“Stepbrother,” Sienna emphasizes, waggling her eyebrows at me. “Big difference.”
“Can we please talk about literally anything else?”
They exchange a look that clearly says this conversation isn’t over, but Anne takes mercy on me. “Fine. But only because we’re almost there, and I want you to actually enjoy yourself tonight.”
“That’s the plan,” Sienna agrees. “Good food, good drinks, good company. No work, no family drama, no stress.”
Despite my embarrassment, tension eases from my shoulders as they launch into an animated debate about what we should order first. Their chatter washes over me, and I let myself relax into it.
The taxi pulls up outside a building with a neon sign that reads “Havoc” in electric blue letters. Music pulses from inside, the bass line vibrating out to the street.
We pay the driver and head inside. The bouncer waves us through after a cursory check of our IDs, and suddenly we’re in a different world. Low, moody lighting bathes everything. Colored spotlights sweep across the crowd. People fill the space, some clustered around the bar, others partying on the dance floor. The air smells like alcohol and perfume and sweat, and somehow, it’s intoxicating.
“This way,” Anne shouts over the music, leading us to a high table near the bar.
Food and drinks arrive quickly after we order. The cocktails come in tall glasses with fruit garnishes, sweet and strong enough to make my head spin after the first few sips. The food is surprisingly good—greasy and perfect for soaking up alcohol.
“So,” Sienna says after we’ve demolished a plate of loaded fries. She eyes me with curiosity. “How did you become such a good fighter? Taking down Rachel during that training exercise was insane.”
Another sip of my drink sends warmth spreading through my chest. “My mother sent me to a private college in France when I turned eighteen. We studied regular subjects, but we also learned different fighting styles. Self-defense, martial arts, weapons training. All designed for humans to use.”
“Why would she send you to Europe?” Anne asks.
I shrug, trying to look casual. “She wanted me out of her hair so she could enjoy her life with her mate. I was in the way.”
Anne considers my explanation for a few seconds before saying, “It seems more like your mother wanted you to be able to protect yourself. They’re not cheap, you know. Private schools like that. She must care about you.”
A scoff escapes me, harsh even to my own ears. “She cares about her image. About making sure her defective daughter doesn’t embarrass her in public.”
The words come out sharper than they should, mytongue loosened by alcohol and the safety of being far from anyone who knows my family. Both Anne and Sienna go quiet for a moment.
“Family is complicated,” Sienna says finally.
Anne nods, swirling the cocktail in her glass before leaning forward with a grin. “So, Violet. How’s your love life?”
“What? I don’t have one.”
“Really?” Sienna tilts her head. “You were away at school for what, six years? No one caught your eye?”
“I was focused on my studies. Didn’t really have time for that kind of thing.”
Sienna grins. “So, no fling? No crush? What are you, a monk?”
Heat rises in my face, and Anne laughs. “Stop teasing the girl, Sienna. Not everyone looks for love.”
I decide the best course of action is to deflect. “What about you two?”
Anne takes a long drink. “I found the love of my life when I was young. He died. Now I just focus on my work.” Her tone is lighthearted, but her expression is hollow.
“Your fated mate?” The question escapes before I can stop it. Even Sienna looks shocked.
“Yeah.” Anne’s smile doesn’t reach her eyes. “It’s been a while. Ten years, actually. But some things, you just don’t get over, you know?”
Sienna squeezes her hand. “What happened?”
Anne stares into her glass. “We were young. Teenagers. We had all these plans for the future and then…” She trails off. “He disappeared during a conflict. They never found his body, but after all this time…” The pain in her voice is raw despite the years that have passed.
“I am so sorry,” I tell her.
