“He didn’t mean anything,” she says.
“I know,” I reply, pulling her close.
“We only went on one date. I only stayed long enough to eat the meal,” she continues.
“You don’t have to explain. Everyone has a past. He won’t bother you again,” I rumble. I memorized his scent. Finding people is my specialty, and for once, I hope he’s done some bad shit to warrant death.
“Really, Ezra.”
“Calm,” I whisper, gliding my palm up her back and cupping her neck. “Just dance.”
“This isn’t just a dance,” she mumbles, and I grin.
It certainly isn’t.
Rylee’s scent has been filled with caution and uncertainty. I know she is attracted to me, yet until now, I couldn’t smell her desire. The last thing I thought would happen tonight was meeting my mate. Her family greeted me politely, but with distrust. I get it. I’m new, and they are fiercely protective of the group. It didn’t matter that Allie knew me. They were beginning to warm up to me when Rylee arrived. I could feel the anger filling the room. Most of it came from the snake shifter who led her in the space. I won’t push for information. I’ve been around too many women who’ve been abused to know the signs. She is good at hiding her pain. So, I will take it easy instead of pushing her against the wall, and peeling off her dress to see the gorgeous body it hides.
“I changed my mind,” I say, and she turns her head and looks at me. “I don’t hide things from my mom. I’ve tried. I think she can read my mind. She just knows.”
“You love her,” she whispers, and I lean down, pressing my forehead to hers.
“Of course.” Fuck, I want to ask about her parents. “She’ll know something is going on by the sound of my voice.” Naturally, she would have offered information about her family if they had been good to her.
“I don’t want you to keep things from her.” She licks her red lips, and it takes all my control not to eliminate the space between us.
“I’ll apologize now, in case she is here tomorrow.”
Her eyes brighten, and the caution in her scent eases.
“I would like to meet the woman who raised you,” she says, grinning.
“Is that a compliment?” I smirk.
“Yes,” she laughs.
Shit, she’s stunning.
I smell the snake shifter near, and I tip my head back. He’s above us on the balcony, and even though I don’t necessarily care about anyone’s opinion, he’s important to Rylee. I can appreciate anyone who protected my mate.
“Should we join your family?” I ask.
“Probably,” she sighs, and I take it as a good sign. She steps back, and it could be my imagination, but she seems to be reluctant to leave my arms.
I lace my fingers with hers and leave our hiding place. She walks close to my back, depending on me to guide her through the crowd, and I’m taking it as a win. On the way down, she allowed my hand in hers, yet stayed further away. I watch the crowd as we get to the stairs. No one looks like a threat, but I didn’t think I would meet one of her dates either. I pause on the first step and pull her gently in front of me.
Heath is standing at the top. His hand is gripping a cane, and I know it’s not for balance. Rylee’s hand still grips mine as we progress. I stare at the snake shifter instead of the luscious ass of my mate.
“I’ll join you in a minute,” I say to Rylee, and she frowns.
“Sally wants to show you a video,” Heath says.
“Heath,” she grumbles.
“I’m not going to kill him,” Heath mumbles.
“And I wouldn’t let him,” I drawl, and he grunts.
“Be nice,” she says, and holds my hand as she walks away until I have no choice but to let go. I wait until she disappears into the room before facing the snake.
