“Now that the introductions are done,” said Riley, “I’d like to get some food.”
“You both need to eat. Come.” Max led Riley and Tao to the buffet table, where bowls and platters of finger foods were spread out, including chicken, chips, crackers, and cake. They each helped themselves to a plate, and then Ethan and Max led them around the flock, introducing Tao. He always remained within touching distance of Riley, standing either at her side or at her back, protective and possessive.
When Ethan and Max finally left her side, Tao drew her against him, careful not to crush her plate between them. “I’ve noticed that neither Cynthia, Sawyer, nor Wade’s mother have come forward to greet you.”
Riley had occasionally caught wisps of Shirley’s scent, so she knew she was close. “I didn’t really expect them to. Shirley—that’s Wade’s mom—was glaring at me earlier.”
“It’s probably only a matter of time before she approaches you.”
Riley found it kind of hard to concentrate on his words while he was whispering in her ear, making the hairs on her neck rise. “Disappear for a few minutes.”
Tao’s brows snapped together. “Excuse me?”
“Give her the chance to get her crap off her chest so we can get it over with. I’m quite safe, Tao, I’m surrounded by people.”
He knew that, but walking away from her still went against his protective instincts. His wolf was tense, not liking that he was surrounded by strangers. The knowledge that a male was nearby who’d once touched their female . . . yeah, his wolf wasn’t coping too well with that.
Riley’s nails dug into his chest. “I’m a big girl, Tao.”
“That doesn’t mean I like leaving you alone, especially when I’m around a bunch of people I don’t know.” It was making him antsy.
“I’ll be fine without you for just a few minutes. Look, it’s better if I speak to Shirley now. The longer she stews, the more likely it is that she’ll make a scene.”
Tao sighed. “I’ll go get us both another Coke.” They had both chosen not to drink alcohol, wanting to be fully alert in the event of any problems. “I need you to stay here. Can you do that?”
“I can do that.” She gave his chest a gentle nudge when he didn’t move. “Go. No one’s going to hurt me.”
“Of course they won’t—I’d never let them.” Tao tapped her ass and, going against every protective instinct he had, walked away from her.
Riley was chucking her half-empty paper plate in the trash can when the scent of fresh citrus and pine bark swirled around her.
“Hello, Riley,” rumbled a familiar voice.
She turned. And there was Sawyer, leaning against a tree, smiling. “Sawyer,” she greeted him flatly.
“You look well.” He tilted his head slightly as he studied her closely. “Tired, but well. Still have trouble sleeping?”
“Sometimes. How are you?”
“I’m good. Very good.” His smile was warm, intimate. “It’s been four years, Riley. I didn’t think you’d stay away that long.”
“I didn’t think you’d ever even dream of touching Cynthia. People can surprise you that way.”
His mouth quirked. “I guess they can.” His attention was snagged by something over her shoulder, and his smile faded a little.
Tao’s scent wrapped around her, drowning out that of the male raven, mere seconds before he pressed against her back and dangled an open bottle of Coke in front of her. “Here, baby.”
“Thanks.” She took a long drink, enjoying the cold and sparkling taste.
Sawyer pushed away from the tree and took a casual step forward. “Who’s your friend, Riley?”
She quickly made the introductions, and she didn’t miss the hard glint in Sawyer’s eyes. Much like Tao, he didn’t trust outsiders or like having them in his territory.
“It’s always a pleasure to meet a friend of Riley’s,” said Sawyer with false politeness.
“Where’s Cynthia?” Riley asked.
“She’s around here somewhere,” Sawyer replied vaguely.
Tao’s wolf unsheathed his claws and took a swipe at the male. He didn’t like the way the bastard looked at Riley. There was no desire there, but his gaze was intent. Knowing. Lingered on her too long. He got the feeling the raven was trying to goad him.
“We appreciate your pack watching over Riley.” The message was clear: in Sawyer’s opinion, she wasn’t part of the Phoenix Pack.
“We take care of what’s ours,” Tao told him. His wolf liked it when Sawyer’s mouth tightened.
“There you are,” said a female who was fast approaching—the same female Tao had guessed was Cynthia. She stopped beside Sawyer, her smile fake and tight as she spoke to Riley. “It’s quite a surprise to see you here.”
“I’ll bet,” said Riley.
She turned that fake smile on Tao. “I’m Cynthia. And, if the gossip is to be believed, you’re the Phoenix Pack’s Head Enforcer.”
“That’s right,” said Tao. His tone didn’t invite further questioning. He could practically feel Cynthia’s unease as she stood very still, clearly making a conscious effort to seem relaxed. She cast a worried look at Sawyer, whose eyes were fixed on Riley. She either suspected or knew that the male felt, at the very least, a hint of possessiveness where Riley was concerned.
“You’ve made this a perfect day for your uncles, Riley.”
Smiling, Riley said, “I’m glad.” Just in case the female said anything to tempt Riley into smashing the now-empty Coke bottle into her face, Riley slung it in the trash can.
“How long will you be staying?”
“A couple of days.”
Disappointment clouded Cynthia’s eyes. She offered Riley a weak smile. “It’s a shame you can’t stay a little longer.”
Riley was surprised the female didn’t choke on her words. “I’m just here for the weekend.”
“Well, I’ll leave you to enjoy your evening.” Cynthia turned to Sawyer. “Ruby’s looking for you.”
It was a few seconds before he actually met Cynthia’s gaze and said, “She hasn’t looked very far.”