I realized she was talking about her husband when he joined us, sliding his arm around her back. “You shouldn’t be on your feet.”
She ignored his complaint and gestured to me. “This is Bronwyn O’Brien. She just moved here, and Thana and I have decided to keep her. Bronwyn, this grumpy stud is my husband, Athan.”
“I’m not grumpy,” he muttered, making me giggle as my cheeks heated. I’d never been good with being the center of attention.
I’d heard a lot about Thana’s husband and the other Bancroft brother, Stephan. He sounded like a great guy from everything my new friends had told me about him. I wasn’t sure why he hadn’t made it to the party yet, but nobody seemed surprised that he was late. As much as I would have liked to meet him, I knew Selene wouldn’t leave until I did. She should be home to help her husband with their children, and there was only one way I could make that happen. “Your wife and sister-in-law are too sweet. Unfortunately, I need to leave a little early. I’m sorry I won’t be able to meet Stephan or Kieran.”
Thana waved away my apology. “We’ll have you over for dinner in a few days. You can meet our little ones, too.”
“I look forward to it,” I replied with a smile, mentally cursing my tendency to blush when I felt my cheeks heat again. I loved children, and I was looking forward to spending time with Ronan, Elspeth, and Cassius.
Athan’s gaze drifted to the windows that lined the back of their house. It was nearly midnight, and the only light in the dark sky came from a full moon. “Why don’t you use our driver? He can take you wherever you need to go safely.”
Selene slipped her arm through Athan’s and snuggled into his side. “That’s a great idea, husband!”
It was such a kind offer, but I hated the idea of putting anyone out, especially when Thana and Selene had already provided the outfit and shoes I was wearing. Shaking my head, I murmured, “Thank you, but the house where I’m temporarily renting a room is not far from here, and I could use the fresh air.”
“The driver would be more than happy to roll down the windows for you if you’d like to get some air,” Selene insisted.
It was difficult to stand up to both of them when they were teaming up against me—which was how I’d found myself at the party in the first place—but I dug deep because it really wasn’t a big deal for me to take the short walk home. “No, really, walking is more than fine.”
Athan remained silent while Selene and Thana continued trying to convince me to accept the ride, but I held firm until Selene finally shot a glare at him when I won the argument. He seemed unbothered by her irritation as he grinned and shrugged, earning himself another eye roll.
“I can show you out,” Thana offered.
“That’s a great idea. Thanks.” Athan swept Selene into his arms, finally getting her off her swollen feet.
Thana tucked her arm around my elbow and led me through the crowd, pausing to introduce me to several people along the way. It wasn’t until we reached the entryway, and she retrieved my purse from a closet near the front door that I realized that most of the guests I’d met were single women. I found it kind of strange that a happily married couple with children had invited so many unattached females to their party, but I didn’t feel as though it was my place to ask Thana what was up with the guest list.
“Are you sure you don’t want a ride?” Thana asked one last time as she pulled the door open for me. “I hate the idea of sending you out alone when it’s so late.”
“You really don’t need to worry.” I flashed her a reassuring smile and patted her shoulder. “There’s something about the pitch black of night that I have always found oddly comforting, and the house is only a short walk.”
“I guess I have to let you go if you’re certain it’s okay,” she sighed, giving me a quick hug. “Just promise me you’ll be careful.”
I’d been looking after myself for a long time, so I didn’t have a problem giving her my word. “Always.”
“Fine,” she huffed, making me giggle as I walked past her.
The front of Selene and Athan’s house was well-illuminated, with lights spaced out down the long driveway all the way to the street. But once I left their property, I only had the moon to light my path. Luckily, the wealthy neighborhood with vast estates had sidewalks that led everywhere, so I didn’t need to worry about a car not being able to see me even though the bodice of my gown was white. After being surrounded by strangers at the party, it was nice to be surrounded by silence. But about five minutes into my walk, I started to regret not taking Athan up on his offer.
I wasn’t certain what was spooking me, but the tiny hairs on the back of my neck were standing up straight. I hadn’t seen a single person since Thana had shut the door behind me, but it felt as though I was being watched. Glancing over my shoulder, I scanned the darkness for any sign that someone was out there. When I didn’t see or hear anything, I clenched my skirt in my fists and picked up my pace.
I didn’t have much farther to go, but it felt as though it would take me forever to reach the safety of the house where I was staying. I was practically running full out when I heard a deep chuckle from behind me that freaked me out. My instincts had been right—someone was out there, stalking me. As I raced forward, I wanted to kick my own butt for being stubborn and not taking the darn ride when it had been offered to me. I made a promise to myself then and there...the next time someone wanted to help me, I wasn’t going to allow my pride to get in the way.
2
Stephan
“Ouch! Damnit!” I hissed as I yanked a wooden stake out of my shoulder. “Fucking leech.”
I didn’t know what that jackass thought he was going to accomplish by stabbing me. It hurt like a bitch, but the wound began to heal as soon as I removed the jagged stick. At least I’d turned his ass to ash at the same time. Although, it was a little embarrassing that he’d managed to get ahold of one of my weapons. I was not on my best game because I’d been burning the candle at both ends lately. Not that I would admit to working too much to my brothers.
With a grumpy huff, I kicked the pile of vampire dust, then groaned when it got on my pants. I was covered in blood, dirt, and ash. And about to be late for the ridiculous matchmaking event that my brother was trying to pass off as just another party. I was seriously tempted to ditch it for a quiet night and a good book. However, I didn’t want to disappoint my sister-in-law, especially when she was so close to giving birth. She’d cry, and I was not fond of that. Plus, Athan would kick my ass. It wouldn’t stop me from giving him endless shit about it, though, especially after all the grief he’d given his best friend Silas when he’d been the one hosting these little soirees.
Sighing, I bent down and grabbed the stake that used to be lodged in the frozen heart of a soulless nightwalker and secured it in the holster strapped around my left thigh. Knowing I couldn’t go to the party like this, I teleported home to shower and change. I could have done it in the blink of an eye with magic, but for the most part, my brothers and I lived a relatively human life. And I preferred to feel the hot water on my body rather than use a wave of my hand to be clean.