“That would be Lorenzo Church,” a man said, approaching our table.
My breath caught when Lorenzo breezed by. I knew of him from what Lexi had told me, and I’d also met him on a couple of occasions, although we hadn’t been formally introduced.
Rich black hair fell past his shoulders, and he wore a tight black shirt with cargo pants of the same color. My eyes skated up to his necklace—a series of long white beads in multiple rows that fit against his neck like a choker. The bracelet he wore was similar, only a small feather hung from it.
He pulled out the second chair on Austin’s left across from Wheeler, leaving an empty seat between them. Shifters sat by rank, even among the Packmasters. So whoever was late had more power than Lorenzo, and that seemed impossible to believe.
Austin gave him a curt nod and Lorenzo returned the gesture. Only humans shook hands.
“What’ll you have?” Austin asked.
Lorenzo’s gaze traveled around the table, observing what everyone had ordered to drink. His eyes briefly paused on my glass before he looked at Austin. “Tea. It’s too early for a man’s drink.”
Austin laughed richly. “It’s never too early to be a man.”
“Yeah, but it can be too late,” Ben interrupted. “Right, Denver?”
Denver sat back in his chair and scowled at Ben across from him. “You need to shut it before I shut it for you.”
Lexi bit her lip, looking between the two longtime foes.
“And how are things with your chosen life, Alexia?” Lorenzo asked, his voice edged with judgment. He sat stiffly in his chair with his hands in his lap, and women from nearby tables couldn’t strip their gazes from his back.
She gripped Austin’s hand and kissed his knuckles. Austin looked tickled and leaned back in his chair, retracting his hand.
Lexi gave Lorenzo a jaunty smile. “I’ve never been happier. How are things with you, cousin?”
Irritation flashed in his eyes and he clenched his jaw, causing the sharp lines in his cheeks to look more pronounced. “I see you haven’t lost your sense of humor.”
She laughed quietly. “I see you haven’t found yours.”
Austin cleared his throat in a warning to Lexi. Despite their history, he needed to make sure his pack didn’t cross the line with the Packmasters. I understood the psychology since my father was also a Packmaster. If Lexi insulted Lorenzo, it would reflect badly on Austin. Packmasters would assume he didn’t have pack loyalty if they chose to behave childishly around another leader or speak to them in a condescending manner. Lexi had much to learn because of her upbringing with humans.
The waiter approached Lorenzo with his tea, having heard his order from across the room. “Sir, would you like to see the menu?”
Lorenzo gave Austin a crooked smile. “What did you order?”
“The chicken-fried steak.”
Lorenzo leaned back. “I heard only hillbillies eat that slop.” He turned his attention to the waiter standing between them. “I’ll have the largest sirloin you carry with a side of mushrooms. You might want to bring my friend a jar for his moonshine.” Lorenzo laughed haughtily. “I’m having second thoughts. Bring me your most expensive bottle of merlot.”
The nerve! He was Austin’s guest and knew his tab would be taken care of. I sat in disbelief as he so flagrantly insulted my Packmaster. The others seemed less concerned and showed no reaction. Perhaps they were afraid of stepping out of line with Austin and making a bad situation even worse, but there are subtle ways to get your point across.
“Excuse me, waiter.” I gracefully lifted my hand. “Could you change my order? I had the spicy noodles. Please switch that to a chicken-fried steak. It sounds delicious.”
Lorenzo glared at me as the waiter hurried away. He folded his arms on the table and looked at me so hotly that I focused on the hem of my turquoise blouse. The group was oblivious to the chess match quietly in play, except for Austin, who gave me an imperceptible nod.
When Izzy and Jericho returned, a few chairs noisily scooted in to make room for her. Jericho winked at her from across the table and she blushed, twirling the diamond ring on her finger.
“My apologies,” a smooth voice said. “Punctuality is usually my strong suit.”
Austin stood up and patted the man’s shoulder. “Everyone, this is Prince. Now that he’s here, we can begin.”
“Hi!” Maizy sang, drawing out her vowel. She waved her hand as Prince took his seat.