“We would never hurt Rylee. She’s one of us,” he says. “The group respects the bond, and we’ve heard good things about you. Protecting the family the first night you met them is a good way to get all of us on your side. Our family is yours, if you welcome it.” He holds out his hand, and I don’t hesitate to clasp it.
“Thank you.” I can sense the relief in my mate.
“Hey, man.”
We turn as a group to face Bode. His expression is confident, and I want to pull the knife I hid in my boot. I have no proof that he is a bad guy. I won’t be friends with every shifter I meet, but my animal is cautious of the lion. I can’t tell if my judgment is from my experiences.
“Bode,” I say, nodding.
“Issy’s told me all about you,” he says.
“I can’t say the same,” I grit out.
“She didn’t tell me about you.” He tilts his head, staring at Rylee, and lifts his arm.
Before he can make contact with her skin, I curl my arm, wrap it around her waist, and push her behind me. When she is hidden from his gaze, I slide out my knife and press the tip against the middle of his chest.
“She is my mate,” I growl.
“You’re not mated.” He glares at me.
“She’s standing beside me.” I lean close. “Pressed against me. I’m sure Issy explained why she was coming, and you heard her speech. Any shifter that respects the bond would realize what she means to me. You are a guest here in a room full of mated shifters and vampires. I would think that, at the very least, you would be cautious. Even if you didn’t know we were together, never touch a woman without permission. Especially if that woman is mine.”
I apply pressure.
“I could kill you now. My blade is sharp, and with one little push, you're gone. My sister doesn’t share everything about me. Don’t think I give a shit that you are a member of her band.” His anger leaks through his scent. “I don’t care what kind of animal you are. I’m not afraid of anyone. No one here will lift a hand to help you. Do you see the snake shifter?” Heath is close, ready to step in. Bode’s eyes flicker toward him. “He would help me dispose of your body.”
“Alright.” He licks his lips. “I didn’t mean anything. You can back off.”
“I don’t like you.” I narrow my eyes. “I think Issy can do without you for the night.”
“I can,” Issy says softly. “I think you need to go. Cool off. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
“Fine,” he hisses.
“If tonight affects my sister, you won’t like what I do,” I threaten.
“I said fine,” he snaps.
“Don’t test me.” I wait for his nod and withdraw my blade. “Go.” I exhale roughly as he stomps through the room. He slams the door as he leaves. I roll my shoulders, sheath my knife, and turn. Rylee is staring at me, her heart pounding.
“Damn, just when I thought nothing exciting was going to happen,” Sally says, jumping from her seat. “Who knew a badass fox was going to join the family?”
“You’re excited by violence, rabbit,” Bash rumbles.
“Well, yeah,” she snorts. “Especially when it happens defending a mate.”
“Ezra,” Issy whispers.
“I had to, Issy,” I say, staring at Rylee.
“I know. Are you alright?” she asks my mate.
“I think she’s more than alright,” Sally whispers.
“Yep,” Daisy mutters.
“I’ve seen that look before,” Serenity adds.
