“We have built a community here, a family. It doesn’t matter what kind of creature you are. They accept you, and welcome you into the fold.” He stares at the body.
“What are the qualifications for being in the family?” I find it odd that several different species live together in one place, friendly with one another.
“You have to respect the bond of fated mates,” he says, looking at me.
“I do.” I nod. It’s always been interesting to me that there could be one person in the world meant to be mine. I’ve wondered who the universe would send me that can accept my quirks.
“Everyone in the family is to be protected and respected.”
“I like that,” I say, nodding my head. “I’ve traveled around the world and have come across many shifters and vampires. It’s hard to trust others. The world is a shit place in the human world. I don’t have much respect for most humans, but I suppose that's because I see the worst of the worst. Their world is run by greed. The rich make the rules and add to their money without thought to the people working their ass off. Shifters are better, yet there are bad people everywhere. There was a packof wolves in Colorado. They didn’t associate with anyone who wasn’t a wolf. You can imagine their disdain for foxes.” I lean forward slightly. “We didn’t get along well.” I stand straight. “I understand banding together, but I thought, why not have variety? I believe women are the backbone of the world. They are soft when needed, strong the rest of the time. I marvel at their resilience and their ability to forgive. My mom and sister have had experiences I will never have. I listened and learned from them. I can’t stand men who take advantage of their yearning to be accepted and loved as Owen did.”
“You aren’t mated,” he states.
“No, but you are,” I say.
“How can you tell?”
“You seem like you would rather be at home with her,” I say dryly.
“You’re right,” he mumbles. “Allie may be a new addition to the family, but she is a part of the group. We help each other. We’ve been known to drop everything to be there when needed. She vouched for you, along with her brothers. Sally loves her mates and Allie. I respect the rabbit shifter. She means something to all of us, so I got out of my warm bed with my pregnant mate to meet you here.”
“So, did I pass the test?” I grin and lean over the barrel. Not much longer.
“You did.” His lips twitch. “We are accepting but cautious.”
“I can sleep easy now,” I sigh, and he chuckles.
“You’re going to fit in.”
“I don’t fit in most places,” I hum, crouching by the drain. “Most people don’t know how to take me. I see the world differently.”
“We may have more in common than I thought.”
“When I first saw you, I thought we would get along great.” I pull the plug on the tub and stand.
“Bullshit,” he says.
“We are already friends. You feel comfortable enough to call me on my shit,” I smirk.
“Fuck.” He shakes his head. “I get the feeling you are going to cause chaos.”
I lift a shoulder. “See, you know me already.”
“Are you almost done? I’d like to get back to my warm mate,” he says.
“Just about,” I say, as if he can’t tell. “I’m meeting Allie tomorrow night. She wants to introduce Sally.”
“The chaos is already beginning,” he sighs.
“Will you be joining us?” I ask.
“Fuck no.” He crosses his arms. “Where are you meeting?”
“I don’t know yet.”
“Don’t let them convince you to go to a club,” he commands.
“Why?” I gather my stuff.
