Page 32 of Bitter Discord

“So, we were chastised for asking,” I said, huffing.

“Definitely.”

The doorbell rang, making me get up.

“That’s probably our first werecat,” Zuri said, following me. “They’re going to show up quickly now. Werecats might not move in packs, but they won’t be late to speak to anyone in the family.”

“Have you hosted werecats at a private residence before?”

“A few times in my territory. I wonder if they’ll like that this is more neutral or if they’ll be warier.”

When we reached the front door, I checked the panel on the wall to see through the camera. I knew our first arrival today. Both excited and nervous, I opened the door and smiled at Everett. Lean and tall with light brown hair pulled back into a manbun and chocolate eyes, he was still still good looking but incredibly plain. He pulled off the flannel shirt, though, in that West Coast hipster way.

Are five-hundred-year-old werecats allowed to be hipsters?

“Everett, thank you for coming,” I said, holding the door open. He came in smiling nervously, his scent making it clear we both felt the same way.

“Of course.” He shrugged sheepishly. “I figured we’d met, and I’ve met the werewolf you’re, uh…”

“Engaged to?” I nodded. “Yeah. We’ll talk about it.”

“I know. Maybe I should say this now, um… I’m not here to give you a hard time. I know others will. That’s why I came. Someone to be… supportive.”

“You are a nervous man, Everett, son of Soseono,” Zuri said with a chuckle.

“Zuri, daughter of Hasan, it’s nice to meet you,” he greeted quickly as I closed the door. “I know I’m not the most well-known or active werecat. I enjoy staying in my place in Minnesota, out of the limelight. I hope my being here is more productive than unproductive.”

“I’m certain it will be,” Zuri said, gracefully taking his arm and pulling him away from the door. “Let me show you where we’ll be talking. Coyotl from Mexico is here and might be downstairs.”

I let them leave, my sister applying all the charm and grace needed to make him feel more comfortable. When she came back, I pointed out something odd.

“He was the werecat Gwen ran to and reached out to me at her behest,” I explained. “He was more confident then. I think he was more nervous about that situation than he was of me specifically.”

“He was in his territory and felt stronger. He also would have known he’s stronger than you and could stop you in a reasonable fight for territory. We have a rule that if we lose a territory fight fairly, we won’t retaliate,” she explained. “Now, you have me at your side, there is no territory, and this is highly political. He’s out of his comfort zone.”

“Yeah, it just stood out to me.” I shrugged, and we went back to waiting.

We didn’t wait for long. The doorbell rang, and as I opened it, two more cars were coming up the drive. I couldn’t focus on the cars, though. A blonde woman with a grin stood at the door, waiting on me.

“Hannah, daughter of Seye,” she greeted, shoving her right hand toward me. I shook it, then moved back to let her in. I was grateful to recognize the name. I knew she was an early English settler, similar in age to Heath, but not much more. I hadn’t recognized her appearance, but she had put her name and a small bit of herself on her RSVP.

“Jacqueline, daughter of Hasan,” I said, but she no longer cared about me.

She looked at Zuri and smiled. I knew immediately that Zuri didn’t want to see this particular werecat, but I didn’t understand why. She seemed like a good-natured woman.

“Seye talked about you for years, the queen of his homeland. I’m glad we can finally meet, Zuri, daughter of Hasan.”

“Well met, Hannah, daughter of Seye,” Zuri said softly, her smile fake and her stare hooded.

“He’ll never forgive you for not participating in the end of slavery in the United States,” Hannah continued. “I’m here because he refused to come. He wanted to see what your family is up to with this stunt.”

“Seye will never forgive me for many things,” Zuri said, her face tightening. “You’ll find the meeting room down the hall. Follow my scent.”

“Of course.” Hannah’s smile to Zuri was full of teeth.

“Zuri?” I was fairly certain of one thing after that exchange. Hannah was not a friend. She probably wouldn’t be an ally.

“Later,” she said, shaking her head. Something had her rattled. “I didn’t know who her father was. It caught me off-guard. Interesting choice in a daughter, though. For him at least.”

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