“A White Russian.” I smile, tipping my head back.
“I’ll be back.” He walks toward the bar, but I didn’t miss the look he shared with Heath.
Shifters don’t get drunk easily. Our bodies burn off the alcohol quickly, but it still affects us. Especially if we drink a lot quickly. I want to relax, but I don’t like not knowing what is going on. My mate has a story to tell, but he’s right, now is not the time. However, I want to be prepared to defend him if needed.
“He’s fine,” Heath says.
“Yeah, how do you know?”
“If it were an immediate danger, he would leave with you.” He brushes his hand down Juliana’s hair. “He wouldn’t put others at risk.”
“True,” I mumble.
“Do I need to know something?” Hunter asks.
“Not right now,” Heath says.
“Let us know,” Bane says.
“These gatherings never get boring,” Lawson mentions.
“Just wait,” Remy says. “Things are calm until they aren’t.”
“We’re all family,” Haven says, frowning. “What could happen?”
“Famous last words,” Ryker says as he passes beside us. He retrieves his mate by lifting her off her feet and pressing her to his chest. “Time to eat.”
Daisy lifts her chin toward her mate. “Daddy, why don’t I get that kind of treatment?” She smirks and wiggles her eyebrows.
“You asking, pet?” Micah drawls, standing from his seat at the table next to us. She tilts her head, but doesn’t say anything. Micah prowls toward her, bends, and throws her over his shoulder. “Better?” He slaps her ass.
“Much,” she hums.
Bash crooks his finger, and Marie smiles with a tilt of her head, sauntering toward him.
“I think I’m going to like it here, Foxy,” Ezra says, returning with my drink.
“I’m glad.” I turn toward him, and he hands me a glass. “Nothing for you?”
“Not tonight.” He pulls the leg of my chair until it hits his. “I want you to have fun. Eat.”
“Hey, everyone,” Issy says, adjusting her mic stand. “We were thrilled to stop by and play some music to celebrate my brother’s new bond.” She grins. “I could tell you some stories, but I don’t think Ezra would appreciate it. Instead, I will say…” She stares at him. “Rylee is lucky. My brother has always taken care of our mom and me. He’s the best. I know he will fight and kill whoever he has to, to protect her heart. Love him hard, Sister, he deserves it.”
Ezra smiles and looks down. He slides his hand over my lap, gripping my left thigh. Warmth flows through me, and I spreadmy fingers through his. Issy backs away, tosses some words over her shoulder, and then the music starts. I pause mid-bite as she begins to sing. The night we met, the video Serenity was passing around didn’t do her voice justice. Issy’s voice is magic. It’s sweet but strong. Breathy yet powerful. She sings with emotion that draws you in. The song is about love and heartbreak, and it makes you feel every word.
“She’s amazing,” I whisper.
“Yeah.” Ezra leans close. “She would sing all the time when we were young. As her annoying brother, I had to tease her and complain about the noise. But I knew she was special. I’m proud of what she’s accomplished.”
“You’re lucky to have each other.” I kiss him briefly, and his expression softens.
“Thanks, baby.”
“I should be thanking you for tonight.”
“They love you.” He lifts his chin. “They needed to see us together.”
“I’m happy,” I say softly.
