Page 5 of Midnight Rain

“To find your mate.” She smiled wistfully at him. “I see the way you look at your brothers when they’re with their mates. Trust me when I say I know what a lonely heart feels like.”

“You’ve read one too many of your romance novels,” he said. “Don’t project them onto me. I’m perfectly fine living the bachelor life.”

A total fucking lie, but Cormac had always kept his feelings bottled up inside because he had to always be the strong one, the brother who appeared in charge, who kept the house running, kept the bills paid, and kept every goddamn thing to himself.

Their parents had had a will, leaving the four of them billions. They’d even left Milly well off, but when they’d first arrived after going to Costa Rica to claim their parents’ bodies, she’d refused to retire and live a comfortable life. She’d said she’d been put on this planet to look after them, and that was what she was going to continue to do.

Though none of them had lived at home for a long while, it was as if they’d never left the way she fussed over them and took care of not only them but the mates, too.

“You can deny it all you want, but I know better.” She patted his upper arm before heading for the house. “I know these things, Cormac. You can’t fool me, but like I said, your time is coming.”

He stopped himself from asking when her time would come to find her mate, but he couldn’t bring himself to remind her that she was single, too. Milly was a godsend, and Cormac never wanted to do anything to bring her sadness. She seemed content to take care of their family, so he kept his comment to himself as she disappeared inside.

When Hayden and Bran came outside, Cormac’s solitude was gone. They’d put up the canopy gazebo with netting to keep the sun from blazing down on them while they ate. It was large enough to surround the long table where they would sit. Cormac would zip the netting into place when everyone was at the table, but until then, it was clasped to one side.

It would also come in handy when they moved the tables out of the way and put the outdoor furniture back in place for those who wanted to enjoy the evening outside.

Cormac wasn’t going to stick around outside after dinner. He didn’t want to watch the couples cuddling. No thanks. He would find a movie to watch or a book to read.

Beckett and Santee walked out, helping Hayden and Bran erect the canopy as they talked and laughed. Beckett swept Santee off his feet, making his mate squeal before he hugged the guy to him and they started kissing.

Cormac checked on the meat, turning over pieces before pulling off the ones that were done and placing them on the large tray on the table next to him.

“Something smells delicious,” Duncan said as he joined them. “I’m so hungry I’m ready to eat a cow.”

Orion and Izel walked out behind him. Not too many people were taller than Cormac. At six-five, he was taller than his siblings, and a lot of people in town. But Izel beat him by a few inches.

“Do you need any help?” Izel asked when he stopped next to Cormac.

“Do you know how to grill?”

“Sadly, no. This will be my first barbeque.” He grinned. “The way Duncan and Orion talk, it is something I am going to thoroughly enjoy.”

Cormac still couldn’t believe that Duncan had mated a reaper, even though Izel was no longer one. Jaden had released him from his obligations just last night after they’d battled the Slayer.

“Barbeques are always great,” Cormac said as Hayden cued up the music on the speaker. “Good food and company.”

“I am looking forward to this.” Izel clapped Cormac on his shoulder before he headed toward Duncan and Orion.

Moments later, Orion came over. “My mouth has been watering ever since I smelled the meat cooking. We’re having two more for dinner. My mom called and said Austin is awake. They should be here shortly.”

“Your mother is always welcome here.” Cormac had taken an instant liking to Paloma. She was the sweetest woman, an excellent cook, and reminded Cormac of his own mother.

“I’m just glad you don’t have to fake migraines around her.” Orion gave him a cheeky grin. “Thanks for not being pissed about the lie.”

“Thank your mom.” Cormac removed a few burgers from the grill. “Her presence is infectious, and she also fed me.”

Orion laughed. “She’s bringing some yellow rice and more churros.”

“We have plenty of food,” Cormac said. “Besides, she’s a guest. She doesn’t have to bring anything.”

“We’re talking about my mom, Cormac. There’s no way she would come here without bringing a dish or two. It’s just who she is.”

Now Cormac was excited. He loved Paloma’s churros. “Don’t tell Duncan she’s bringing them.”

Orion snickered. “I haven’t told him. I figured you’d want to get some before he steals them and runs away.”

“Thanks.” He grinned.

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