Unfortunately, being alittlenervous is an understatement. Arriving on time is only one battle. Making a good impression on Bane’s family requires a miracle. The rest of his family, anyway. Wynn is naturally protective of his cousin and best friend, and Elias is a lost cause, but surely I can charm a few Blackwoods. Maybe some of the kids?
This is also the first birthday gift I’ve ever given Bane, and I really hope he likes it. We’ve been spending a lot of time in the apartment above the Fern and Flower lately, and Bane’s been cooking. The apartment only has the bare necessities, so he deserves better supplies to work with.
These fancy herbs and spices that cost me two paychecks will help him create all the delicious pasta dishes and salads he’s been whipping up. Even with a shifter nose, the spices all smell the same as the identical ingredients from the grocery store, though I bet he’ll be able to appreciate them more than I do.
“Just be cool,” I mutter to myself, smoothing down my nicest button-up shirt.
As I round the corner, I collide with someone—a solid wall of muscle that sends me stumbling backward.
“Watch where you’re—” The deep voice cuts off abruptly. “Josh?”
My stomach drops as I look up into Elias Blackwood’s stern face. Of all the people to literally run into, it had to be Bane’s father. The man who made it abundantly clear he thinks his son could do better than a loser like me.
“Sorry, didn’t see you there,” I stammer, clutching my gift bag to my chest like a shield. “I’m so sorry. I was just rushing to make it on time.”
“No harm done.” He brushes invisible dust from his immaculate suit jacket. “Heading to the party?”
“Yeah, uh, I guess I’ll see you there.”
“Nonsense,” Elias says. “My car’s down the street. I’ll give you a ride.”
I hesitate. Getting into a car with Elias Blackwood ranks somewhere between a root canal and swimming with starving sharks on my list of fun activities.
“No, that’s alright,” I say. “It’s only a few blocks away.”
“I insist.” The tone is casual, though his gaze pins me in place. Can I even refuse? Most people don’t reject an Alpha if they value their well-being. “I could share some information about our family that might help you make a good impression tonight. Bane’s grandmother is particularly... particular.”
Ha, that’s putting it mildly. I haven’t met the woman, but she’s Elias’s mother and Iron Pack’s previous Alpha. Bane’s most terrifying relative, aside from the man standing before me.
Tips about impressing her would be awesome if anyone else were offering. I hesitate, checking my watch. Darn it, I’m cutting it close as it is. Maybe this is Elias extending an olive branch?
“Okay,” I agree. Well played, Elias. “A ride sounds great. Thanks.”
I follow the Alpha down the street, the silence between us stretching uncomfortably. The last time I saw Elias, he confessed to deliberately sabotaging Bane’s and my relationship before it began. Not exactly a bonding moment. I knew we’d see each other again tonight, but I was expecting Bane to be with me to run interference.
“Are you really okay with all this?” I ask finally. “With Bane and me?”
Elias shrugs. “It’s out of my hands.”
“Does that drive you crazy?” I wonder, knowing how much he likes being in control.
“A little,” he admits with a wry laugh. “You see right through me, don’t you?” He stops walking abruptly and pivots to face me, a strange expression crossing his face. “It’s funny. Who knew I’d meet my match withyouof all people?”
Funny? How he’s studying me feels more threatening than amusing. “Uh, guess I don’t get the joke.”
“Hmm.” Elias looms a lot closer than he was a second ago. “You’re right. It’s not funny at all.”
I scan our surroundings, my stomach plummeting as I realize we’ve drifted from the main thoroughfare into a shadowed alley. The narrow passage stretches ahead, barely lit by a flickering streetlamp. The city’s hum fades to a distant murmur, muffled by the towering buildings that box us in.
“Where’s your car?” I ask, nervously gripping the gift bag tighter.
“It doesn’t matter,” Elias says calmly, though the look on his face is grim. “You aren’t going to Bane’s party.”
A shiver runs down my spine. Crap. Is my boyfriend’s father really threatening me? What should I do now?
“Look, whatever happened in the past... we’re going to be family,” I try, taking a step back. “Why can’t we start over?”
“That’s a hell of a question.” His eyes flash gold in the darkness.
