Page 54 of Conall's Reign

We sat down as she tossed her camera onto the table, tapping it affectionately. “I just came from the park, taking pictures of people on their lunch breaks.” She shot a dark glare at her protection detail. “I had the lurkers with me, though, and it killed the mood.”

“So, you’re a photographer?” I pointed at the camera. “And you like zombies?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

One of her protection detail brought her a steaming cup of what appeared to be tea. “Thanks, Lev. Decaf?”

“Da.” The response was quiet from the man who appeared gruff and unapproachable.

“Yep, I love them,” she said, her eyes lighting up. “Movies, comics, games. There’s something about that whole ‘apocalypse but make it fun’ vibe, you know? What about you? What’s your thing?”

“Nursing,” I said. “It’s not quite as interesting or fun as zombies.”

“Are you kidding?” she asked, leaning forward. “That’s super interesting. You’re like a real-life hero. Do you get to yell ‘stat!’ and save lives? I’d shout ‘stat’ just for fun and create chaos.” Her eyes sparkled with mischief. Theo would adore her.

I chuckled. “Not quite that dramatic, but close enough. I’m still really new at it and learning. You know I have another friend, Angelo’s sister Theo, who I think you’d get along great with.”

“Ah, another one of the ‘chosen.’” She winked at me, but I could see her brows furrow. “How are you handling this whole thing?” She waved her hand over at Finn.

I knew that she was referring to the marriage arrangement and the blood oath in general. She had the situation sprung on her by surprise. At least I had a few years to acclimate to the idea — if that was even a thing. I wasn’t sure any woman wanted to be told that their fathers basically sold them off.

“It’s been a lot,” I admitted. “I know you understand. I found out about it years ago, but to be honest, I was angry about it then, and I’ve been angry about it ever since.”

She nodded. “I understand. Conall got an earful when he told me.” She turned her cup in her hands, playing with the end of the tea bag. “I won’t say that I’m not in love with Maxim. It could have turned out horribly, though. Our fathers just gave us away for their own gain.” She squinted hard at her cup.

“I’m glad you found happiness, and I agree. It could go very wrong. I don’t know how things will turn out for my brother Angelo and Theo.” I looked out over the café for a moment, reflecting on the different paths my life could have taken and how things might have unfolded if my mother had stayed. “I’m happy with Conall.” I snapped my mouth shut, surprising myself. “Still, I’d always rather be the one in charge of my own destiny.”

“I don’t blame you at all. Sometimes, I’ve found that destiny has other plans for me.” She gave me a small smile. “We haven’t told anyone else yet,” she trailed off. “Maybe you’d like to be the first one to know …” she laid a protective hand over her stomach.

“I’m going to be an auntie?” The thought made me feel strange. The idea of little clothes and sticky fingers. “I’m so excited for you.” I reached out to clasp her hand in mine.

“It’s scary, but I’m really excited.” Her cheeks flushed. She was beautiful, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Can we keep this just between us for now?”

“For sure.” I nodded, taking a sip of my coffee. “You can tell people whenever you’re ready. Thanks for trusting me. I’m excited to be an aunt.” The thought surprised me a little. I wasn’t familiar with little kids or babies, but the idea was appealing. Maybe it could be a test run. “Just a warning, let’s not tell Conall that I knew about this before he did. Like, ever.”

Cora laughed. “Oh, Conall’s not so bad. He just has a ‘resting scowl face.’ It’s probably hereditary, but that would give the sperm donor too much credit.” She grimaced. “Besides, Maxim has it too. So that theory is already disproven. I still think that’s a good plan, though. He’d be pretty upset to know that people have information before he does.” She gave me a wink.

“Conall calls it his intimidation tactic,” I said with a smile. “It works on most people.”

“Not me,” Cora said with a wink. “And Maxim’s a teddy bear once you get past his death glare. Conall, though, he’s… well, let’s just say he’s fortunate to have you keeping him in line.”

“I try,” I said, feeling warmth spread through me at her words. “What about you? Are your brothers always in your business like mine is?”

“Only when they’re bored,” she said with a shrug. “Conall likes to act like he’s my dad, but I don’t mind. It’s nice to know he cares.” She bit her lip. “I don’t remember my dad at all. Conall is the only father I ever had.”

I had known the basic story, but I hadn’t realized how young she had been. I wasn’t sure whether it was better or worse to remember our parents. Mine were awful, and I’d almost prefer not to remember them at all.

“My brothers are busybodies as well. Angelo and Remo mostly raised me after my father died. My mother left us. Thank goodness.” I aimed for a light-hearted tone, but I could see from her expression that I hadn’t succeeded. “So, tell me all the plans for the nursery.” Her eyes brightened.

The conversation flowed easily after that, and by the time we finished our drinks, I felt as if I had known Cora for years. She was funny, sharp, and unapologetically herself—exactly the kind of person I could see myself being friends with.

As we were about to leave, she gave me another hug. “We should do this again,” she said. “Maybe next time, we can meet for pizza.”

“Deal,” I laughed. “Only if I pay.”

“Fine,” she said, feigning exasperation. “But I warn you, I’m particular about my pizza.”

“I’ll survive,” I said with a smile. “We can meet up with Theo. I know you’ll love her.”

As we parted ways, I felt lighter. A sense of connection replaced the earlier nerves. Conall’s sister wasn’t just someone I had to meet—she was someone I wanted to know. I had a feeling this was the beginning of something good.

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