Page 96 of Not Your Ordinary Shifter

“No.” Kato steered the side-by-side around a sharp curve. “Some, like us, prefer our privacy.”

“Holy shit.” I stared in wonder at the large three storey log cabin that came into view. “This is where you live?”

There was a large pool surrounded by a stone walkway leading to the main floor deck. There was a built-in kitchen area and seating spread throughout the space. It had a real natural vibe, with flowers and plants scattered throughout.

The house itself was built into a hill. The second and third stories each had several balconies in addition to one that ran almost the entire width of the house. I couldn’t wait to sit on one to watch the sunrise. There were massive windows, stone pillars and a green tin roof.

“Yep. We’ve lived here for five years now,” Beck said. “We’ve still got a few projects on the go, but overall, we’re happy with the way it turned out.”

“I’d say. It’s freaking gorgeous,” I replied as I continued to gaze around.

“Let’s go,” Beck spoke up. “I’ll start your tour while Kato parks the side-by-side.”

“No fair,” Kato called while Beck tugged me out of the vehicle.

Beck laughed, hurrying me past the pool and toward the house. “Come on. We finally have some time alone.”

His laughter was infectious, and I found myself giggling along with him as we hurried toward the house. I couldn’t wait to see the interior.

When he opened the door, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Mary was lip locked with the guy’s dad. Admittedly, now that I was getting a better look at him, their very good-looking dad.

“Mary,” I gasped, walking into the house. “What on earth are you doing?”

Beck followed me in, gasping loudly. “Dad? What?—”

“Oh, um. Hi,” squeaked Mary.

“Hi?” Nova barked out a sharp laugh. “That’s what you have to say for yourself?”

The man finally released Mary and stepped toward us, hand out. “I’m Jed. Welcome to our home. I’m so glad you’re here,” he said in a remarkably friendly tone.

After shaking his hand, I glanced toward Beck, who stood unmoving, his mouth hanging open.

“Thank you, sir. It’s nice to meet you too.” Mary cleared her throat and when I gave her my attention, I noted the red flush covering her neck and cheeks. “I see that you two are getting along.”

The door opened at the same time that Jed said, “Mary is my mate.”

“What?” Will strode into the house with long strides. “I thought you said that mudskippers didn’t have mates. You told us not to waste our time looking.”

Jed glanced down at the floor, then met Will’s pissed off glare. “Apparently I was wrong, as were your grandparents.” He strode forward and grasped Will’s shoulder with one hand, and Kato’s with the other, locking Beck in the middle. “I’m sorry. If I’d known?—”

Kato’s eyes locked onto mine over his dad’s shoulder. “How did you know?”

My eyes widened. Surely, he wasn’t implying that I was his mate. Before I could give more consideration to what a mate actually was, Beck interrupted my thoughts.

“I think Nova’s my mate.”

Kato’s eyes narrowed and he broke our stare to turn toward his brother. “Not possible, brother. I’m pretty sure she is my mate.”

Will broke out of his father’s grasp to rub his chest. He cleared his throat. “Actually, I think you’re both wrong. I felt an instant connection to Nova. The mate bond would explain my attraction.”

“I saw her first,” Beck yelled. “My fins fanned out right away for her and I jumped higher than I ever have. My mudskipper knew before I did. We’re meant to be.”

My mind raced. I couldn’t make sense of everything the men were saying. They each wanted me?

“My mudskipper did the same,” Kato said. He attempted to push Beck out of his way, but Beck refused to move.

“Mine,” Will gritted out. “I’ll prove it.”

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