Page 91 of Taste of Forever
“I made no such claims.”
“These two got mated like a month apart.” Bea pointed to both of them. “And it’s sickening how happy and lovey-dovey they are. Just gross.”
“You’re exaggerating. It was closer to two months,” Tavia protested.
“Whatever. You’re both glowing and beautiful enough to make a bitch jealous.”
“Well, congrats to you both,” I said, raising my glass.
“And to you!” Amy touched her glass to mine. “I’m glad Laith found someone. He’s really sweet and funny.”
“Thanks.” I nodded at Bea. “And I bet some of our mojo will rub off on you soon, Bea. You’ll find your person.”
She waved a hand through the air. “I might have already, but again, complicated.”
Well, that was interesting. What could be preventing them from being together? Laith had been determined to find me and start a life together, at any cost. Laith said the guys were possessive. Did Bea’s mate just not have that same drive to be with her? Or was it something out of both of their control? I didn’t want to pry, but I was definitely curious.
“So, which one’s yours, Amy?” I asked with a thumb over my shoulder, pointing at the couches where the men were gathered.
“Oh, none of them. My mate is Novak of Blood and Truth. You’ll probably meet him soon.” She rolled her eyes toward Tavia. “I just spend half my time here, with my sister from another mister.”
Tavia let out a fake, dramatic sigh. “And you’re about to leave me for him,again.”
“Yeah, yeah. I’ll be back tomorrow night.” Amy threw back the remaining sip in her wine glass. “That’s really good, Tav. You don’t need to change anything.”
“Mm, I dunno.” Tavia stuck her nose in her glass. “Might be a little on the tart side.”
“Amy,” a raspy voice called from the far side of the room. “You’re heading home soon?” Did Thorne ever sound like he wasn’t barking out orders?
Amy stiffened a little, but she otherwise didn’t seem distressed. “Yes, that’s right.”
“We’re all heading that way too. We have some clan matters to discuss with your mate, so we’ll escort you home.”
“Okay, I’m heading out now.” Amy slid from her stool, and nodded once at me. “Nice to see you again, Heather.” Then to Tavia and Bea, “See you around, ladies.”
Laith came to stand beside me, his palm smoothing around my waist and back. “We shouldn’t be too long. The girls will take care of you. Rest, relax.”
“Everything okay?” He and the guys seemed tense. They’d been talking to each other in low voices out of earshot of the women.
“Yeah.” He leaned in closer to me. “You remember my friend I told you about? The one who’s been locked up for twenty years? Well, Novak’s gonna go over some test results that can hopefully give us more info on his situation.”
“Test results?” I narrowed my eyes. “Like what, drugs? Blood tests?”
Laith’s mouth pressed into a firm line. “I probably said too much. Don’t worry about it.”
“No, Laith.” I turned on my stool to face him directly. “Did you forget I work in a crime lab? I test things like that all day. I can help.”
“I’m sure you can.” Laith cupped the back of my neck, his thumb stroking my cheek. “But you still need to rest. You’ll be safest here.”
“Honestly? I need a change of environment and something stimulating my brain. I’ve already rested and eaten, Laith. Let me come with you.”
He sighed, dropping his forehead to mine. Just behind him, I caught a glimpse of Thorne watching our exchange with mild curiosity.
“Why not? Let’s bring her.” Thorne stuck a cigarette in his mouth. “The humans you all bring always seem to surprise me.”
With that, the Blood ‘til Dawn leader headed out another door and Laith’s sigh hit my lips.
“Fine,” he groaned.
