“No,” Heath hisses, and I blink, glancing at him.
“You can’t stop it,” Juliana says, grabbing his arm.
“Yes, I can,” he continues.
My mate hums, and I look at him. He wants my focus.
“What’s your name, Foxy?” he asks softly.
“Rylee,” I breathe.
“I’m Ezra.” He stops two feet away and tilts his head. We stare at each other, and I’m at a loss for how to proceed. My fox is hissing in my head, ready to jump into his arms and never let go. I didn’t expect to meet my mate today, or ever, really. I force my body to stay still as he lifts his hand. He drags his finger down my nose, to my lip, and presses lightly. “You’re exquisite, Rylee.” He smiles gently and drops his arm. I shiver and crave the return of his touch.
“I like your hair,” I say, glancing at his head.
His smile widens. “Good.” He looks at my hair briefly.
“This is intense,” Sally whispers.
“I know, right?” Daisy whispers back.
I shake my head and look around the room. Juliana is holding Heath back, whispering in his ear.
“Do you want a drink?” Ezra asks, gaining my attention once more.
“I wouldn’t mind it. Water, please.” As he steps back, I lean forward slightly before standing straight. I watch him walk away, and my body rebels. I’m overwhelmed with the sensations he makes me feel, yet I want to be close.
“Are you alright?” I blink. Heath took Ezra’s place. The noise suddenly comes back into focus.
“I don’t know,” I mumble, rubbing my stomach.
“Is it true?” he asks, his expression hard.
“Yes.” I do not doubt that he is my mate. I have to decide how I feel about it.
“Do you want to go? He can wait,” he grumbles.
“I have to stay.”
“You don’t have to do anything.”
“I know.” I smile at my protective brother. “I don’t want to deny it. My animal is pushing me to be near him.”
“I’ll support whatever you decide.” He doesn't look happy about it. Heath has been the man who protects me, and I think it’s going to be an adjustment for both of us.
“Do you want privacy?” Ryker asks, appearing beside us.
“No. I think I need to be with the family.”
Ezra walks through the door, a water bottle in his hand, his attention on me. Ryker moves back, and my mate looks at him before glancing at Heath.
“Problem?” Ezra asks Heath.
“I hope not,” Heath grits out, and Ezra smiles slightly.
“Do you want to sit?” he asks me, handing me the water.
“Yes.” The coldness of the bottle feels good on my heated skin. Heath narrows his eyes and walks back to his mate.
