The front door opens, and I’m not surprised when a large group, larger than I thought would show up, waltz in. Bram is not going to like this.
Sally and Roxanne are arm in arm, strutting across the floor. Sally is wearing her signature short skirt and a ripped T-shirt tied at her waist. Roxanne reminds me of a gypsy in her long flowing dress, numerous bracelets clanking around her wrists. Bram won’t like the attention they are going to garner. Gabby looks suitably lectured by her sister, Stephanie, and walks close to her side. Quinn has his hand resting on the back of his mate's neck, and she looks perfectly happy to have it there. Kingston and Maverick are behind Quinn, Saphira between them, holding her hands.
I did not expect Micah and his mate, Daisy, to arrive with them. He has spotted me and smirks as he flows through the crowd.
Bram will also hate the presence of Micah. He is a six-hundred-year-old vampire. His power is always ready, and he won’t hesitate to use it with Daisy next to him. I’m sure The Night Wolf has never had so many powerful shifters in it.
“Hey, Heath,” Sally says, her voice raised. Everyone in the vicinity looks up, their attention transferring from me to the sexy rabbit. Micah’s grin widens.
“Sally,” I greet when she is next to me.
“Jules,” Sally says, and my mate holds up a finger.
“You found your mate,” Kingston says, and I nod. “Congratulations.”
“Thank you,” I say softly to Kingston and turn to Micah. “I wasn’t expecting you.” I stare at the dangerous vampire.
He lifts a shoulder. “I heard there was trouble.”
“It’s taken care of,” I say.
“Still,” he says.
“You couldn’t resist,” I grumble.
“Sally.” Juliana stops across from us. “How are you?”
“I’m fine as ever.” Sally grins, tucking her hair behind her ear.
“You were tied up not long ago,” Juliana says dryly.
“It wasn’t my first time,” Sally retorts, and humor escapes all of us. Sally takes over before I can do the introductions, rapidly saying names and pointing to them. I pay no attention to Sally and instead watch my mate.
I can feel her uneasiness. She is overwhelmed with the crew, and I don’t blame her. As much as they can be intrusive, they are a good group to have on your side. As Juliana takes orders, I look away and see Saphira watching me. She smiles softly and pushes through the crowd to stand by my side.
“How are you?” she asks softly.
“It’s been interesting.” I look at her mates. They have recently mated, and their bond was not complete when I met them. Our first meeting was tense because of my snake, and they didn’t like me near Saphira. They aren’t as leery of me, but still don’t like her close to me. “I would advise you to step back,” I whisper. “Your mates are still possessive.”
“They aren’t the only ones,” she says, nodding at my mate, and I follow her gaze to Juliana. She is filling glasses, but her gaze flicks over. “She’s feeling the bond, too.”
“I told her a little about you. She didn’t like my fondness,” I say. I shouldn’t enjoy her jealousy.
“Should I tell her she has nothing to worry about?” Saphira asks.
“No. I will reassure her.” I don’t need anyone informing her of anything. I want to be the only one she comes to for answers.
“She’s beautiful,” she whispers.
“She’s everything,” I state, and she smiles softly.
“I’m glad you found her.” Maverick decided I had enough time with his mate and slides his arm around her waist.
“Maverick,” I say, nodding slightly.
“I never thought you would have a mate,” he says.
“I didn’t either.” Juliana places drinks for the group on the bar.