Page 61 of New Blood

“Whiskey?”

Owen shook his head. “Bourbon.”

Mason poured the drinks and handed one tumbler to Owen, then took his own and took a sip.

“Storm, pour me one too?” Francisco said from the door. He jerked his thumb over his shoulder. “That sort of surprise needs to be washed down with something strong.”

Behind him, Thaddeus entered. He didn’t say a word. Instead, he walked to the drinks cabinet, where Mason was pouring a whiskey for Francisco, and reached for a fresh glass.

“I’ll pour you one,” Mason offered.

“You’re not the host. I can pour my own fucking drink.”

At his cutting words, Mason felt anger surge in him. He had no idea what Thaddeus had against him. But this time, he didn’t swallow it like on previous occasions.

“You know what, Thaddeus? You’re not the only one who’s bothered by what’s happened.”

Thaddeus turned his head to look him squarely in the eyes. “Are you trying to say that you didn’t know about this?” His tone wasn’t any friendlier than before.

“That’s exactly what I’m saying. So take your bad mood out on somebody else. I’m not your punching bag.”

Thaddeus grunted, but didn’t come back with a retort. Instead, he slumped down on the couch next to his cousin Owen.

“Where’s Spencer?” Thaddeus asked.

“Out. I left him a message to call me.”

From the open door, more sounds of footsteps could be heard. His glass of whiskey in his hand, Mason walked closer to the door and looked into the foyer. Byron was charging down the stairs, fully dressed in street clothes now, holding his injured arm awkwardly. He headed for the door just as Wendell crossed the foyer. When Byron left and slammed the entrance door behind him, Mason exchanged a look with Wendell.

“You’re the only one dressed properly,” Mason said, pointing to his pajama pants and his naked chest.

“I’ll tail him,” Wendell said with a nod, understanding instantly what he needed to do. He set his cat down on the floor and left. The cat meowed in protest.

Mason pivoted and walked to a comfortable armchair opposite the sofa and sat down. He took another sip of his drink, then looked at the Gallaghers. An uncomfortable silence spread in the room. Even Francisco, who could always strike up a conversation about anything with anybody, drank his whiskey in silence. What was there to say? The deed was done. Jude was mated to Danielle, and a mating couldn’t be reversed.

It was Owen who finally broke the silence. “Guess Eve got her wish after all.”

Thaddeus let out a bitter chuckle. “I suppose the old adage is true: be careful what you wish for.”

Mason furrowed his forehead, and Owen met his gaze. “It can’t have escaped any of you that Eve isn’t exactly someone who likes to be told that she has to mate with somebody she doesn’t even know, let alone like.”

“And again, my dear, spoiled sister screwed us all,” Thaddeus added.

Surprised at Thaddeus’s candid words, Mason felt compelled to defend Eve. “It’s not exactly Eve’s fault that Jude took Danielle as his mate.”

Thaddeus shook his head. “If she hadn’t shown him the cold shoulder from day one, he wouldn’t even have looked at anyone else.”

The clearing of a throat came from the door. Mason shot a look in the direction. Austin stood there.

“Hey, Storm, Francisco: for tonight, Grant and Parker will take shifts watching the door to the master bedroom. Just in case.”

Mason nodded, understanding. A hothead like Byron might not have learned his lesson the first time around.

“Right.”

“I’m going to sleep,” Austin said.

“Good for you,” Mason replied. “I don’t think I can sleep right now.”