Page 131 of Bite Me

“You do realize attacking anyone at the gala is a one-way ticket to jail time, right? I’m not sure what kind of accommodations they make for linked mate criminals.”

She crosses her arms. “It wouldn’t matter, because I’d be in jail too, and I’d have my sister back.”

Okay, never mind. They’re both equally unhinged, on a soul level. No wonder they’re linked mates.

“You’re sure they’re going to let us in without an invite?” Parker asks.

His pack mates won’t be let inside without an invitation. But he and Olivia . . .

“Ha. Yeah, I think they’ll be begging you to walk through the door.”

I forgot he’s not used to this. Parker has a well-off family, but these days, he’s stepped up into a completely different caliber. He’s got more power than he realizes, and that’s exactly what I’m going to use to get us all inside.

The four of us head toward the lanterns and the light of the event’s white tents. The largest one stretches half the length of the castle. Evangeline and I have masks on. If we enter together, they shouldn’t give us issues. It was short notice for the gowns and such, and unfortunately, the only available supplier of such things was Darien.

If that asshole thinks I’m going to be in his debt now, he’s got another thing coming.

I smell for any trace of Emma. She’s not outside, that’s for sure, but as we get closer to the entrance, her sweetness greets me. It’s so faint, but it’s like melting sugar on my tongue or warm cookies right out of the oven. I want to run to it.

I’m still not sure what I’m going to say to her to make her believe me. “I love you, and I’m sorry” is the only sentence that seems worthy.

I haven’t caught sight of my grandfather yet. He’s likely inside already, along with Liam. The first thing I did upon getting in the car was contact my brother to make sure Florence was okay. He took her out of school for a long weekend at his private coastal house. I even got to talk to her on the phone, and she gave me an earful for scaring her and dumping her with Daniel. I’ll need to make it up to her. She’s been dying to go to the city. Maybe I’ll take her.

There’s a surge of commotion as Parker leads Olivia onto the violet velvet carpet.

“Ms. Osborne, it’s nice to see you here at the gala.”

The light from the flashing cameras is blinding.

“Please let me help you find a seat,” one of the event organizers says.

Parker is a step behind her, and at the advance of the reporters, he wraps an arm around her waist, dipping his lips to the top of her head.

“Mr. Owens. We’re honored to have you and Ms. Osborne at the gala.”

“We’re happy to attend and donate on behalf of the Owens family.”

Parker motions for me to follow. Olivia walks arm in arm with her sister, who blends right in, despite being dressed entirely in pink. We don’t get asked for any identification at the door. Just as I thought, they’re the perfect distraction for me to disappear into the crowd they’re garnering. Normally, they’re hidden behind the gates of Doxlothia, so, for many of them, this is their first opportunity to see the linked mate couple in person and maybe their only one. An honor for many, and also a perfect time to kiss ass to the happy couple.

I can’t be seen with any of them tonight. I order a glass of whiskey at the bar and stand in the corner. I have a good view of the auction items in the opposite corner, which consist of famous paintings, jewels, and more.

My grandfather is sitting with his friends. I keep a good distance between us. Liam is here, too, but standing in the back, scanning. He won’t notice my scent, because I disguised it with an enchantment, and he can’t see my face. It doesn’t soothe my hammering heart, and neither does the alcohol. It’s okay. Everything is still going according to plan; I just need to make sure I don’t get caught.

Olivia’s family is being given a tour of the entire gala, and I can barely see them due to the number of people following them. The auctions have already started, as indicated by the growing roar of the crowd and the screech of the microphone.

“Ah, did you finally get invited to a party?”

I straighten. Behind me, Luther is propped up against the bar.

Fuck.

“How’d you know?”

“I’d know you anywhere, boss.” He chuckles as he gathers ice into his mouth, and it crunches between his molars. “Mostly it’s that rigid stick-up-your-ass look that’s a true tell.”

“I heard you started working with my grandfather. He isn’t loyal to anyone who isn’t family, just to let you know.”

“Even then, I’ve heard it’s shaky.” His eyes darken as he leans in. “Couldn’t help but notice you were gone for quite some time. Let’s just say, I’ve covered my bases.”