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My heart sank for him. His life was without joy, which was an oxymoron in my book. Life should equal joy. Mine did, well, after Dean.
“Did you read through her journals?” I asked, picking one up and flipping through the pages.
“I did. Again. There’s nothing I see that would point to something that had to do with her death, but I am biased. Perhaps you four will see something I don’t.” He stood, and the move surprised me. I thought he would stay for a while. He was a good guy despite the bloodsucking.
“You’re leaving already?” I asked.
“Yes. I’ve crashed what looks like a romantic Yule with your mates. I apologize. I honestly forgot today was the day. I wish you all a blessed and merry Yule. But not too merry. That eggnog smells like more liquor than egg.”
“It’s not that bad,” I said.
“It is, little one. Now, I take my leave. Thank you all for helping me. Since Diana was taken from me, you have been the only ones who cared. You honor me for that alone. Good night.”
One moment, he was in our presence, and the next, he was gone, the door shut behind him.
I sighed. Maybe there was something in the journals—something he didn’t see.
Chapter Fourteen
Onyx
We were staying, but not any longer than we had to. Raven was right about family. Asher’s had been very good to us, and they deserved better than our rushing out right before the big party that a little bird told me was as much in our honor as it was part of the holiday.
But I hated the tension in our Raven. She was determined to be brave and intrepid no matter what happened. How unfair was it that a time of such great joy was being ruined by her parents? I didn’t know much about pack politics, but it couldn’t be all that different from the human variety from what I was seeing. Asher’s folks didn’t invite Raven’s, but if they showed up, they couldn’t turn them away without creating a huge stink. I got that. Didn’t mean I had to like it.
“Ready, Onyx?” Asher appeared in the bathroom doorway.
I looked in the mirror once more. “As ready as I’m likely to be. Let’s go face the festivities.”
He came up behind me and put his arms around my waist. “You make it sound like a firing squad. Our Yule ball is always the invitation of the season. We’re not sure Raven’s parents are coming, and if they don’t, it should be a wonderful time all around.” He kissed the back of my neck. “It’s just about time for the lighting of the Yule log that will open the ball and the days of celebration.”
“When you say days, how many do you mean?” I had been thinking of tonight, tomorrow…
“Oh, we celebrate the full twelve days. One party after another, lots of big meals, dancing, games. We even end with a lord and lady of misrule.”
“We aren’t staying for twelve days, are we? Jo will fire me for sure.”
“No, she won’t. Partly because she can’t get by without you, and partly because we’re not going to stay that long. We’ll play it by ear and go home when we’re ready. Tonight is the important event. And you look so beautiful. Did you magic your hair and makeup?”
“No. I did it myself the old-fashioned way. Is it all right?”
“You look amazing. Raven is waiting for us.”
Tonight, she wore the red dress, and although I knew how nervous she was, she was beautiful. We both kissed her before leaving the privacy of our room then there was nothing to it but to sweep down the stairs and glide into the ballroom where Asher’s parents stood by the fireplace, the attention of the crowd riveted on them.
We followed Asher over to them just in time to be there when his dad raised a hand to quiet the excited crowd. “We’re delighted to welcome you all here for our annual Yule gathering. My mates and I look forward to this event all year, but this time, we are most especially delighted to share our joy at our son Asher’s mating to Raven, who you all know, and Onyx, the descendant of Goddess Circe and a worthy addition to our pack.”
Polite applause greeted his words as well as a murmur I couldn’t quite make out. But at least nobody booed me. And I’d take that for now. Asher and Raven stood very straight and tall beside me, but I knew they were searching the crowd for a sign of her parents. I had no idea what they looked like, so I could be no help.
When the clapping ended, Richard struck a match and held it to the Yule log. It had to be coated in something because with no visible kindling, it would be very difficult to get such a big log to burst into flame. Also, the fire was a rainbow at first, stunning and larger than life. Hypnotic, and the scent of wood burning, which I loved, was mingled with the smell of exotic spices toasting.
With the log lit, a band across the room struck up a tune, and Richard invited everyone to dance, eat, drink, and enjoy their hospitality then, as everyone turned away to enjoy the various pursuits, I saw Asher lean in and speak with his father, their low tones even and reassuring.
Richard and his ladies drifted off to lead the first dance, and I watched them with interest because not only did I have little experience with dancing, but I had less idea how three people could dance together. His parents did not disappoint; if anything, they were so graceful and elegant, I didn’t see how we could possibly compete.
“Your parents are perfect.” My throat was tight, my vision just a bit blurred with emotions I didn’t have time to examine right now. “Thank you so much for sharing them with us.”
“They think I scored,” Asher chuckled. “And wondered how you two put up with all my nonsense. I told them I had you fooled and not to ruin my game.”
