Page 113 of Soulmates

“That’s the plan, but I’m not expecting that to be anytime soon. In my experience, demons with revenge plans can be a problem for a while.”

“I’m sorry for dragging you into this.”

“You didn’t drag us into anything.” Sierra glanced around, probably making sure no one was listening to our conversation, before leaning in. “Sam helped us when I was the one in danger. This is what family does for each other.”

I chewed on my lower lip. “But I’m not family.”

Sierra laughed softly. “You’re the woman Sam loves even if he is being a stubborn ass and currently denying that fact. That makes you family.”

I blinked hard, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to fall. I’d put makeup on for the party, partially as an incentive not to cry but mostly to hide the evidence pointing to my lack of sleep and general state of misery over the past couple of days. I really didn’t want mascara streaks running down my cheeks right now.

“Hey, it’s going to be okay.” Sierra leaned forward and gave me an awkward hug with Nova between us. “He’ll come around. Nate did.”

“It’s not just him,” I admitted. “I asked if he would fight for us. I didn’t mean it; I don’t want him to lose his halo or freedom for me.”

“I know that, and deep down he does too. You two will figure it out.”

I wasn’t sure I believed her, but I nodded anyway.

“Do you want to get ice cream after the party?” she asked me. “I know it’s a cliché, but I swear it really does help.”

“I didn’t think you ate ice cream.” Sierra was a vegan health nut—something her family got into after she lost her father to a stroke when she was in high school.

“Nondairy ice cream used to be my go-to when I was having a really bad day.”

“Used to be?”

She smirked. “I have Nate now.”

“I sort of hate you right now,” I muttered.

Sierra laughed. “Don’t worry—soon enough you’ll be having makeup sex and making all the rest of us hate you.”

Nate dropped into the seat beside Sierra, slinging an arm over the back of her chair and pressing a kiss to her temple.

Before either of us could say anything more, we were joined at our table by Hayden Blake. He was dressed in a suit that probably cost more than some people made in a year with the jacket open over his dress shirt.

“Don’t let me interrupt your conversation,” he said before lifting the beer in his hand to his lips.

“Sierra, Nate, this is Orlando’s childhood friend, Hayden Blake,” I said, waving a hand in the man’s direction.

Hayden nodded once without saying a word, his eyes glued to the phone in his hand. He swore at something on the screen and then raised the phone to his ear.

“I’m at Orlando’s engagement party,” Hayden said. “I know. I’m sorry. Look, I’ll make it up to you.” He ran a hand through his black hair. “I don’t know. Dad’s been on my case pretty much since my plane landed.” There was a pause before Hayden sighed. “I’ll text you. I promise.”

“Everything okay?” I asked as Hayden lowered the phone. We weren’t friends or even really acquaintances, but since my family was hosting this party, it was technically my job to make sure the guests were having a good time. And I really wanted a distraction from my own problems.

“Fine,” Hayden said without looking up.

“Girlfriend?” Sierra asked.

“Sister actually.”

“Ouch. That’s even worse. What’d you do?”

Hayden glared at her but dropped it when Nate leaned forward with a growl. “I missed dinner. Damn phone alert didn’t work.”

“Can I see?” Sierra held out her hand for Hayden’s phone.

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