“Sadie’s actually pretty cool once you get to know her. She grew up a peasant during the first Black Death in Europe,” Eli said. “She saw firsthand how the rich and powerful removed themselves from the horrors while the poor endured all of it. Soshe’s a little prickly, especially about wealth inequality. But she’s got a good heart—especially for those who try to help others.”
“And zero patience for anyone who does harm,” I agreed. Sadie had been on the fence about me for months until she was assured my days of hunting humans were over. “She’s cautious about who she lets in. But she’s utterly devoted to Sam.”
“She even goes to meetings with her,” Eli confirmed. “Sam’s got a hundred and eighty days sober.” He glanced at me. “Thank you, by the way.”
“It was all Sam,” I assured him. “I merely gave her space to decide. The rest was her—including going back to school to become a drug and alcohol counselor, even though Sadie will surely take care of her financially.” I paused, a swell of pride for Eli’s sister rising up in me. “She’s going to help many people.”
The expression on Eli’s face softened, and I knew he’d sensed my emotions through the bond.I love you,he whispered silently.
And I love you. With all of my heart.
“I suppose I’ll find someone to dance with,” Mateo said, giving us a polite bow. He met each of our gazes in turn. “It was a pleasure to meet all of you.”
With that, he turned and left us.
Simone smiled, her gaze trailing him, pride obvious. “He’s splendid, isn’t he?”
Poppy pulled her mate down for a kiss. “He is. And he’ll be just like you, darlin’—three thousand years and no body count.”
Simone’s expression faltered as her gaze followed Mateo—who took the hand of a handsome redheaded warlock and led him to the dance floor. “Yes,” she said softly. “I certainly hope so.”
Poppy rolled her eyes. “You worry too much.”
“You’ll understand in a thousand years or so,” Simone said, her lips curving slightly with amusement. “A bit of worry is called for now and again.”
“We’ll go dance next to him,” Poppy said. She glanced at Jeremy and Thierry. “Congratulations, you two. Also, you’re welcome.”
“Yeah, thank you,” Jeremy said immediately, grinning at her.
Thierry rolled his eyes. “Yes, yes, we owe you for every moment of our marital bliss.” He nodded toward Mateo. “Now go on, dance. Mingle. Have fun. Drink too much champagne. It’s a wedding, after all.”
Poppy frowned, vaguely unnerved by Thierry’s tone. “I keep waiting for you to be mean.”
My brother arched a brow, gaze sweeping her up and down. “I’m still capable of it, if you’re wondering. But I can show restraint for people I happen to love.”
Poppy startled, blinking rapidly. “Wait. You—”
Thierry rolled his eyes heavenward. “Go dance, witch. Make my friend the happiest ancient vampire on the western seaboard.”
Poppy snorted but led Simone away without another word, though a blush crept into her cheeks.
Eli and I watched as they danced near Mateo and the redheaded warlock—but not too close. Simone’s progeny didn’t seem to notice.
“He’s lucky,” Thierry said softly. “As lucky as anyone in his situation can be. He didn’t ask to be turned, and he’s had to leave his career for now—he was a successful real estate attorney. But Simone is brilliant and kind—a wonderful maker by anyone’s estimation.”
“He’ll be fine,” Jeremy said firmly. “Better than fine.”
The music changed to an upbeat pop song. Ethan grinned at Nathaniel. “Now wehaveto go dance. This is—”
“One of your favorite songs,” Nathaniel finished, an affectionate smile curving his lips. “Then it’s one of mine, too. Very well.”
They nodded at the rest of us, and Nathaniel let Ethan tow him to the dance floor.
Thierry watched them, a fond smile on his lips. Then his gaze landed on a muscular dark-haired vampire and a leaner sandy-haired human man. The vampire danced awkwardly while his partner grinned, clearly trying to show him how to move his hips in time with the music.
“I suppose we should go make fun of Pierce,” Thierry said, shaking his head, bemused. “One hundred years and he’s never learned how to dance.”
“Maybe in passing,” Jeremy said solemnly. “I don’t want to interrupt their night. James may have forgiven me, but we’ve got a long way to go before we’re friendly. Pierce still hates me.”
