Sebastian shook his head and muttered, “Lucas.”
“Come and sit.” Lucas said.
“Can I get you a drink or something to eat?” Sebastian asked me.
“You don’t even live here anymore,” Lucas protested light-heartedly. “I can offer him something.” He faced me. “Sebastian is always trying to feed people.”
“I’m a chef,” Sebastian explained. “Most people are grateful and think my food is delicious.” He snorted. “Except Diego.” He pointed to the wall. “The vampire next door.”
My muscles tensed. That meant I was under the same roof as a vampire. Neither Sebastian nor Diego appeared concerned by that, though, so I forced myself not to worry. When in Salem…
“He’s married to Nova,” Lucas added. “You might have seen her at the Danger Zone.”
“I think so.” She was the petite witch with auburn hair who had been hiding with Lucas.
“What can I get you?” Lucas asked.
“Anything cold.”
“I have cold beer.”
“Sounds good.”
When Lucas left to get them, Sebastian said, “I hear you’re from Colorado.”
“I grew up outside of Denver but moved around a lot.”
“Is Salem different from what you’re used to?”
“Yes. Aside from how openly supernaturals live, the landscape is different as well. I’m more used to mountains and never lived on the coast.”
Sebastian tilted his head. “I know what that’s like. I grew up in the White Mountains in New Hampshire.”
“What drew you here?”
Sebastian’s expression darkened. “I didn’t fit in with my pack.”
“Oh.” I wasn’t sure what else to say or if I should prod with a follow-up question.
“We had a difference in mindset,” he added. “I thought they were narrowminded and wanted to live somewhere without their rigid rules and outdated traditions. Someplace more accepting.”
Those last works struck a hopeful note inside me. “What do you think?”
“Zero regrets. Not only have I found my new brothers,” he said, motioning to Lucas in the kitchen, “But also my mate.”
My bear stirred. I rubbed the back of my neck. Both Lucas and Sebastian had found their mates, and I was still utterly confused about what this meant—especially with a woman who didn’t feel that same connection.
“We might be a strange crew of different species, but we’re family,” Sebastian added.
Interesting. Lucas returned carrying a few beers. He handed one to me. “We are indeed. The motley-est of crews since the band hit Sunset Strip in the eighties.”
When I laughed, he asked, “What’s going on with you and Pandora?”
I grunted. “Good question. Every time we’ve gone out, it’s been a disaster. I don’t want her to thinkwe’rea disaster.”
“True, true,” Lucas added. He fixed a steady gaze on me. “Let me ask you something—does your bear react around Pandora?”
My eyes widened, and my heart pounded faster. “How did you know that?”
