“Cole!” Dalton called from across the room.
“Duty calls,” Cole said, and headed that way.
Callum and I made our way around the room, making sure we greeted the people we hadn’t seen in a while. Secretly, I was mostly excited to see Thane Allen. He and his mate, Sydney, were chatting with my auntie, Charlotte, and her mate Niall, so I tugged Callum that way.
“Holy cow,” Sydney breathed out. “This can’t be Isla and Callum.”
I grinned. “Oh, quit. I saw you a year ago.”
She pulled me in for a hug before grabbing my brother and hugging him as well. “A year is far too long. We’re going to have to change that.”
“Yes, yes, we do.”
“Hi, beautiful,” Thane said, hugging me and lifting me off my feet as he did.
I couldn’t stop a laugh. “Did you get stronger?”
He grinned. “You’re good for a man’s ego, love.”
“You look amazing, Syd,” I said. And she did. She’d left her long, dark hair down, and it fell in sheets of glossy glory. She’d pulled one side back slightly with a diamond barrette, and it added a simple elegance that complemented her dark green gown.
“You do as well,” she said, leaning closer. “I believe I’m not the only one who thinks so. Who is that glorious Viking staring you down?”
I followed her line of sight and wrinkled my nose. Arric was across the room, glaring daggers at me. I squared my shoulders and faced Sydney again. “He’s nobody.”
She raised an eyebrow. “If you say so.”
“I say so.”
Niall pulled me in for a chaste hug, kissing my temple. My uncle was one of the most amazing people I knew. He was the kindest and gentlest of all my family, and whenever I felt like the world was closing in, he’d be the one I rang. “Are you alright?” he asked.
“I’m fine.”
He cupped my face. “You sure?”
I sighed. “Yes.”
“Do you need backup?”
I chuckled. “That’s why Callum’s hovering. I’m good, Uncle Niall. I’m just trying to figure out the right kind of pest control to use.”
Niall laughed. “Right. Well, if you change your mind, let me know.”
“Oh, I will.”
* * *
Arric
Jesus Christ, the woman would be the death of me. She was stunning, but her dress showed far too much in my opinion. I wanted to know who the fuck these men were and why they felt it was okay to touch her. Time to make my presence known.
I stalked toward her, scowling as I closed the distance.
“It’s okay, Cal,” Isla said, placing her hand on her brother’s chest.
Callum studied her expression a moment longer before turning to me. “Look. I don’t know who you are or what you’re doing here and the only reason I haven’t tossed you out myself is out of respect for my uncle.”
“Is that your ‘tough guy’ voice?”
