Total pages in book: 122
Estimated words: 116662 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 583(@200wpm)___ 467(@250wpm)___ 389(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 116662 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 583(@200wpm)___ 467(@250wpm)___ 389(@300wpm)
“And her bodyguards—hence why we tagged along as she darted over here like her ass was on fire,” added the female who’d been introduced as Aspen.
“Also, we’re super nosy and wanted to meet you before everyone else,” said Bailey.
Her lips twitching, Quinley grabbed her duffel from the trunk. “It’s nice to meet you all.” Her cat watched them intently, not too happy with how close they stood—she didn’t tolerate it well from strangers.
Havana gestured at Quinley’s jumpsuit. “I love your outfit. And your hair—it’s so sleek and shiny, and those gold streaks … well, I want them.”
Aspen cocked her head as she studied Quinley. “No one told me you were … not tall.”
Hearing the creak of hinges, Quinley tracked the sound to see Isaiah stepping onto his front porch, his gaze landing straight on her. Damn, he looked fine. He wore a crisp white shirt, dark-gray pants that matched the shade of his eyes, and black shiny shoes.
He jogged down the steps and then stalked down the path, not once moving his attention from her. A corner of his lips hitched up, his gaze warming. “Quinley, you look—”
“Here,” Havana butted in, snatching Quinley’s duffel and then holding it out to him. “Take her bag inside while we have a natter.”
His brow creasing, he took the bag. “I want to show her the house.”
The devil waved that away. “You can do that later. We’re having a conversation here.”
The corners of his mouth tightened. “Tell me you’re not planning to hog her.”
“I wouldn’t have to if you’d taken me to the meet on Saturday where I could have chatted to her, but you didn’t, so …”
Coming up behind her, Tate sighed at her back. “It’s tradition for Alpha males to arrange matings.”
Havana tossed him a look over her shoulder. “It’s also tradition for me to annoy anyone who doesn’t give me my own way.”
Tate gave Isaiah a helpless shrug and then nodded at Quinley. “Welcome. It’s good to see you again.”
“Thank you,” said Quinley, closing her trunk. “And likewise.”
“I’ll show you the house later,” Isaiah told her. “Let me take your bag inside, and then we’ll all head to the venue.” His gaze ran along his pride mates as he began backing up the driveway. “Just … maybe don’t surround her. Black-foots don’t react well if they feel cornered or crowded.”
At that, all three females took a slow step back.
“Sorry, forgot about that,” said Havana. “Have we made your cat uncomfortable?”
“Yeah,” Quinley admitted.
Havana blinked and then barked a surprised laugh. “I love that you’re honest. Most people would assure us it’s fine and make excuses for us. They really shouldn’t. We can be inappropriate and sometimes need reminding of that.”
Bailey frowned. “When are we ever inappropriate?”
Aspen snorted, slamming up a hand. “Don’t even.”
Bailey sniffed and then turned to Quinley. “I hear you’re a healer who can ease pain. That’s sort of awesome. Not quite as awesome as me, but still.”
Quinley felt her mouth curl. “You’re a black mamba,” she sensed.
The snake shifter’s eyes widened in delight. “A lot of people don’t recognize the scent of my kind; you must have rubbed up against one.”
“Used to date one, actually.” He’d been a total nut.
Aspen gaped at her. “Wow, I have to admire you for that. I genuinely don’t know how Deke copes with this one.”
“Hey,” Bailey groused.
Aspen shot her an impatient look. “Oh come on, you know you’re a pain in the ass. It’s deliberate with you.”
“Deke’s your mate?” Quinley asked Bailey. “I met him briefly on Saturday. He didn’t say much.”
“He’s one of those people who is talkative around those he knows well but otherwise says little unless he really has something to say.” Bailey gestured at the porch. “He’s on his way over with Camden, Aspen’s mate.”
Quinley glanced over to see a very hot specimen—who only seemed to have eyes for Aspen—at Deke’s side.
“I have to say,” began Havana, “my devil has taken an instant liking to you. You make us feel so calm. How do you—” She cut off as Isaiah reappeared.
He arched a brow. “Are we all ready to leave?”
“Yup.” Havana threaded one arm through Quinley’s and smiled at her. “I’ll escort you to the Tavern.”
Both Tate—who no doubt wanted to walk at his mate’s side—and Isaiah frowned at that, but the devil shifter ignored it and strode away, taking Quinley with her while Bailey and Aspen flanked them.
“Havana,” Isaiah drawled.
The Alpha female sniffed. “You had your chance to talk to her. I didn’t. And once the celebration starts, she’ll be treated to a sea of faces and it’ll be hard for us to talk alone. Also, I’m still not happy with you.”
Quinley tried and failed to stifle a smile. She hadn’t been sure what sort of reception she’d get from the pride. Not all those who were transferred via arranged matings were welcomed, because not all shifters thought matings should be arranged. But so far, all seemed good.