“We're part of it,” she says, and looks at the men at her side. “This is Atlas and Luca. My mates.” They nod politely.
“Mates,” I mumble.
“Is this your first fight?” she asks.
“Yeah.” This is the most bizarre conversation. I can’t keep up with her.
“It gets bloody,” she states as if warning me. I think she’s testing me.
“Rylee mentioned blood.” I lift my chin and drop my arms.
“I think I’m going to like you.” She chuckles. “If anyone fucks with you, find me.”
“Uh…okay.” Her frame is small, but I get the feeling she could be vicious.
“Sally, are you welcoming her to the family?” Rylee asks, peeking her head out.
“Of course. I’m trying not to freak her out, but I don’t think I’m succeeding,” Sally says, moving to face Rylee, her mates turning with her.
“Haven, Sally is trusted. She’s wild and will get you into trouble if you let her.” She grins and winks at Sally.
“Life isn’t fun without trouble,” Sally mumbles, and Atlas and Luca grin at her.
The door behind me, where we entered, slams open. I turn, pressing my back against the wall. My mouth drops open as aman prowls inside. He has shaggy dark brown hair and light blue eyes. He’s wearing ripped jeans low on his hips and a T-shirt that clings to his muscles. His gaze locks on me, and I can’t look away. My body freezes, and turns warm. He’s stunning. I inhale sharply as he moves directly toward me. His beard is short and sexy as hell. I’ve never had such an intense reaction to a man.
“Lawson, no,” Rylee snaps, but he doesn’t listen.
I gasp as he presses close, his forearms resting on either side of me.
“Bane, I think you need to come to the back. Your brother has a woman pinned to the wall,” Sally says. I assume she’s talking on the phone, but I’m trapped by his body and his eyes.
“Name,” he growls, dipping his head.
“Haven,” I whisper. He cups my throat, tips my head back, and trails his nose up my neck. My brain has shut down, unable to focus or function. He smells so good. I should be fighting to escape, yet my body wants to stay.
“He won’t hurt you,” Sally says.
“Fuck, she’s my friend. Your cat had to claim her,” Rylee hisses, and I shake my head.
Cat?
“It’s meant to be,” Sally sings. “I love being a witness to the beginning of the fun.”
“Lawson,” I breathe. He grazes his teeth across my jaw before straightening. I forget what I was going to say when his eyes meet mine.
“Mine,” he hums, his fingers caressing my skin.
“Fuck.” A new voice fills the hall, and for some reason, I’m curious who it belongs to.
“No shit,” Sally whispers.
“Why are you sad?” I ask, lifting my arms. Pressing my fingertips to Lawson’s face, I brush my thumbs under his eyes. “They are filled with pain.” I don’t understand how I couldpossibly know that, but I want to soothe him. “Are you a shifter, too?” Rylee mentioned they had an enhanced sense of smell. She said something about mates, but the fog filling my head prevents me from making the connection.
“Hunter, find Remy. Back rooms. Now.” There’s that voice again. It’s low and rumbly.
“I’m a jaguar,” Lawson says, tilting his head. I slowly remove my hands, resisting the urge to trace his lips, but I can’t help but drag my palms down his chest. If he can touch, so can I.
I bite my lip.
