Page 128 of Pistols & Peonies

He grins like he’s been waiting for it, shouldering Kane aside and wrapping me up in a hug. “Good to see you again, sis.”

“You’re getting real comfortable with that,” I snort.

“We’re family now,” he shoots back easily as he releases me, stepping back.

Kane slides right back in, his hand settling at the small of my back, solid and warm. “How’s it going?” he asks, eyes flicking over my face. “You look stressed.”

“One of my main fighters hasn’t shown,” I say, already feeling the tension creep back in. “I’m about five minutes away from panic mode.”

He tilts his head, considering. “Want me to send out enforcers to track him down?”

“Are you trying to get me fired before I’ve even officially settled into this job?” I deadpan.

Whit huffs a laugh, clapping a hand on Kane’s shoulder. “Yeah, maybe don’t unleash the Commander on her first night running things.”

“I’m just offering solutions,” he replies mildly.

“Terrible ones,” I say, giving him a pointed look.

Kane shrugs, his mind probably already working up a dozen different solutions. His first instinct is always to fix things, but this isn’t his problem to solve. It’s mine.

“I’m grabbing a drink before this turns into a full operational takeover,” Whit mutters, jerking his chin toward the bar before disappearing into the crowd.

Kane watches him go, then swings his gaze around the room, taking everything in. “Hell of a turnout.”

“Funny how that happens when you can actually advertise,” I say with a chuckle. “Turns out people are more apt to show up if they aren’t afraid of getting hauled in front of Alpha for illegal activity.”

His gaze flicks back to me, a smile tugging at his lips.

“You here on official business, Commander?” I ask, tipping my head. “Making sure everything’s above board?”

“Not tonight,” he drawls, his gaze raking over me. “I’m here for you, mate.”

My inner wolf swoons, the bond between us thrumming with warmth.

“Good answer,” I say as I lean in, brushing another quick kiss over his mouth.

His eyes shift past me as I pull back, and his expression twists, brows creasing.

“Uh oh,” he murmurs.

I turn to follow his gaze, spotting his brother posted up at the bar, already making a pass at a pretty blonde.

A pretty blonde who just so happens to be my best friend.

“Oh, this should be good,” I snort, grabbing Kane’s hand and dragging him through the crowd in their direction.

Neither of them even see us coming. Char’s batting her lashes, tossing her hair, giggling like an idiot… and Whit’s just as locked in on her.

“Careful, that one’s trouble,” I remark as I sidle up next to Char.

She and Whit turn toward me at the same time, both presuming I’m talking to them. Though I suppose the warning does cut both ways in this situation.

“Char’s my best friend,” I tell Whit, slinging an arm around her shoulders.

His brows lift, grin widening.

I lean in closer to Char, murmuring in her ear, “I see you’ve met Kane’s brother.”