But even so, Shaun insisted that Benny and I come to the party Evan’s parents are hosting for all recently activated fae from the most prestigious families. I’m not sure if this is their way of sticking it to their parents, showing up with a turned vampire and a siren, or if Shaun simply wants his friends around to celebrate with.
The grounds are decked in royal purple and gold. Lights hang on every tree and along every roofline and railing. We’re not the only ones making our way to the grand front doors of the house.
Evan strides forward, Shaun matching his pace despite their height difference. Shaun’s golden blonde hair is neatly styled like usual, Evan’s in a high bun with unruly wisps escaping all over the place. They’ve always complemented each other likethis. Shaun’s strict nature smoothed by Evan’s chaos. Evan’s chaos tamed by Shaun’s sense of responsibility.
Benny flanks me, hands in the pocket of his dress pants, as our group ascends the steps to the grand entrance. I’m struck again by disbelief that Evan grew up here. That he’d want to leave the comforts of this place.
Evan’s family stands just inside the entrance, a portrait of stiffness and regality. His parents greet everyone with polite smiles and formal sentences. His two younger siblings stand perfectly still behind their parents, offering the same.
I’m not sure how it’s possible, but at our arrival, Evan’s father—Yves Lyra—stiffens even more. At his slight movement, his wife, Sonya, looks to us, pinning her son with a bit of a glare.
“Mother, how delightful to see you,” Evan says, adding a flourishing bow. He steps forward and embraces her. She stiffly returns it, reaching out and smoothing down his hair.
“Evan, so glad you could make it.” She lowers her voice. “Would it have killed you to get a haircut?”
“Or a brush?” His little sister snickers from behind their mother.
“Enough of that, Sonya, Erica,” Evan’s father chides. He shakes Evan’s hand and promptly turns to Shaun. “Shaun, good to see you. Our guest of honor tonight.”
Shaun dips his head in gratitude. “Thank you, sir.”
“Maybe your mate will be here tonight, and we’ll get to witness it!” Erica says, smiling at Shaun. Her twin brother, Eddie, rolls his eyes.
“Your bond hasn’t been activated, so it’s not like it’ll be you,” Eddie mutters. Erica gasps and elbows her twin in the stomach.
“I can’t believe you just said that, in front of him!” she whisper yells, running off.
Sonya turns her wrathful gaze on Eddie. Without a word he dips his head and heads off after his sister.
Evan mutters goodbyes and something about holding up the other guests, and we part ways with his parents. I can feel the tension in my shoulders uncoiling. Neither of them even spared a glance at Benny and I. I’m not sure if I’m grateful for that or not. I wouldn’t want their ire, but part of me wants to rage at the blatant Born fae superiority complex. How Evan turned out to be as open-minded as he is, is a fucking wonder.
Benny grabs two glasses of champagne off a tray as it passes by and hands one to me. “Drink,” he orders, clinking his glass with mine and downing it in one go.
I do as instructed, knowing that tonight will be a lot more bearable with a bit of a buzz.
And it’s not just the Born fae, but the jealousy that stirs deep within me that Shaun’s mate might be here. Something that Evan doesn’t want, even though his bond was activated three years ago. Something Benny and I don’t ever get to have.
Benny and I are about five drinks in when Evan and Shaun find us down one of the halls of the grand estate, critiquing the art on the walls like we’re professional art critics.
“I very much like the use of nudity in this one,” I say in a serious tone to Benny, furrowing my brow, as we gaze up at a portrait of a very naked curvaceous woman and a man kneeling in front of her.
“It really evokes a powerful emotion,” Benny says, nodding.
“Yes,” I respond. “Lust.”
“Very good,” Benny agrees.
“For stars’ sake,” Shaun mutters from behind us. Benny and I glance over our shoulders at our Born counterparts.
“Can you blame us? This party is boring,” Benny draws out the last word to really drive home his point.
Shaun shakes his head but hands us both glasses of champagne. “Drink up. We’ve got to mingle for a little bit longer.”
Evan motions for us all to follow him, and I stop myself from groaning. I sling my arm around Benny and follow the others back out to the party where Shaun is stopped by an older-looking fae couple.
“Shaun! There you are,” the woman says, patting his arm gently. “And your friends. Are you all here celebrating your new bonds?”
“Grandmother, you remember Evan.” Shaun motions to the fire elemental. “He’s had his bond activated for a few years now.”
