Page 89 of Tangled Hearts

I scowled knowing I had nothing to worry about, but her hands on him made me feel like breaking them. Taking a deep breath, I looked away to attempt to get my jealousy under control.

“Ryder!”

The yell brought my attention back to Ryder where the woman was making her way around the car.

“You’re up, Sunshine.” Gray pushed me forward as the door opened.

The woman immediately locked eyes with me, her smile growing even bigger. She held out her hand to me. I was hesitant to take it until I saw Ryder behind her. I put my hand in hers and she helped me out of the car. She studied me, my cheeks grew pink from the scrutiny and embarrassment because I knew I looked unkempt.

“Hi, I’m Samira,” she said.

“Hello, I’m Oria,” I said, not knowing if I needed to bow or curtsy.

“You’re gorgeous! I’m so happy he’s found his mate.” She hugged me again before she passed me to a man who hugged me as well.

“We are so glad he found his mate,” he said, squeezing me tightly.

“Samira, you didn’t save the best hug for me?” Soren said, making her laugh.

“I’m Wyman,” he said, releasing me.

As more people came up to us, Ryder intercepted them.

“Let's give her a breather, and I can introduce everyone to her.” He led me to the car as Max exited.

The murmurs stopped as they took in Max.

“This is Max, my bond mate,” Ryder said.

Samira and Wyman immediately welcomed him.

“I’m cooking breakfast, come inside.” Samira ushered us forward while Wyman dispersed the crowd.

Ryder ushered me into the house, and I immediately fell in love with it. The room we walked into had a small table with beautiful flowers on it. It led into a big room with high ceilings, a big fireplace and windows that faced out into the forest. A big table was to the right that led into an open kitchen.

“Please sit,” Samira said, ushering us to the table.

“What do you want to drink?” Ryder asked me.

“Uh…” I was a little overwhelmed and couldn’t think of anything.

“Coffee?” Samira asked.

I could feel Ryder’s gaze on me.

“That's fine,” I said. “Do you need any help?”

“Oh no, please sit down,” she said, bringing mugs over. “Would you like coffee, darling?

“Uh, yes please,” Max said shyly.

Ryder pulled out a chair for me and I sat down gratefully when Max sat on my left. I immediately grabbed his hand, looking over at him. He looked exactly how I felt, overwhelmed and out of place.

A young woman came over with a coffee pot. She said hello to the twins like they were good friends. She looked a lot like Ryder, and I assumed it was a relative of his. She filled Max’s cup, giving him a smile before moving onto my glass.

“Oria, this is my sister, Kella,” Ryder said with pride.

“Nice to meet you, Kella,” I said, noticing they had the same color eyes.

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