Page 56 of Rhett

“Rhett is more bark than bite,” Imani commented.

“Exactly,” Nyx said. “Rhett is a great guy. He just hides it most of the time.”

I blinked dramatically. “So his grunting and scowling is part of his alpha love language?”

“Yeah. Pretty much.” Imani sighed heavily. “I’m not going to lie. When Quinn and I met, we argued and pushed each other away even when we knew that we belonged together.”

Nyx piped up. “God, I don’t miss those angst-filled ‘will they get their shit together and mate’ moments between you two.”

Imani jabbed her in the side.

“Ouch!” Nyx gave her the evil eye. “What was that for?”

“Because it wasn’t that dramatic between Quinn and me.”

Her eyes widened. “Yes, it was.” She grabbed another piece of chicken. “I’m telling you right now if I have to go through all this drama with every damn woman who shows up in this town, I’m going to start randomly cunt punting newcomers until you hags get your shit together.”

I choked on my bite of chicken. “Present company not included, right?”

“I might start with you just to set a precedent.”

I laughed so hard my stomach hurt. “You two are crazy… but I love it.”

“What’s not to love?” Imani replied sassily. “But all joking aside. Do you like him?”

I bit my bottom lip. “My body says yes. My mind says run. It’s not remotely possible for me to contemplate exploring anything with Rhett when he’s holding such a grudge against Hunters.”

They reached across the table, each grabbing one of my hands.

“Drop your guard the next time you see him,” Nyx implored.

“Listen to what your heart is saying,” Imani continued. “And take it from there.”

They released my hands, grabbing a glass. I followed suit.

“To possibilities,” Imani toasted. Then we clinked glasses and tossed back our shots.

The sounds of a hip-hop song blasted through the air. “The dance floor is calling us,” Imani said while jumping to her feet and beckoning us with a finger.

We joined the crowd of gyrating bargoers. Everyone clapped to the beat as Imani moved her body like a snake. Nyx air-slapped my ass while I twerked. It was unadulterated fun with no judgment or filters.

After dancing to back-to-back songs, we returned to our table for more rounds of Brew.

“Don’t you care if people talk about the mate of the town alpha dropping it like it’s hot on the dance floor?” I asked Imani.

Imani smirked. “Nope. First thing you’ll have to learn about shifters is that anything goes.” She pointed to the cavorting patrons. “See that woman with short red hair gyrating against that male like they’re reenacting a porno scene?”

I nodded.

“The redhead is a billionaire who owns the number-one makeup brand in America. She lives in the Ridge part time, like most residents.”

Nyx nodded. “Almost half the population work in the human world and have a vacation home here. This is the place where they can let loose and relax.”

“Exactly,” Imani chimed in. “And second, even if they were judging me, I wouldn’t give a shit. I am who I am. You either accept me, or you don’t.”

“That’s how I feel,” I declared.

Nyx raised her hand. “Ditto.”