CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SIX

The cul-de-sac was seriously cute, especially with all the Christmas decorations. Most were lit up, despite that it wasn’t fully dark yet.

Not all shifters celebrated the holidays. Those who did generally didn’t do so for religious reasons. Quinley’s pride always went butt wild at Christmas.

And as of today, she’d no longer be a member of that pride.

Cue belly flutter.

While she lamented being in a position where transferring to another was necessary for her sanity, she had no doubts about what she would soon do. Not one. But, yeah, it would suck to not live close to her family.

As she brought her car to a halt outside Isaiah’s address, Quinley noticed a bunch of people crowded together on the neighboring porch. His pride mates, obviously. Some were nosily looking at her car, probably guessing who she was. After all, not many strange vehicles were going to park outside Isaiah’s place at this particular time.

Snagging her purse, she took a preparatory breath and slid out of the car. The chilly air danced along her back—the only part of her body exposed by her belted, ruby-red jumpsuit. With its diamante neckline and long mesh skirt at the back, it was a solid choice for an elegant party outfit in the winter.

Quinley did not do skirts or dresses during winter.

She gave a brief wave to the nosy parkers on the porch and then made her way to the back of her vehicle. She opened the trunk with her key fob … just as the sounds of hurried footsteps caught her attention.

Quinley looked to see three females approaching, all dolled-up in pretty dresses for what was likely the upcoming celebration.

The female in the center smiled brightly. “Hi, I’m Havana, one of your neighbors. Also the Alpha, so if you need anything let me know. These two tag-alongs are my besties, Aspen and Bailey.”

“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.

Havana nattered away as they strode down the sidewalk. Lights from the lampposts danced along shallow puddles. Shadows moved in the apartments above the closed stores. Some pedestrians could be seen on the sidewalks, near the stoplights, or at the bus stops.

Though the stores’ security shutters were down, Quinley could tell from the large signs above the doors that there was everything from a jewelry store and a deli to a coffeehouse and a book shop.

The streets were apparently busy during daytime, according to Havana. She explained that each business was owned by the pride and mostly employed its members, though some workers were humans or lone shifters.

“And here we have the Tavern,” said Havana as she pulled Quinley toward a particular door. “We often hold celebratory events here.”

Entering, Quinley could easily understand why the place would be used as the main party venue. It not only had plenty of seating, it wasn’t merely a bar. It was also part-restaurant part-pool hall with a stage, arcade area, and widescreen TVs.

“The omegas took care of the decorations—they always do a grand job.”

They hadn’t failed this time either. A “Welcome” banner hung above the stage while a “Congratulations” banner was pinned above the bar. Clusters of white and gold balloons seemed to be everywhere. There were also lanterns, tinsel curtains, and tissue pompoms.

More, confetti and votive LED candles were set on every table and at each burgundy-cushioned booth. String lights dangled along the red brick walls, carefully avoiding the TVs and sports paraphernalia. There was also a white and gold balloon arch near the buffet table. A huge spread of food waited there, making her tummy rumble.

A pretty blue-eyed female with shiny chestnut hair approached, smiling. “Hi, you must be Quinley. I’m Bree, the primary omega of the pride.” Her smile faltered as it landed on Havana. “Why are you clinging to her like a barnacle?”

“Two reasons: one, she makes my devil feel calm. Two, it’s annoying both Isaiah and Tate.” The devil slid a smug look at the males, who stood close.

Bailey sighed at Havana. “Don’t you think you’ve annoyed them enough? It’s kind of juvenile, isn’t it?”

Havana gaped at her. “You annoy people constantly. On purpose. For fun. You’re doing it right now.”

The mamba grinned. “I know.”

Isaiah shrugged his way through the females, his gaze on Quinley. “This is why I asked you to come here early. I knew the unholy trinity would do this.” He looked at Havana. “I need to talk her through what will happen next, so …”

The devil exhaled heavily and released Quinley. “Fine.”

Isaiah cuffed her arm and gently but dominantly drew her to him with an effortless strength that made her inwardly hum in delight. “You okay?” he asked, keeping his voice low.

She nodded. “Of course.” She dealt with big personalities all the time, including her sisters. “Tell me what to expect. I’m guessing we’re going to meet everyone as they enter?”

“Yes,” he confirmed, not releasing her—which she liked. “I’ll do the introductions when it comes to my pride. They’ll welcome you to the pride and congratulate us on our mating. You’ll obviously introduce me to your relatives when they arrive. Then we’ll just enjoy the party.”

“Heads-up: we have wolverines,” Bree warned. “So when the buffet opens, grab food fast or it’ll be gone.”

“They’re big eaters, I know,” said Quinley. “My kind is just as bad, though. A guy I used to date was a wolverine. He was the only person who kept up with me.” Black-foots could eat like there was no tomorrow.

Just then, a tall muscular male came from behind the bar with a bawling baby in his arms.

“Speaking of wolverines, here’s my mate Alex and our daughter Aurora.” Bree’s face went soft with sympathy and concern. “She’s colicky, so …”

“I drove her around in circles,” Alex told Bree, looking somewhat harried; his dark eyes tired; his rich brown hair sticking up in places. “She stopped crying for a while but started again once I cut the engine.”

Quinley licked her lips and lifted her hand toward the baby’s back. “Can I …?”

Alex seemed to debate it for a moment. “Yes.”

Quinley laid a palm on Aurora’s back and pushed warm, soothing energy into her. She smiled when the little girl stopped crying. “There.”

Bree gawked. “Wow.”

“I didn’t cure the colic. Can’t. I just numbed the pain for her. It’ll last a few days.”

Bree’s eyes widened. “A few days? Really?”

“It generally does.”

Alex took a small but eager step closer to Quinley. “Can you move in with us?”

“No, she can’t,” Isaiah told him, his hand flexing on her arm.

The wolverine frowned. “It would be just for a little while.”

Isaiah shook his head. “No.”

Alex’s jaw tightened. “You’re so selfish.”

“Would you let Bree live with me?”

The wolverine spluttered. “Yes.”

“Lying bastard,” Isaiah muttered.

Bailey held her arms out for Aurora. “Let me take her for a while.”

His frown deepening, Alex held the baby closer. “Under no circumstances will you ever take my daughter anywhere. She’d come back with tattoos, piercings, and wearing a goddamn snake outfit or some shit.”

Bailey dropped her arms. “That is so … accurate.”

The front door swung open. An angelic-looking blonde strode inside, her fingers linked to those of a male who bore a close resemblance to Tate.

Isaiah cast Quinley a look. “These are the pride Betas, Luke and Blair.” He gave them a curt nod. “Luke, Blair—this is Quinley.”

Blair gave her a sweet smile. “Well, hi. Welcome to the pride.”

Luke repeated the sentiment.

“Thank you.” Quinley pointed at Blair, her eyes narrowing. “Bush dog, right?”

“Right,” Blair confirmed, her smile kicking up a notch. “You’re familiar with my kind?”

“Used to date one.” He’d been a handful.

“She has the most fascinating dating history,” Aspen commented.

It would be fair to say that Quinley had thrown herself into dating, searching for a partner, a mate, an escape. She hadn’t found one until now.

Bree nudged Isaiah. “You’d better take your place over by the doors. People will start entering soon.”

He planted a warm hand low on Quinley’s back and guided her to a spot near the doors. Man, he smelled good. His scent was dark and woodsy and carried a hint of amber. Her cat rather liked it.

“Here we go,” he murmured as the first few people entered.

Over the next hour, Quinley was on the receiving end of handshakes, chin-tips, nods, cheek-kisses, and welcoming comments.

When a particular couple approached, Isaiah smiled warmly. “Quinley, these are my parents, Andaya and Koen.”

“We’re so glad to meet you,” Andaya told her, beaming. “If you need anything—anything at all—just give me a call. I left my number on the fridge, as well as our address should you feel like company.”

Isaiah frowned. “She’s a black-foot.”

“Not all are asocial. She might be different.” Andaya lifted a brow at her. “Are you?”

“No,” Quinley admitted.

Koen chuckled. “As my mate said, we’re here for whatever you might need. Isaiah works a lot. And it could be that, what with you being away from those you love, you do find yourself wanting someone to talk to. Should that happen, call my mate or pay us a visit. You’ll always be welcome.”

Touched, Quinley said, “Thank you so much.”

“We’ll talk more later,” Andaya told her. “Welcome to the pride, and congratulations on the mating.” With that, the couple melted away.

Quinley leaned slightly into Isaiah, once more letting her senses bathe in his scent. “They’re really sweet. I was worried that maybe they’d be upset that you chose an arranged mating.”

Seeming pleased that she liked his parents, he said, “Their own mating was arranged.”

Quinley felt her brows hike up. “Oh. That explains it.”

“Are your own parents coming?”

Oh shit, she’d forgot to mention … “They, uh, died a long time ago. But my sisters, their mates, and my nephews are coming.” She could tell he wanted to prod for more information, but the door again opened as yet more pride members arrived.

A short time later, her family finally showed. Quinley introduced them to him. All greeted Isaiah warmly, their gazes somewhat studious.

“Thank you for coming,” he said to them.

“We wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Lori told him. The curvy, olive-skinned female had proclaimed to Raya when they were just five, “We’re mates, you know.” Raya’s response had been: “Well, duh.” They’d been inseparable ever since. “You did good picking Quinley—she’s a winner.”

“And less trouble than her sisters,” Will chipped in, his lips quirking when the two females in question cast him a glare.

Corey grabbed his brother’s arm. “Ooh, an arcade!” The boys were the spitting image of their father, right down to the gray-blue eyes and red hair. “Can me and Ren head over there, Dad?”

“Your brother might not actually want to,” said Will.

“He does, though,” Corey insisted. “We want to play air hockey, then basketball.”

Adaline tapped his shoulder gently. “Didn’t we talk about how you should each let the other speak for himself?”

“We did, yes,” Ren answered for his brother, making Adaline sigh.

“We’re gonna need lots of quarters,” Corey declared.

“I have quarters,” said Isaiah. “What do I get in return for them?”

The twins exchanged a blank look then turned back to him. “Our unfailing allegiance,” they said in unison.

Quinley barely held back a laugh.

While Quinley was deep in conversation with Helena and some of the omegas, Isaiah took the opportunity to corner Luke. “I know this isn’t the time to have this conversation, but I need to know if you, Camden, and Farrell have had any luck tracking the Vercetti Pack?” He hadn’t wanted to ask in front of Quinley—he’d lumber all that shit on her after the celebration.”

The Beta’s lips thinned. “No. They don’t leave any kind of tracks, physical or electronic.”

Isaiah’s cat bared his teeth. “Do you think it’s possible someone helps them hide?”

“Camden suggested that,” said Luke. “It’s a definite possibility. I just don’t see who’d want to associate with them. Other than humans.”

The sound of glass smashing drew Isaiah’s attention to his left. Bailey was apologizing to someone for knocking over their drink but, knowing her, he wouldn’t be surprised if she’d done it on purpose.

He took an idle look around. The place was now packed. Partygoers could be found everywhere—sat at tables, stood at the bar, tucked in booths, playing pool, spending money in the arcade area, shaking their asses on the dance floor, or even just standing in clusters talking and laughing.

So far, all was going good. Quinley and her family appeared to be enjoying themselves, and his pride mates appeared to have taken a liking to her.

“We will find the brothers, Isaiah,” said Luke. “The minute we come across anything of note, I’ll pass it on—considering they’re gunning for you, it’s only right that you’re kept updated.”

Isaiah inclined his head. “I appreciate it.”

Just then, Blair and Elle approached.

“What are you two talking about?” asked Blair, her suspicious gaze sliding from him to her mate.

“Rainbows,” both Isaiah and Luke replied at the same time.

She snorted. “Stop talking about work stuff. You should be focusing on Quinley,” she added, pointing at Isaiah.

“Excuse me, I got shooed away by the omegas—they wanted to talk ‘healer stuff.’” Isaiah had first checked with Quinley that it was fine; she’d been happy to talk to them alone.

“I really like her,” said Elle. “She gives off this air of calm. It’s like … like every bit of tension in me just eases away. Of course it comes right back when she walks away. Where did she go?” The redhead glanced around.

“You’re not using her as a living chill pill,” Isaiah told Elle.

“Why not?” Elle whined. “And what’s it to you?”

“Everything. Once I’ve branded her, she’ll officially be my mate. It’ll be my responsibility to be sure she doesn’t give too much of herself—submissives tend to do that. Healers are even worse for it, and I know she uses her gift as part of her job. I don’t want her drained.”

Elle smiled, pleased. “Good answer. I just wanted to be sure you’re all in, because I can tell she is.”

“How?”

“I just sense these things. Like magic.”

Luke nudged him. “Valentina seems to have taken a shining to Quinley. That’s a good sign.”

Isaiah glanced over to see that the female wolverine and her brothers had in fact approached her. “Even the uncles are being nice to her.” Good. He didn’t really want to have to argue with a bunch of insane wolverines.

Knowing the uncles were an acquired taste and offended people all too easily, he said, “I’d better head over there to ensure they don’t try giving her a Russian name or some shit.”

He began to shoulder his way through the crowd toward her. His cat moodily retreated to his corner, having only come forward to hear Luke’s news—or lack thereof—regarding the Vercetti Pack. The feline had been doing his best to ignore Quinley all night, though he hadn’t been all too successful at it. She wasn’t someone who anyone would find easy to overlook.

Two familiar females appeared in front of Isaiah, making him halt.

“Hi, again,” said Raya with a little wave.

Adaline gave him a warm but stern smile.

Isaiah held back a sigh. “You’ve come to warn me that I’d better be good to your sister or you will slit my throat in my sleep.”

They exchanged a look.

“We were actually thinking more along the lines of disemboweling you,” said Raya.

Alllllll right. “I’m not going to hurt your sister,” he assured them.

“Maybe not intentionally,” said Adaline. “We just want to be sure she isn’t going to be second best in your eyes. We get that you would have preferred to bond with your true mate—most shifters universally would. But we’d like to have the assurance that you’re not going to be looking at Quinley wishing she was someone else.”

Isaiah gave them a sober look. “That’s not how it will be. She’ll officially be my mate as of tonight. That’s what I’ll see when I look at her—my mate. I won’t lie to you, it may take a while for us to form any kind of emotional ties. We’re pretty much strangers to each other. A mating brand won’t change that. But she’ll be my priority.”

A glimmer of surprised humor appeared in Adaline’s eyes. “You don’t anticipate that her wearing your brand will have any emotional impact on you?”

“No,” he replied.

Raya’s nose wrinkled. “You don’t think it will make you possessive or anything?”

“Maybe a teensy bit, but … why are you both smiling?”

Adaline coughed into her fist as if to hide a chuckle. “No reason. We’ll take you at your word and trust that Quinley won’t be competing with the woman you were fated to have. But if we find out you hurt her …”

“Disemboweling will commence,” he said. “Got it.”

They both grinned, clearly satisfied.

Right then, Quinley materialized, her perceptive gaze bouncing from face to face. “Everything okay?”

“Of course,” said Raya with a reassuring wave of her hand.

Quinley’s eyes narrowed. “You two threatened to kill him if he upset me, didn’t you?”

Adaline looked appropriately offended. “No.”

Quinley sighed. “Let me guess, disembowelment was your choice of execution.”

Adaline put a hand on her hip. “I’m just looking out for you. It’s my job. Suck it up and deal.”

Raya turned to Adaline. “I still don’t see why you don’t look out for me, too.”

“As I said, you’re Lori’s problem now,” Adaline told her with a flick of her hand.

Raya crossed her arms over her chest. “So, as of tonight, Quinley will be Isaiah’s problem?”

“No.”

“You’re playing favorites. That’s what’s happening here.”

Quinley toward Isaiah. “It’s an old argument,” she explained as her sisters began to bicker. “After our parents died, Adaline took over as the mom figure. I was only five, so she babied me in a way she didn’t need to with Raya. That was when the whole ‘Quinley’s your favorite’ began. As it irritates Adaline, Raya does it all the more. And due to being so irritated, Adaline makes teasing comments that imply Raya’s correct.” She shrugged.

Isaiah splayed his palm on her back. “I’m sorry about your parents.”

She gave a half-smile. “Thanks.”

He wanted to know more, but now wasn’t the time or the place to ask. So, he instead said, “I like your family. Especially your nephews, even though they talk like they’re one person.” Like they knew each other’s thoughts and feelings. It was eerie.

“They’re quite aware that it freaks people out, and they like it.” Quinley took a look around. “You know, your pride has more of a variety of shifters than I expected. I was surprised to see that your Alpha female isn’t a pallas cat.”

He tipped his head to the side, moving closer to her; liking how her pupils dilated. “Why?”

She licked those lips he wanted to nip. “Most shifter groupings are ruled by the same breed that forms the vast majority of the pack, pride, clan, or whatever.”

“We aren’t fussed about stuff like that,” he said with a shrug. “I doubt Tate expected his true mate to be a devil shifter. She, Aspen, Bailey, and Camden were originally loners. They’ve known each other since they were children, and they still work at the rec center where they spent most of their time growing up.”

Quinley edged a little closer to him. “Tell me more about the people here.”

Liking her interest, he did exactly that.