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“You must be Char,” he said. “I’m Sam. Pleasure to meet you.”

I stepped aside so he could come in, since apparently, he’d been invited, and shook my head at my sister from behind his back.

“Sam! I’m so glad you could make it,” Zoe gushed, rushing to hug him like he was an old friend and not someone she’d met for the first time earlier that day. It was so hypocritical it made my blood boil.

“Can’t think of anything I prefer more than good company and a delicious meal. Thanks for having me, Darlene.”

Something about the way he used my mother’s first name put me on edge even further. He was a werewolf for fuck’s sake. How was that different than vampire? Just because he wasn’t out of control unless the moon was full or he was enraged?

“Sit, sit. It’s perfect timing.” Mama showed him to the table. Shifters ate a lot since they burned calories faster than the rest of us, so having one for dinner meant getting right to the main course.

“So,” I said, joining them at the table and helping myself to a slice of bread. “You’re the shifter sect leader.”

Sam laughed as Zoe shot me a look that said, Don’t you dare ruin this. Mom poured wine.

“Guilty as charged.” Sam took the bottle from Mom and poured some for me.

“Werewolf?” I asked to confirm.

“Yes,” Sam said, meeting my eyes to show off a flash of silver. “And you’re a witch.”

I sipped my wine, not bothering to answer. He was trying to make a point about us all being some supe. Far be it from me to correct him.

“Sam helped us find the market and carry everything home,” Mom said, offering him a bowl of beef stew. “The least we could do was have him over for dinner.”

“It was my pleasure. This is fantastic, Darlene. You’re an amazing cook.”

Mama blushed as she sat down to her own meal. Fine. She could date him. I stabbed a piece of meat onto my fork and shoved it in my mouth, hating that it was delicious.

“So, Char, the ladies tell me you just started working at the base.” Sam leaned back and watched me over the top of his wineglass.

“Yep,” I said over a mouthful.

When I didn’t expound on it, he continued. “They said you’re a scientist. What type of scientist are you?”

I swallowed. “I’m a geneticist by training, but I also studied bioengineering.”

Sam whistled. “Impressive. Smart and beautiful.”

I nearly choked on my next bite, and Zoe smacked me on the back.

“She’s humble,” my mother said with a wink. Then she handed me a glass of water.

“Even better,” Sam said with a knowing smirk. What he meant, I didn’t want to speculate.

“Well, if you need someone to show you around the Island, I’d be happy to be your guide.” Sam scooted in and his foot hit mine beneath the table.

“Thanks, but right now, I’m so busy with getting acquainted at work, I’ll have to take a raincheck on that, Sam.”

He stuck out his bottom lip in an exaggerated pout. “All work and no play…”

“Is a cliché,” I finished. Then I sat back and chugged the remainder of my wine. “That was delicious. Thank you, Mom. I should really get to bed.”

“It’s only eight!” Zoe exclaimed. “You usually stay up ‘til midnight at a minimum.”

I shot her a look. “That was before I got the job. We’re working on a time-sensitive case. I have to be in early.” Mental note, text Julian and ask for an early ride.

“I hope my presence didn’t intimidate you,” Sam said, actual worry in his aura.