The layers of my dress shifted as I spun.
David stood there smiling. So wide, it nearly reached his ears, hitting the creases of his eyes and causing his teeth to sparkle tenfold. Arms open, he swept me into an embrace.
My body moved on instinct, immediately wrapping my arms around him.
Home. His hugs always felt like home.
“You look absolutely bewitching,ma cherie,” David whispered, squeezing me harder—as if trying to pull my soul into his for safekeeping. When he finally released me, his hands came up to cup my face. “So much like your mother.” Unshed tears glistened as he studied me, holding that memory up to the light, comparing my picture to one long-gone.
Hedefinitelyhad a few glasses of wine already, which wasn’t like him. Alcohol didn’t dull his Heartseer abilities, it sharpened them. Along with heightening any of his own emotions.
The impending Eostre Trials must’ve been weighing on him. Though, my most recent monster encounter could’ve been the culprit, causing Wyatt to prescribe him aged vinos to treat his hypertension.
Oh, this will be fun . . .
“Let’s not repeat the prom incident,” Wyatt cut in with a chuckle. He planted a soft kiss to my cheek. “Stunning as always, Carwynn,” he added, winking.
David threw him a side-eye and scoffed.
Around us, I noticed curious eyes studying the two Lovelanders. Some with intrigue—others looking more desirous.
I cringed.Ew. Lovelanders and their magical allure . . .
Returning my attention to Wyatt, I couldn’t help but laugh.
“Thank you,” I said, then angled toward Finley. “When I was a teenager, David was supposed to drop me off at my prom.” A chuckle escaped as I recalled the ridiculous moment. ”But he was blubbering so hard about hisbaby growing up so fastthat a friend had to come pick me up instead. Wyatt stayed back to console him. He wasthatbad.”
My gaze teasingly met David’s.
David’s mouth twitched into a smirk. “Time moves so quickly there—and it was a highly regarded rite of passage in the Human Realm. I wasmoved.”
Wyatt let out a chuckle, rubbing David’s back in loving, circular motions. Then he flicked a look toward Finley, hardened but curious.
“And,” Wyatt drawled, lifting a brow in theatrical anticipation. “Who might this be?” His eyes shifted back to me, mock accusatory.
“Oh. Right,” I said, placing a hand on Finley’s arm. “Wyatt, this is my date, Finley. Finley—Wyatt.”
“Consider me her second father,” Wyatt said, offering a smile that was charming, yet razored at the edges.
A blanket of warmth engulfed me. The same way his hugs always did too.
“An honor to meet you.” Finley’s eyes gleamed as he dipped his head slightly. Then he angled toward David. “I know we’ve met already underless fortunatecircumstances. But it’s an honor to meet you as well, David.” He bowed a touch lower.
David’s smile wiped clean. His eyes narrowed, brows knit together in a pensive knot.
Great. Usually not the best sign.
“Tell me, Finley,” David started, voice as smooth as unsheathing a sword. “Do you only have good intentions for my daughter?”
Fucking hell. Here we go . . .
Wyatt audibly sighed, forehead hitting his palm. At least we were on the same page.
Finley looked momentarily struck. “Of course,” he answered.
“You genuinely care for her?” David followed up.
“I do care for her.” Finley’s voice went firm.
