protective hand on her hip. As they entered, the scent of fear and hostility caused her nose to crinkle. Her friends were all frowning, and she wanted nothing more than to settle their anxiety.
“Everyone, this is my fiancé, Koda Stephano.”
Faith was the first to move, standing with a cautious smile creeping across her small lips. She held out her hand wearily. “Hey there. I’m Faith Sharp. Nice to meet you.”
“Likewise. I apologize for my behavior. I’m just…a jealous fiancé,” he said with a smile, shaking her hand gently and pressing a small kiss to her knuckles.
Sera wanted to growl but bit her lip, knowing Faith wasn’t into Koda at all.
“It’s no big deal, darlin’,” Ally said as she stood, completely comfortable with him. She flashed her white teeth and twirled a piece of her curly auburn hair. “I’m Ally Baker.”
“Very nice to meet you,” Koda said, flashing her a brilliant smile as he kissed her knuckles.
Ally’s breath hitched a bit, and Sera could smell her friend’s desire for her mate; to her, it was like the stench of a rotting piece of meat. She loved Ally like a sister, but her flirting wasn’t going to fly anymore. She clenched her jaw, and stifled a growl when Ally winked at Koda. She relaxed when he immediately dropped her hand and held Sera tighter against him, sending a clear message that he wasn’t interested in anyone but her.
“Jealous much?” Koda spoke into her mind with a snicker.
“Zip it, White Fang. How about I have another tickle fight with Richard, huh? Then we’ll see who’s really jealous.”
Koda’s eyes flashed with anger, and she smirked at him. “Touché.”
Jackson and Trisha finally came inside, and Sera instantly noticed that all her male friends became rigid. She laughed when she realized just how intimidated Cameron, Richard, and Damion were.
“C’mon, Rich. Where are your big boy panties?” Sera mocked.
“Ha-ha, Sera. Very funny.”
Koda stepped closer to Richard, making them all tense. He held out his hand, and his body was loose, but Sera was keenly aware of how difficult it was for him to be near Richard, who was covered with her scent. “I am sorry I threw you, friend. No hard feelings, I hope.”
Richard raised an eyebrow at him, then looked at Sera.
“Please?” Sera mouthed.
He finally took Koda’s extended hand and shook it firmly. “No hard feelings, bro. Just, uh…please, no more throwing. My shoulder’s killing me,” he said with a smile as he rubbed his aching joint.
Koda chuckled, and the room instantly felt lighter.
“Hey, babe,” Lowell said as he entered the room, winking at Trisha.
Jackson growled, making Lowell blanch.
“He’s only kidding,” Trisha said gently, stroking his arm. “Calm down.”
Faolan and Lowell both looked back and forth between Koda and Jackson. The shock on their faces was evident, and they quickly bared their throats.
“Uh, yeah, so…that wasn’t weird at all,” Cameron said.
“Are they, like, royalty or something?” Richard asked.
“It’s a bit more complicated than that. Let’s just save this conversation for another day.”
“Why? What are y’all hiding?” Faith asked.
“Nothing important,” Sera said, leaning into her mate, needing his strength.
Koda gave a gentle growl
Katherine Anne Porter, Darlene Harbour Unrue