Outcast (Supernaturals Book 2) by Jennifer Reynolds Read Free Book Online

meant to say it. Didn’t know why I had. I hadn’t even touched the woman, but I felt as if she were mine.
    “No. What does Leigh have to do with your plans?” she asked. “Is there something going on between the two of you I don’t know about? She hasn’t said, and I haven’t smelled your scent on her.”
    “No, there isn’t anything going on yet, and there might not ever be, but…”
    “Do you have feelings for my sister?” The hint of glee in her eyes was too much to bear.
    “I don’t know.”
    “Where will you go?” Dave asked, saving me from Danielle’s inquisition.
    “I…” I didn’t get to finish my sentence because at that moment Danielle’s parents entered the restaurant. Her mother headed straight toward us, as her father went to confirm our reservations.
    “Oh my, Danielle, what’s wrong? You look awful,” her mother said, pulling her into a hug.
    “I’m fine, Mom. I’m simply being overly sentimental. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll run to the restroom real quick before we eat and freshen up,” she said, extricating herself from her mother’s tight embrace.
    “I’ll escort you out. I could use a bathroom break myself,” I said, needing to take a breather before the night’s festivities began.
    Dave nodded gratefully toward me. His parents were approaching and wouldn’t be giving him the second he needed to see to his future wife. Placing my hand on the small of Danielle’s back, I led her through the restaurant to the hall where the restrooms were located. She had her cell out and was texting franticaly. When she let out a sigh of relief, I asked if everything was all right.
    “Leigh is on her way.”
    “She’s coming to the rehearsal dinner?” I asked with too much hope in my voice.
    “Yes. She promised to come if she could sit at the end of the table away from our families. I told her that was fine. Will you sit next to her, Ryan? I know she’s human, but…” she started to say before remembering the conversation we just had.
    “You don’t mind?” I asked. I wanted the opportunity. I would pursue Leigh without Danielle’s permission if need be, but I did want her to be okay with the idea. “I mean… I would like the chance to get to know her. Danielle, please don’t be angry, but I think she and I have a connection. I can’t say she’s my mate, but I feel drawn to her.”
    I think I said that last bit with too much enthusiasm because Danielle’s head jerked up at me in surprise, and she said, “Really?”
    “I could be wrong. I haven’t spent enough time with her to know for certain. I hadn’t planned to do anything about it until after the wedding, if I did anything at all. I don’t know what I’m saying or feeling, but I would be honored to keep your sister company during this meal.”
    “Thank you,” she said, beaming up at me.
    “You’re welcome,” I said and gave her a one-armed hug.

 
     
    Chapter 6 ~ The Rehearsal Dinner
     
     
    ~~~Ryan~~~
     
     
    Danielle and I parted to go to our respective restrooms, did our business, and met in the hall a few minutes later. I followed behind her as we made our way through the restaurant to the corner her father had reserved for the event. As we approached, we saw one of the hosts escorting Leigh to a small table away from our group and along the back wall where she was close enough to see everyone but not close enough to be a part of the dinner.
    Leigh stared at no one as the man pulled out her chair and told her someone would be right with her to take her order. I saw the hint of tears gloss her eyes and the hitch in her breath as she sat alone, but nothing else about her demeanor suggested there was anything wrong.
    Danielle froze at the sight of her sister, looked from her mother whose eyes pleaded with Danielle to not make a scene, then back to her sister sitting alone. I felt the woman’s body tense beside me, and I knew the moment she had made the decision that she was done playing by the