“What’s up?” he asks, looking around.
“Bode, this is my brother.” Issy watches Ezra carefully.
It can’t be a coincidence. Bode is a lion shifter.
“Hey, man,” Bode mumbles, and I sense something in his scent. He’s not thrilled to meet my mate either.
“Bode just joined the band.” Issy lays her hand on Ezra’s arm. “He’s cool.”
Instead of the excitement of the night and hearing their music filling the room, silence descends. My family moves closer to Ezra, their loyalty already chosen. Issy knows why they are reacting oddly, and I want to know. I don’t think they know each other. His body is tense, and he tightens his fingers.
“Why the fuck are we standing by the door?” Heath stops inside the doorway, Juliana tucked close to his side. “And why are you staring at a lion shifter instead of the fucking raven?”
Good question, Brother.
Chapter Fourteen
Rylee
“The food is ready,” Sally announces, clapping her hands. “River already helped himself, so get some before he eats it all. Everyone is welcome.” She cuts through the bodies, stopping in front of Issy. “I’m so excited to meet you. Serenity…” She motions toward the vampire. “She showed me your videos. I love your songs.”
I press my body to Ezra’s chest and look away from Bode. “Mate,” I whisper.
“Sorry, baby.” He shakes his head.
“Are you okay?” I ask, wrapping my arm around his waist.
“I’m good. Are you hungry?”
“Ezra…” I frown.
“Can I explain later?”
“Okay.” I prop my chin on his chest and squeeze my arms. Some of the tension leaves his body. “Let’s get some food.”
He nods and guides me across the room with a hand at the small of my back. Greeting the rest of the family is the furthest thing from my mind. I want Ezra to be comfortable, and it’s irritating that someone is making him on edge. I understand having an issue with a particular shifter species. There are several that have a bad reputation. Coyotes are not well-liked, yet Micah mated Daisy. The family welcomed her and realized she was the exception. Rabbits have a mixed reputation, but no one would ever say anything bad about Sally. Being a fox has its disadvantages with the shifter community, too.
“What looks good, Foxy?” Ezra asks, stopping at a long table spanning the back wall to the right.
“Everything,” I say, smiling.
“Have you eaten here before?” He picks up two plates.
“Many times. Heath and Juliana come often, and I try to tag along.” I reach for the plate, but he holds it away.
“I got it.” He arranges them so he can grip them with one hand. “Fried chicken?”
“It’s one of Sally’s favorites,” I say, knowing Remy doesn’t have it on the menu.
“Damn straight.” Sally stops beside us. “Do you like it?” she asks Ezra.
“Love it,” he grins.
“Good. It’s hard to trust someone who doesn’t,” she smirks.
“Good point,” he says, dropping his arm from my waist. “Stay close,” he murmurs, and I nod. He loads both plates as we move down the line.
“Who are the new people?” Heath asks, sliding beside me.
