Smirking, I stole a pitted maraschino cherry from the bowl of garnishes behind the bar and popped it inside my mouth. “Where’s August?”
“He went to pick up his parents from the hotel.”
The one where Adalyn and I had been supposed to meet. I heard Liam had privatized it for the pack.
Her palm drifted to her stomach. “They’re driving up to the gate now.”
“Is it weird . . . to feel him?
“It is, but it’s also comforting.”
I rolled the candied stem between my fingers. “Do you ever regret it?”
“Consummating the bond?” Her hand drifted off her navel and closed around her glass. “I know love can exist without mating links. I mean—” She gestured to Lucas, who was standing behind Sarah, arms draped around her middle, chin nestled in the crook of her neck. “But the connection you get from a mating link . . . it’s something special. So, no.”
The door opened again, letting in an icy draft and additional cheer.
“Tomorrow night’s a big night. The winter solstice.”
I bit down on my lip, forgetting it wasn’t quite yet healed.
“Did you know that only thirty percent of us have true mates?” Ness asked.
“I thought the number was higher.”
“Crazy, huh? I’m pretty sure our pack single-handedly dragged that number down.” She drained her water. “Want another statistic?”
“Sure.”
“Seventy-five percent of true mates consummate the bond.”
“I didn’t know that.”
“I’m full of useless statistics. What can I say? I like numbers.” She got up. “My second favorite wolf has arrived. I’ll catch you later?”
I looked toward the door.
Of course . . .
Liam.
My brooding expression led her to add, “I meant Storm. In case you were wondering.” Winking, she set off, blue dress flouncing around her bare thighs.
I lowered my eyes toward my own legs. Adalyn had tried to get me to wear a dress, but between my scar and my bruise, I’d gone with leather pants and a simple navy camisole.
A pat to my wrist made me startle. Sasha nodded to the room. “Better get out there or you’ll be stuck serving drinks all night.”
“I don’t mind.”
“Nikki, it’s your brother’s party. Go have fun.”
I glanced at the crowd, willing my eyes to surf over Liam, who was depositing his son in Ness’s arms.
After the handoff, Liam turned toward the bar and then he started walking.
“Um. I’m going to go check on the food.” Sasha scampered into the kitchen.
As Liam neared, I eyed the end of the bar and the crowd which had amassed alongside it. If I strode off now, he wouldn’t be able to catch up with me. At least, not without jostling people. They’d probably part for him, but I’d still have gotten away and melted into the throng.
