Page 31 of Call of A Eagle
“The what?” she asked, her curiosity piqued.
I chuckled at her reaction. “It’s a long story, but they’re a group of shifters who have become like family. We’re a bit of a motley crew, but we’re all good people. They’ll like meeting you.”
Alma let out a soft laugh. “Misfits, huh? Sounds about right for you, Waylen.”
I shrugged, a crooked grin on my face. “What can I say?”
“I’d love to meet them.” Lyra smiled, and I could tell she meant it.
I pulled out my phone and tapped out a quick message in the group chat I shared with the others, explaining the need for another meeting. I suggested meeting at Last Drop again. It wasn’t long before everyone responded.
“We’re set to meet up with them this afternoon at Last Drop,” I announced, setting my phone down on the counter and then taking another sip of my coffee.
Lyra nodded, her expression a mix of anticipation and nerves. “Cool.”
I called into work and then spent the rest of the morning with Lyra and Alma, helping around the cabin and finishing up the last of the garden beds. After the chaos of last night, digging in the earth felt good.
It felt grounding.
As the afternoon approached, Lyra and I prepared to head into town for the meeting with the Misfit Shifters. I could sense her unease as we climbed into my truck.
“They’re going to love you,” I promised, locking eyes with her. “And if they don’t, you can always sneak a little something into their beers—maybe an herb that makes them laugh or chill out.”
Lyra’s lips curved into a smile. “So, keep some herb-induced relaxation tricks up my sleeve?”
I grinned. “Hey, if things get tense, it’s good to have options.”
“Right.”
“I’m joking. There won’t be any tension. They’re going to love you,” I said, meaning it.
“Thanks.”
The drive into town was short, and before long, we were pulling into the parking lot of Last Drop. I hopped out and ran around the truck to open her door. Some might not appreciate my jokes, but they couldn’t say a thing about my manners—I had being a gentleman locked down.
Inside the bar, low music played in the background, mingling with the hum of conversation and the occasional crack of a pool cue hitting a ball. The place hadn’t been updated—ever. The walls were lined with wood paneling, and yellow lights hung from the ceiling. The bar top was made of cheap laminated wood and had a certain charm because of it. All things considered, Last Drop was nice—familiar, even.
It was as much a part of Crescent Creek as anything else.
As Lyra and I stepped farther inside, my gaze drifted to the back, where our usual table was. Everyone was already there. I could feel their eyes on us as we made our way over. I took Lyra’s hand as we grew closer, my eagle sensing her tension. When she relaxed, satisfaction coiled through me.
“Everyone, this is Lyra,” I said once we reached the table. “Lyra, this is Dean, Astrid, Ellis, and Sienna.”
Lyra smiled, her gaze steady as she glanced around the group. “Nice to meet you all.”
Dean was the first to greet her. “So, you’re the one keeping Waylen in line lately? About time someone stepped up.”
Astrid elbowed him in the ribs, shooting him a look before turning to offer Lyra a warm smile. “What he means is nice to meet you, too.”
“Anyone who can manage him is already impressive in my book,” Sienna chimed in with a grin.
Ellis nodded, leaning back in his chair. “Right?”
“Ha, ha. Funny,” I deadpanned before pulling out a chair for Lyra.
Once we were seated at the table with the others and had a beer in front of us, I knew it was time to address the elephant in the room. “All joking aside, I had a run-in with Xander,” I announced, my tone grave. There was no point in beating around the bush. “That’s why I called the meeting.”
“We all knew he’d make an appearance soon enough,” Dean muttered. “You all right?”