I roll my shoulders and swing the door open. Mom clasps her hands silently and moves past me. Shutting the door behind us, I pause as Rylee moves forward. She’s wearing dark, tight jeans and a white, flowy shirt. I want to kick everyone out and spend the day with her.
“Hey,” she says, smiling slightly.
“Baby, this is my mom, Alanna.”
“Good job,” Mom mutters to me and moves closer to Rylee. “You’re stunning. I’m so lucky I get such a beautiful new daughter.”
“Oh, that’s so nice,” Rylee whispers, and Mom hugs her.
“Ezra has told me how lovely you are,” she continues. “I’m excited to spend some time with you.”
“Mom,” I say quietly, and she lets go of my mate.
“What? Wouldn’t it be bad if I didn’t?” She glares at me.
“Ezra just wants to make me comfortable.” Rylee smiles gently. “He’s told me stories. I’d like to hear some from you.”
“Aren’t you sweet?” Mom’s glare intensifies. “See, she wants to talk to me.”
“I really hope there aren’t any baby pictures in your bag,” I say.
“We’ll see,” she sings, and threads her arm through Rylee’s. “Show me your place, daughter.”
They walk away, and I grin.
“Nice touch,” Sally whispers.
“What?” I widen my eyes.
“Uh-huh.” She shakes her head with a smile and joins the others in the living room.
Perhaps I wanted to break the ice, and the easiest way to do that is to provoke my mom. The tension in my mate's frame is gone, and she is talking about her books. Mom drags her fingers over the spines, her smile wide.
“Did you notice she didn’t greet her other daughter?” Issy pouts, sliding next to me.
“I thought you talked last night,” I say, and her eye twitches. “And this morning,” I continue.
“So? What’s your point?”
“Do I need to answer that?” I tilt my head.
She sighs. “I suppose not.”
“Good. Quit being a brat, and go greet your mom,” I say sternly.
“Ass,” she hisses, but walks away.
Just as I thought, visitors arrive. First, Heath and Juliana. Next, the lions and bears. Micah strolls through the open door with Daisy. Kade and Cash follow them, still looking at me withdistrust. I grin, and they narrow their eyes. I get it. They want to protect Rylee, but no one will scare me off. I give up and stand by the door, welcoming the crew and watching Rylee laugh with my family. I worried that I wouldn’t like being surrounded by people. Seeing Rylee relax and enjoy the family's attention, I realize that even if I didn’t, I would get comfortable with anything as long as she is happy.
“Be right back,” I say softly to Rylee.
“Okay.” She smiles, and I trail my hand over her hair before walking away.
The party has been going strong for two hours. The family is discussing what to order for lunch, and I didn’t realize how important food is to them. There have been subtle arguments, and some not-so-subtle ones. River and Sally are the most opinionated. Mom is getting along with everyone, and I’ve seen her huddling with Sally numerous times. Seeing the lions again wasn’t as bad as last night. I’ll adjust, and it helps to see them be so attentive to their mate.
I slip out the door and walk down the hallway. Shade has been calling, and I put off calling him back until I knew Rylee wasperfectly content with everyone in her home. Hitting his name, the phone doesn’t even ring before he answers.
“Fuck, it’s about time,” he grumbles.
