Page 2 of Thirst
I slipped my lucky metal from beneath my sweater, thumb tracing the worn engraving. I only wore it when I needed the odds bent in my favor. Tonight, I’d worn it for Talon.
The jagged ache increased. My fingers clenched on the cold steel disc.
He’s still your friend, you idiot.
Eden wasn’t good enough for him, but hell, what woman would be? She was head-over-ass in love with him, and that was what mattered. And now they’d mated, losing her would gut him. That made her my people, too.
Twilight, Brien’s mate, slid between me and Brien and jabbed me in the ribcage. When I scowled at her, she angled her head at Brien.
“Wake up, dude,” she said in an undertone. “He’s making a toast.”
Resisting the urge to rub my side—the woman had bony elbows—I took a glass of the blood-champagne that someone had passed me and joined Brien and the others in congratulating the new parents.
Jude gave a tiny, very Talon-like growl. A chuckle ran around the room.
Then it was my turn. I saluted the new family with my glass.
“To my oldest friend and his beautiful mate. May Lilith bless you both.” I met Eden’s eyes. “I hope you’ll allow me the honor of sponsoring Jude at his naming ceremony.”
Talon was already nodding, but she was the kid’s mom. We exchanged a long look—she knew damn well I’d urged Talon to cut her loose, but she also knew I’d had a good reason—then raised her orange juice to me. “Of course.”
I swallowed. That was okay, then. I’d been forgiven—or at least, she was willing to give me another chance.
The impromptu party continued—Talon even gave Eden a ring—but I’d had my fill of sparkles and happiness. When they called for another round of champagne, I made my excuses, then raised my fist to Talon, a ritual that went back to when we were both kids.
Always our left fists, the hand that had once born the mark of our blood brother pact. The scar had disappeared after we were turned, but I still felt its phantom burn. I knew he did, too.
He solemnly bumped my knuckles with his own. “When will you be back?”
When I have Nazaire by the balls.
I shrugged. “Can’t say.”
Brien and I were keeping the details of this operation from Talon. He might insist on coming, and right now, he belonged here with Jude and Eden.
Talon’s eyes narrowed. Then Eden yawned and shifted uncomfortably on the bed, and whatever he’d been about to say died. He rushed back to her side. “You’re tired, sweetheart.” He glanced around the room, voice commanding. “Okay, everyone. She needs to rest.”
That was my cue. I nodded at Brien and headed for the door.
He followed, catching me in the hall. “You sure you don’t need backup?”
“Too risky.” I jiggled my leg, eager to get going. “I don’t wanna spook my contact.”
“About this contact?—”
“Don’t ask.”
His pale green eyes frosted. “I could order you to tell me.”
My hackles raised. Brien didn’t usually play the primus card with me. “Or you could trust me.”
“At least take someone with you—Adrian, for example.”
I pretended to consider his suggestion. The young dhampir was smart, tech-savvy, hungry to prove himself. But I couldn’t risk him finding out who my contact was.
“No,” I said. “I go alone. It’s the only way I can get what I need.”
“Damn it, Cain.”
