Page 60 of Cocktails & Cauldrons

“About eighteen years ago,” Brenna said from the doorway, and her voice soft but thick with resentment. “You must be my mother’s twin. Gran wrote that she always believed you were still alive.”

In slow increments, Narissa turned to face her. One hand came up to cover her heart, and her face scrunched as she attempted to control whatever she was experiencing at the sight of her only niece standing in the opening to the terrace. “Lawdy, you look just like your mama, but I imagine you’re nothing alike if you’re under the protection of the Aether.”

“I didn’t know her. She died when I was a baby. Gran was all I had until I was about eight.” Brenna made a face. “Well, Aunt Odessa, too, I suppose, but like Damian said, she’s a viper.”

Narissa dropped her hand, and a thoughtful expression settled on her exquisite visage. “Looks like you turned out okay, honey. Why do you need my help?”

“I didn’t know you were still alive until I stepped through those doors. And it’s doubtful I do need you.” Walking the rest of the way into the room, Brenna shut the door and stalked to the sideboard. Without bothering to ask permission, she poured two fingers of the bourbon Damian had left out.

“What’s your plan, sir?” she asked, facing the Aether after gulping half her drink.

“I didn’t think you’d want to go the cat-excretion route,” he deadpanned.

Spring giggled as Alastair coughed into his hand, the sound a poorly disguised bark of laughter.

Eoin had a hard time keeping his own humor in check as Brenna’s lips twitched.

“If it doesn’t involve cat twats, I’m in,” she said with a toast of her glass.

Her trustingness of everyone rankled a bit, and Eoin put the brakes on that runaway train. “Sure, and we’ll need to hold up for a minute, yeah? I’m not after putting my faith in a woman I’ve never met and who admittedly doesn’t care for her family. Brenna can take care of herself just fine, she can.”

She turned shining eyes on him, and her wide smile was nothing short of glorious.“Thank you for believing in me.”

“Always, love. Always.”

“You two are like sweet tea on a hot day. Simply delicious.”

They both startled and stared at Narissa, mouths agape.

“Family,” she said with a gesture of her finger between her and Brenna. “It’s a Siren thing.”

A thoughtful expression crossed Brenna’s face, and she cocked her head. “Really? At what distance? Could we do it with Aunt Odessa?”

“We’re an ocean away, honey. I’d just pick up a phone if I were you.”

“It’s doubtful she’d answer,” Brenna said with a grimace. “We didn’t separate on friendly terms.”

Narissa’s smile didn’t reach her eyes, and her tone was droll when she said, “I like you more and more.”

“Doubtful, but that’s fine.” Lifting her chin, Brenna said, “Gran provided me with the tools to make it. Both in advice and with my inheritance. I’ll be fine without family.”

Everything inside Eoin rose up in denial of her claim.Hewas her family, as were his siblings. “You have family, love. You have the O’Malleys.”

“And, since the Thornes are related to the O’Malley clan by marriage, you have us, too, child.”

Eoin could’ve kissed Alastair for his comment, especially when Brenna’s luminous smile appeared.

“Thank you, both. I’m honored to have two such wonderful people in my corner.”

“Eight,” Spring said with an index-finger wave.

“Eight?”

“Where I go, so does Knox. Then there’s my mom, Damian, Vivian, and Sabrina…” Spring shrugged. “Easily eight.”

Brenna laughed, and it was pure joy. Everyone in the room smiled at the rapturous sound—even Narissa. “I really love you guys.”

It occurred to Eoin that this was probably the first time she’d experienced true friendship and caring, and it near broke his fecking heart. Narissa met his gaze with a considering one of her own, and he realized she’d picked up on his thoughts. He wasn’t sure how comfortable he was with anyone other than Brenna being able to hear him.

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