His objection earlier now made more sense. His loyalty was to Thomas and Liam. It was natural for him to want to be part of making sure the dueling grounds didn’t contain any nasty surprises.
Anton stared as the numbers above the door ticked off what level we were on. “It’s fine. As I said, it’s a scouting mission. I doubt Vitus will try anything tonight.”
Not in the mood to pursue the matter, I let the topic go. Just in time as the elevator came to a stop and the doors slid open.
“Where to?” I asked Caroline.
She was already moving. “This way.”
Anton prowled at my back as we entered the casino, the din almost drowning out Anton’s, “I’m going to regret this later.”
I pretended not to hear, preoccupied with observing our surroundings.
Despite the late hour, the humans were out in force. Their outfits ran the gamut from Vegas formal—heavy on the sequins—and lounge wear that was just a fancy word for comfy pajamas.
Caroline moved quickly, making a beeline toward one of the casino bars. There was a step up to set it apart from the gambling area. Screens lined the perimeter that could be put up or down as the patrons inside desired. The dim interior was decorated with furnishings that looked like they’d seen better days. The booths and lighting were a little dated but not bad.
Right now, the place was half full with humans who were listening intently as a singer softly serenaded them from a stage off to the side.
I barely noticed them, already moving toward the group gathered in the corner.
The men with Jenna clocked me before she did. I nearly cursed as I registered Drake’s presence.
Son of a bitch. First Connor. Now Jenna.
I was going to kill him.
Noticing that their attention had wandered elsewhere, Jenna looked up in confusion. Seeing me, her mouth dropped open. “Lena! Oh my God. What are you doing here?”
Caroline gave Jenna a little wave when my sister noticed her a second later.
“You’re here on a girl’s weekend,” Jenna accused. “And you didn’t invite me? You bitch.”
Drake started to rise as I reached the table. “Hey ya, cuz.”
I shoved him back in his chair none too gently.
“Lena, careful!” Jenna protested.
“He’s lucky I didn’t break his nose.”
I still might.
“You’re supposed to be on a work trip,” I snapped, sweeping my gaze over the other two men sitting at the table. “This certainly doesn’t look like business to me.”
For one thing, Jenna worked in a law office. For lawyers. Something I couldn’t picture either of these men as. Maybe their clients with their slightly unkempt appearances. The older of the two had a head of white hair. His skin was creased with a road map of crevasses and grooves pointing to the hard life he’d led. The man next to him was related. His features slightly leaner and without the stamp of time.
They both had a vigilance that only came from having experienced violence on a regular basis. Grizzled men wholooked like they’d spent most of their lives doing and seeing things that would keep other people up at night.
“Hello, grandfather. Uncle. I’ve been wondering when you would show up,” I drawled, ignoring the flash of guilt on Jenna’s face.
There was no need for introductions. Their resemblance to Drake and my father was so obvious that there was no denying it.
I grabbed Drake’s head and slammed his face into the table.
Jenna popped up from her seat. “Lena! What are you doing?”
“Ow! What was that for?” he asked in a muffled voice, cradling his bleeding nose.
