Page 115 of This Blood That Breaks Us
I let his words marinate while he looked up from his pen and paper with an unblinking expression. My stomach sank, and heat flushed through my neck and cheeks.
“I—no. I don’t care.”
“I’ll have to make some arrangements.” He pulled out his phone and frantically typed something. His shoulders fell from his ears when he was done, then he was back to smiling. “Don’t worry. Luke will be joining us shortly after meeting with The Glorious One to ensure the party is kept far away from the church. I was instructed to walk him over myself.”
“Well, what am I supposed to do?”
“Have fun, sir!”
“I need to jailbreak Thane and Will.”
“Already done. See!” He pointed across the crowd where Will was dressed in a true butler’s uniform and holding a platter of deviled eggs.
“Oh no.”
Judging from the scowl on Will’s face, I could only imagine the seething anger. I think that was the source of heat in my chest that felt a little like heartburn.
“I know. But I did sneak him some cigarettes and got his chores switched to the garden for the next week because I know he likes plants.”
“You did that for him?”
“For you, sir. I didn’t want you to worry about them. It’s your special night, and you should enjoy it to the fullest extent.”
“Thanks.”
I fought the urge to ruffle his hair like I used to do to Presley when he took a break from being a rambunctious shithead and was actually being nice.
Thane appeared beside me and placed a shot in my hand. His platter was all shot glasses. He winked at me after he bowed.
“I’ve heard Zach The Just needed a drink.”
“The guest of honor always has a drink in his hand.” Connell checked his phone. “Oh, I gotta go! I’ll be right back.”
I downed the shot of whiskey in my hand, then Thane handed me another. I could get used to this.
“I’ve been instructed to keep a drink in your hand all night.”
“It’s going to be a long night for you, then.”
“Mr. Calem.” A familiar voice caught my attention. Liam Brennan from the horse track made a beeline for me in the crowd.
He held out his hand, and I made sure to squeeze extra tight.
“Congratulations, sir. This place is magnificent. I’m honored to take part in the celebration.”
“I’m sure you are.” Me meeting people with alcohol in my system wasn’t a great idea.
Liam’s smile didn’t break. “I’m excited for the future ahead. To you and The Divine Path.” He held up his glass, and I held up my shot and downed it a second later.
He retreated into the crowd where a woman was waiting on him. She seemed to be human. These were normal people walking around in the most dangerous place in Ireland. I wondered how many would make it out alive. Another sip and I cared less. Not my problem really.
I’d need to make sure Luke didn’t think too hard about it when he arrived.
Just as I thought it, my brother rolled in, mirroring my surprise as he realized what he walked into. He, too, had a drink in his hand in seconds. Those fuckers were thorough.
“From frat parties to . . . whatever this is,” Luke said, sipping his beer.
“Cult parties. Much more sophisticated. We’ve leveled up, for sure. Think there will be an orgy?” I joked.
