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I quickly cut a couple of pieces and placed them in a glass container, securing the plastic lid.
She took it, staring down at it for a long while before she lifted her head and met my gaze. “Welcome to the community, Gravor. I believe you’ll settle in nicely here.”
With that, she left.
I sagged against the counter, grateful for how that had gone. I’d never stand between Mazie and her mom, but it would be nice if we could enjoy each other’s company.
As I walked around the island and over to the coffee table where we’d spread out the puzzle, my grin rose.
It was time to do a bulk order of Costa Rican chocolate.
Mazie was off the next day, and we went into town, stopping first at the general store to pick up some odds and ends.
“There you are,” an older woman said when we entered. She rounded the wooden counter at the back of the store and strode right up to us. “Asher.” She rubbed his head, and he grinned. “Mazie.” My mate got a kiss on the cheek.
Her gaze landed on me, and widened, though I might’ve been the only one to notice.
“Kuunik’s brother, right?” At my nod, she gave me a hug that made any reservations about this town blow away on the wind. “Welcome. We hold a community meeting for those like us every Wednesday at eight at the grange hall. You should attend. We welcome new blood. I’m Betty, by the way, owner of this fine establishment.” She winked at Mazie, and her gaze lingered on Asher. “What a lovely family you three are.”
“Thank you.”
It was obvious we were going to have to tell Asher soon, though I was waiting for Mazie to tell me when the time was right.
“I’ll be at the next meeting,” I said.
“Good. Good. Family’s welcome too.” Her smile included Mazie.
“Thank you.” Mazie rubbed Betty’s arm.
We puttered around, picked up things, then paid.
Betty walked us to the door and hugged me again. “Don’t be a stranger, now.”
“I won’t.”
I whistled as I left.
This place was amazing.
After putting our things in the car, we went to the ice cream place and ordered cones, then sat at a small table on the walkway to eat them. Asher rocked in his seat, his feet dangling as he licked his butter pecan cone. I got double chocolate, which was just about my favorite, and Mazie moaned as she licked her peanut butter chocolate chip.
A couple passing us smiled, giving me a wink.
Shifters.
The next person walking by paused to chat with Mazie.
“I haven’t seen you around town lately,” she said.
“I’ve been busy, but I’ll see you next week at the group?” Mazie looked my way. “Virginia and I are in the same book club. We’re currently reading Dad Bod Dragon by Ava Ross. The hero is a dragon shifter.” Her laugh rang out. “Shifter romances are quite popular in this area for some reason.”
“They sure are.” Virginia’s attention landed on me, and she cocked her head. “As she said, I’m Virginia.”
I nodded. “Gravor.”
“Nice to meet you. The . . . wolves are quite loud at night lately, aren’t they?” Her sparkling brown eyes gave her away, as did her quick flash of fangs.
Was most of the town made up of shifters?
