed to stifle a smile. She hadn’t been sure what sort of reception she’d get from the pride. Not all those who were transferred via arranged matings were welcomed, because not all shifters thought matings should be arranged. But so far, all seemed good.
Havana nattered away as they strode down the sidewalk. Lights from the lampposts danced along shallow puddles. Shadows moved in the apartments above the closed stores. Some pedestrians could be seen on the sidewalks, near the stoplights, or at the bus stops.
Though the stores’ security shutters were down, Quinley could tell from the large signs above the doors that there was everything from a jewelry store and a deli to a coffeehouse and a book shop.
The streets were apparently busy during daytime, according to Havana. She explained that each business was owned by the pride and mostly employed its members, though some workers were humans or lone shifters.
“And here we have the Tavern,” said Havana as she pulled Quinley toward a particular door. “We often hold celebratory events here.”
Entering, Quinley could easily understand why the place would be used as the main party venue. It not only had plenty of seating, it wasn’t merely a bar. It was also part-restaurant part-pool hall with a stage, arcade area, and widescreen TVs.
“The omegas took care of the decorations—they always do a grand job.”
They hadn’t failed this time either. A “Welcome” banner hung above the stage while a “Congratulations” banner was pinned above the bar. Clusters of white and gold balloons seemed to be everywhere. There were also lanterns, tinsel curtains, and tissue pompoms.
More, confetti and votive LED candles were set on every table and at each burgundy-cushioned booth. String lights dangled along the red brick walls, carefully avoiding the TVs and sports paraphernalia. There was also a white and gold balloon arch near the buffet table. A huge spread of food waited there, making her tummy rumble.
A pretty blue-eyed female with shiny chestnut hair approached, smiling. “Hi, you must be Quinley. I’m Bree, the primary omega of the pride.” Her smile faltered as it landed on Havana. “Why are you clinging to her like a barnacle?”
“Two reasons: one, she makes my devil feel calm. Two, it’s annoying both Isaiah and Tate.” The devil slid a smug look at the males, who stood close.
Bailey sighed at Havana. “Don’t you think you’ve annoyed them enough? It’s kind of juvenile, isn’t it?”
Havana gaped at her. “You annoy people constantly. On purpose. For fun. You’re doing it right now.”
The mamba grinned. “I know.”
Isaiah shrugged his way through the females, his gaze on Quinley. “This is why I asked you to come here early. I knew the unholy trinity would do this.” He looked at Havana. “I need to talk her through what will happen next, so…”
The devil exhaled heavily and released Quinley. “Fine.”
Isaiah cuffed her arm and gently but dominantly drew her to him with an effortless strength that made her inwardly hum in delight. “You okay?” he asked, keeping his voice low.
She nodded. “Of course.” She dealt with big personalities all the time, including her sisters. “Tell me what to expect. I’m guessing we’re going to meet everyone as they enter?”
