Page 12 of North

“Lark, that’s not true.”

“Lark?” Colbie’s gaze narrowed.

“You didn’t like sparrow, so I’m trying lark.”

“Just quit with the nicknames.”

Marc lifted a hand. “It’s perfect for you. Larks are cute, sweet, and fly, just like you.”

She rolled her eyes. If she did it any harder, they’d roll out of her head.

“Jess,” Marc said. “These are thank-you drinks because you saved North’s life.”

Now, I frowned.

Jess glanced my way. “Technically he saved me first. On the beach.”

Jameson snatched up a shot glass. “That’s what good squad mates do. To Jess.”

“To Jess,” everyone echoed.

I took the shot glass and knocked it back, savoring the burn of Hemi’s best whiskey.

Sasha smacked her lips. “Yum. This is the good stuff. Dad’s special blend.”

“Only the best for my girl,” a deep voice said.

Sasha shot to her feet. “Dad!”

Hemi Rahia stepped into view. He was built like a tank. He wasn’t the tallest in the bar, but his shoulders and chest were wide. His dark hair had a touch of a curl and was threaded with gray, and his smile was infectious.

He lifted Sasha off her feet and smacked a kiss to her lips. Hemi had three daughters. My dad always laughed about rough, tough, badass Hemi ending up as a girl dad.

But he adored his girls, including his wife, Cam.

Sasha took after her father—brown skin, curly, dark hair, and that big smile, but there was some of her mom in her, too, which showed in her high cheekbones and the line of her jaw.

“Are you working the bar today?” Sasha asked.

“I’m just checking in,” Hemi rumbled. “Got to keep my employees on their toes. And you? Are you keeping your squad in one piece?”

“Always,” she said.

“A good comms officer is worth their weight in pre-invasion whiskey.” He pressed a kiss to Sasha’s nose. “Hunter Squad, keep doing your thing.”

I lifted my glass. “Always.”

Hemi shook his head. “You look just like your dad.”

Dad and Hemi were more than friends. They’d been berserkers on squad six together, led by Kai’s dad, Tane.

“How are your parents?” Hemi asked.

“They’re good. Enjoying their trip.” Mom had been invited to do some work on computer systems redevelopment in Europe. She was in IT, and a tech guru. Dad had gone with her. “They’ll be back in a month.” Travel to other parts of the world took a lot longer than it had in the old days.

“Good, I miss them.” Hemi’s gaze shifted to Kai. “I think we need some better music in here.”

Kai finished his drink. “Okay, Uncle Hemi.”

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