Page 16 of Purrfectly Mated

“You met Hunter at college as I understand it, but you have no other connections, no family or old Pride, yes?” Uncle Uzzi continued, unbothered by the growling.

He spoke as if completely unaffected by the massive man, whereas Elissa wanted to hide behind something. The stranger’s entire vibe was hostile and unwelcoming.

“I don’t know who the hell you two think you are spouting whatever mumbo jumbo you feel like, but you can’t just walk in here like you own the place!”

Hank moved forward, but Uncle Uzzi raised one wrinkled hand to stop him. In awe of the small, elderly man’s courage, Elissa remained still.

“Who I am, is Uzzi Stregovich. Now listen, you unlicked cub, go tell Hunter Maverick I am here.” Uncle Uzzi’s firm voice brooked no interruption.

Elissa decided then and there to take a page from Uncle Uzzi’s book. She stood her ground next to the shorter man, remaining still as the stranger’s golden gaze landed right on her. She might not be a Shifter, but that didn’t mean she was a pushover.

Hell no.

ChapterFive

Blake looked from Uzzi to Elissa, his lip curled in a threatening snarl. His posture was stiff, and he looked ready to pounce.

Elissa narrowed her gaze, eying the rude sonovabitch right back as he insolently looked her over. She cringed internally as he took his time, raking his cold brown eyes over her wide hips and ample breasts.

Stopping to stare pointedly where she did not want him looking, Blake smirked and this time she was the one who felt like growling. He was totally creeping her out.

If this was what Shifters were like, maybe she made a mistake coming here with Uncle Uzzi. The old Witch was kind and honest, but this guy was a fucking jerk. She knew jerks. Had dated them in the past.

“Did you not hear me?” Uzzi repeated, and Elissa saw sparks zipping along his fingertips.

“Uzzi, maybe we should just---”

“Listen to the human, old man,” Blake said in a deep, guttural voice.

What the heck? Elissa narrowed her eyes at him. She certainly didn’t want to tuck tail and run. Not now anyway.

“I will leave by order of the Neta, and no one else,” Uzzi stated calmly.

You sure about that, old man?”

Elissa ground her teeth together, not liking the glint of hostility in Blake’s suddenly orange gaze. She moved slightly in front of Uzzi. Without really understanding why or where she got the courage, Elissa opened her mouth to tell Blake to back the fuck up when another stranger walked into the room.

A resounding growl emanated from the man, though she didn’t see his mouth open. It was coming up from his chest, vibrating through his whole body, and making everyone stand at attention. She glanced at Uzzi, but the elderly Witch merely bowed his head politely, then he straightened and positively beamed at the guy.

“Ah, there you are!”

Oh shit.

Was this the guy Uncle Uzzi had been telling her about? The male was enormous, larger than the first jack-hole they’d met. Taller by only a few inches, but nearly half again as wide.

His head was closely shaved, leaving Elissa to wonder the color and texture. Was it brown or blond? Straight or wavy.? Odd to have such thoughts at a time like this, but all she wanted to do was get closer to him. To put her hand on that massive rumbling chest and soothe whatever had angered him.

Blake had her hackles up, but this guy made her want to turn belly up and pant like a puppy, begging for attention. She shook her head, as if to break the seductive spell that had come over her with his entrance. But there was simply no denying it.

She wanted him, and that was insane. Elissa was hardly promiscuous, and she’d never wanted to bang a guy on sight. But from the moment she spotted him, it was as if a wave of lust had washed over her. There was more to it than that, she acknowledged as she tried to categorize her feelings.

His mere presence was soothing, calming the nerves Blake had frazzled so relentlessly. She felt safe, curious, and very drawn to him even, despite the strange situation.

Hunter Maverick, leader of the Pride, was gorgeous. He had a healthy tan despite the season, leaving her to believe he worked outdoors. Maybe alongside his construction crew, she mused.

Something about a man who worked with his hands really turned her on. His dark eyebrows framed his face in a natural arch over the most electrifying, teal-colored eyes she had ever seen.

That laser like gaze of his flashed to her before going back to the other man, the one she did not like. He seemed pissed.

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