Page 38 of Rhett

“Ain’t that the truth. But she keeps trying to peddle them like drugs. Hell, Rhett and I can make better biscuits than her with our eyes closed, but I’d like to spread the wealth. We need new businesses here. It’s not fair for the established businesses like Josie’s to monopolize all the economic opportunities in this town. That’s why Piper and I decided to hold the baking competition.”

The server came over and asked, “Would you like to order today’s special? It’s family-style roasted pig head, served on a platter with tortillas, salsa, and other taco condiments.”

“I’m game,” I answered. “If you two are.”

“Sounds delicious,” Imani said.

“And what would you like to drink?” the server inquired.

“I’ll have a Moscow Mule,” I said.

“Oh, that sounds great. I’ll have the same,” Imani added.

“Make that three,” Nyx said.

The server roamed away.

“Anyhoo,” Imani said. “Let’s move on to more entertaining matters.” She grinned at me, then Nyx. “There was some man drama between Rhett and Emmett involving lots of luggage.”

“Ooh, pack drama.” Nyx rubbed her palms together. “Spill.”

I chuckled. “It’s not that interesting. Just a lot of grunting, shoving, and posturing. I’m still not sure what the testosterone-fueled standoff between Rhett and Emmett was about.”

“They were fighting about who gets to court Nova,” Imani told Nyx.

I choked on my sip of water. “Is that what they were doing?”

“Uh-huh,” Imani answered while sipping her own water.

“Wow!” Nyx waggled her brows at me. “Not one but two alpha shifters vying to court you.”

“Court me?” I declared. “There’s no courting happening. I’m out of here on Sunday.”

Nyx frowned. “But what about Rhett? Bonnie told my mom that she thinks Rhett likes you.”

I frowned. “Likes me? He’s always snarling, snapping, and scowling at me. And like I told Imani, Rhett’s pointed out several times that he hates Hunters.”

The server arrived with our Moscow Mules served in copper mugs and placed them in front of us.

Imani took a sip of her drink before saying, “Like I said, Rhett is just grumpy, so I wouldn’t take it personally. He’s a great guy once he gets to know you. He just takes his job as Protector of the Ridge seriously. That’s why I know he’ll take care of your Sam issue.”

“What Sam issue?” Nyx asked while drinking her mule.

“Sam broke into Nova’s SUV and stole her pendant.”

“Now he’s stealing?” Nyx scrunched up her nose. “I swear, that fucker needs to be put out of his misery.”

I put my napkin in my lap. “What’s wrong with him?”

“Too many issues to count,” Nyx said.

“When I first came to the Ridge, he tried to attack me,” Imani said to me. “The fucker chased me all the way to Quinn’s house. But the upside to that terrifying event was that’s how I met my fated mate, Quinn.”

“He also stirred up a shitload of trouble because Imani’s a hybrid,” Nyx interjected. “He tried to get the town to rally around him with torches and pitchforks, but the council voted to let Imani stay. Sam’s a selfish bastard. Everyone in the Ridge knows that without Freya’s mating spell, unmated males in this town will never find their fated mate and get their happily-ever-after.”

I gave her the side-eye.Happily-ever-after?I’d stopped believing in that shit when I turned forty.

“That’s why I’m so relieved the council voted to make hybrids official residents of Black Forest,” Imani stated. “Nova, you’re welcome here for as long as you want to stay. Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise.”