SYDNEY PUSHED THE door to Thane’s sitting room open and stepped inside. He was on his phone, pacing by the window and he didn’t look happy. “Damn it, Pam, why the hell aren’t they leaving it alone? I know, but it’s not that bloody interesting. Right. Aye. Fine. Yes, we’ll talk tomorrow.” He let out a long sigh. “’Night.” He hung up and faced Sydney.
“That didn’t sound good.”
“Just a minor nuisance, love.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Nothing for you to worry about.”
“Dismissing me like that isn’t the way to go here, Thane.”
“It’s something my people will figure out, Sydney. Just drop it.”
“Your people.”
“Yes, my people. It’s not really something you can do anything about, so just leave it.”
She crossed her arms and stamped down her irritation. “I think I should be filled in, you know, considering it involves me.”
“Baby, I need you to calm down.”
“Do not tell me to calm down, Thane!” she snapped.
“Shite,” he hissed and dragged his hands down his face.
“Just how bad is this?”
In answer to her question, he grabbed the remote and turned on the television. He didn’t have to scroll far to find the first of several channels where Thane and his love life were the top stories of the day.
“Who is this mysterious woman you ask?” a young female anchor queried.
Sydney lowered herself slowly onto the sofa and watched as a group of men and women who didn’t know her discussed rumor and innuendo relating to who she was to Thane, complete with grainy and often times blurry photographs. “That was at the restaurant,” she whispered.
“Aye, love. And at the premiere, and as we’re leaving the train station. Wallace intercepted a couple of drones as they tried to fly over the house.”
“Intercepted, how?”
“He shot them down. He’s always been an avid pheasant hunter.”
Sydney covered her face with a groan. “I’m sorry, honey.”
“Why the hell are you sorry? My people should have stopped this.”
“Or, I should have stayed home instead of going to the premiere. I didn’t have to have a total meltdown on a public sidewalk outside of the restaurant, either.” She shook her head. “I just wasn’t thinking. Not to mention, if I’d traveled separately, you could have probably avoided all of this.”
“Fucking hell, Sydney, this is not your fault.”
“If it’s not my fault, why are you snapping at me?”
He took a deep breath and sat beside her, linking his fingers with hers. “I’m sorry, love. I don’t mean to snap. With the worries your uncle has, and the fact that the media are jackals, I’m concerned for your safety and when I’m concerned for your safety, I tend to get a little irritated.”
“A little?” she challenged, but gave him a slight smile.
“Perhaps a little more than a little.”
“Why are you so concerned?”
“Because your uncle believes you or Lucy might have a stalker.”
“What?” She gasped. “Seriously?”
Thane nodded, pulling her against his chest. “It’s part of the reason he was happy to have you come with me this weekend. It means he can watch Lucy a little closer and I can watch you.”
“Why didn’t he tell me?”
“Because he wanted to be sure first. He hasn’t gotten to where he is by jumping to conclusions.” He rubbed her back. “We’re going to sort this out, sweetheart. I promise.”
She lifted her head to look at him. “Do you think it was a reporter standing by the cottage?”
“I don’t know. Wallace has sent the cigarette butts off for DNA analysis. If we can find the man, we will.”
She relaxed against him again. “So, you worrying about the media thing isn’t about me dating you?”
“No,” he assured. “It’s because they are mapping our movements to a certain degree. I need to keep you somewhat sheltered until we figure this out, but if reporters are following us, snapping photos and such, I can’t do that. I’m going to stay in my London flat until we sort this out, though.”
“You have a London flat?”
“Aye, lass. In Kensington.”
“Then why were you at the hotel?” she asked.
“My flat’s small and the hotel was the only place to accommodate everyone. I wanted to be close.”
“Oh,” she said. “Makes sense.”
“If you want to stay with me, you’re welcome to. Just let me know.”
“No, I’ll stay with my aunt and uncle.”
She felt him stiffen and bit back a grin, grateful he couldn’t see her expression.
“If that’s what you want, love.”
Sydney couldn’t stay stoic for long and burst into quiet giggles.
“You bloody wee ratbag,” he accused and pushed her onto her back, grabbing her waist and squeezing.
“Thane!” she yelled as she roared with laughter. “Stop, I’m going to pee.”
He continued to tickle her until she found a way to reciprocate. He was too quick for her, though, and pinned both her hands above her head, running his free hand down her cheek. “You’ve got an evil streak, I see.”
She licked her lips and nodded. “Remember that.”
Thane grinned and leaned close, running his nose gently against hers. “I have a sure-fire way to counteract your evil streak, sweetheart.”
“You do?”
“Aye, lass.” He covered her lips with his and released her arms so she could wrap them around his neck.
Sydney opened her mouth to deepen the kiss and slid her fingers into his hair. You’re driving me nuts, mister movie star.
He broke the kiss with a grimace and dropped his forehead to hers. “One month, love.”
“I know.” She kissed him quickly and pushed him up. “I stick with my opinion about all of this sucking, though.”
He smiled and nodded. “Agreed.”
“I know we need to go back early, but can early mean Monday? I’d love one more day in our bubble before we have to get back to reality.”
“Of course,” he whispered. “Perhaps we can take a walk on the Leith Dock tomorrow. It’s beautiful at night all lit up and we can eat dinner at one of Brodie’s restaurants.”
“Brodie?”
“Brodie Gunnach. He’s one of the princes. He owns several clubs and restaurants around Scotland, and one of them is on the water. It’ll be private and we won’t be bothered. Plus, the food’s outstanding.”
She bit back a yawn. “I would love that.”
“Sleep, baby,” he whispered, and she did.
* * *
Sydney was excited to be going to dinner, even with the possibility of the paparazzi finding them. The rain had stopped and the night was clear enough to see the stars, which meant they could explore a little.
Thane knocked, pushing the door further open. “Are you ready, love?”
She glanced at him over her shoulder as she secured an earring. “Almost.”
Crossing his arms, he leaned against the doorjamb. “You look beautiful, sweetheart.”
She’d pulled her hair into a long braid to the side and wore jeans, knee-high boots, and a flowy dark red blouse.
“Thank you.” Sydney turned to face him, assessing him in all his glory. “You look pretty delectable yourself.”
He wore dark jeans, motorcycle boots, and a black, long-sleeved thermal henley. With his black leather jacket, he looked more Sons of Anarchy than immortal Viking.
“I found out Brodie and his mate Payton will actually be there tonight and have invited us to sit with them, but only if you don’t mind. If you want to be alone, that’s fine as well.”
She smiled and grabbed her jacket and purse. “Sounds fun.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, honey.” She leaned in and kissed him quickly. “I’m sure.”
“Damn.”
Sydney cocked her head. “If you don’t want to, we don’t have to.”
“I’m torn.”
“You are?”
“Aye. I want to see them, but I’d rather spend time alone with you.”
“Then tell them ‘no.’”
He gave her a cheeky grin. “And not have you to blame it on? No, that won’t work.”
“Oh, I see how it is.” Sydney giggled. “Sorry, babe. I’ve never met a real-life prince. Royalty trumps you tonight.”
He grinned, grasping her hand. “Fair enough. But I want the promise of a make-out session on the sofa later.”
“Well, duh,” she retorted.
Thane laughed and led her downstairs and out to the waiting car.
* * *
As Thane had promised, there wasn’t an inkling of paparazzi anywhere near the restaurant. “How did Brodie manage this much privacy?” Sydney asked.
“He has a few on his staff who have the power of suggestion, so they are dismissed almost as quickly as they arrive. We know who’s Cauld Ane and who’s human, so it’s easy to head them off at the pass.”
“That’s amazing.”
Thane grinned as he opened the door and followed Sydney inside.
“Mr. Allen, welcome.” A young woman with silky black hair and pale skin smiled at them. She reminded Sydney of Lucy Liu, freckles and all. She was gorgeous. “Mr. Gunnach is expecting you.”
“Thank you, Paige,” Thane said, and laid his hand on Sydney’s lower back, guiding her in front of him.
You’ve been here before.
Aye, lass. Several times.
She glanced around the room. Is there anyone who works here who isn’t gorgeous?
I wouldn’t know, sweetheart.
She glanced at him over her shoulder. “Smart man.”
“Thane!”
Sydney followed the sound of the booming voice and stepped back a little. A tall blond man rushed for Thane and picked him up in a bear hug. “You bloody bastard, how the hell are you?”
Thane laughed and shook his head. “I’ll be great when you put me down, ye daft bampot.” The man lowered Thane and he reached for Sydney’s hand. “Sydney, this is Brodie and his mate, Payton.”
Sydney hadn’t seen the gorgeous redhead, considering she was behind Brodie and he was huge. Like WWE huge. He was handsome... almost model pretty, but she also could imagine him on an ancient battlefield, a sword in one hand and a dagger in the other, able to kill a man with his bare hands.
“Ignore him, Sydney.” Payton smiled and gave Brodie’s bottom a gentle smack. “I try to when he’s being rude.”
“Was I being rude, love?” Brodie asked with a cheeky lilt to his voice.
Sydney shook Payton’s hand and chuckled. “It’s lovely to meet you both.”
“Come and sit by me. It’s date night, our little boy is home with Kade and Samantha, and I’m dying for some adult conversation.”
“Hey, I’m adult conversation,” Brodie countered.
Payton grinned. “You keep telling yourself that, love.”
Sydney giggled and took the seat next to Payton. Thane sat next to her and Brodie sat on the other side of Payton.
“Connall and Pepper may be here later,” Payton said. “They’re visiting Megan before the baby comes, so they said they’ll stop by if they have time.”
Connall is Brodie’s brother. Megan is Pepper’s mother. They’re almost ready to have their second child.
Sydney squeezed Thane’s leg in thanks.
Paige arrived at the table and smiled at Thane and Sydney. “May I get you both something to drink?”
“I’d love a merlot, please,” Sydney said.
“Whatever costs Brodie the most money,” Thane said.
Paige chuckled. “Perfect.”
She left and, before the group could fall into comfortable conversation, another tall blond man walked in, a gorgeous blonde woman, her small frame overtaken by her large round belly, at his side. Payton let out an excited squeak and shot out of her seat, pulling Sydney with her before hugging the woman gently. “Pepper! You made it.”
“We did. Callum was not happy that mommy and daddy were leaving, but we prevailed.” Pepper glanced over at her husband. “Remember when he couldn’t speak? I liked those days.”
Connall grinned. “Aye, love. I do.”
“Pepper, this is Sydney,” Payton offered.
“You’re the one on the video singing with Fallen Crown,” Sydney blurted out.
“Guilty,” Pepper said.
“Sorry. Sometimes I forget to filter.”
Pepper chuckled. “I know a little about that.”
“Well, you were amazing.”
“Thank you. I understand you’re from my neck of the woods.”
“You’re from California?” Sydney asked.
“By way of Georgia, yes. I lived in San Jose until second grade.”
Sydney smiled. “Willow Glen until about ten years ago.”
“Holy cow, me too. We lived on Louise Avenue.”
“Minnesota... well, until we moved to Menlo Park.”
“We were practically neighbors.”
Sydney nodded. “Definitely.”
“And now you’re here.” Pepper smiled. “If you have any questions about your bonding night or anything, let me know. I was human as well.”
Sydney gasped. “You were?”
Pepper nodded.
“I have a million questions,” she admitted. “But I didn’t realize Thane had told everyone about me.”
“He didn’t,” Pepper said. “We feel your connection.”
“I don’t understand.”
“I don’t know if I can explain it, honestly, but there’s a vibration of sorts with the two of you, and Con and I knew you were mates.”
“Wow, this is all really bizarre.”
I’ll help you sort it out, love. Don’t panic on me now.
She glanced over at Thane and gave him a reassuring smile. I’m not panicking, just a little overwhelmed.
She saw him relax, so she turned back to Pepper.
“The telepathy part freaked me out at first,” Pepper admitted.
“Yeah, it’s super weird,” Sydney admitted. “I’m still not sure how it works.”
“It’s something to do with empathy. It’s actually a gift humans and Cauld Ane share, so it’s why you can speak telepathically.” She smiled. “You’ll have some very passionate arguments as well.”
Sydney groaned. “Great, something to look forward to.”
“I’ll make sure we exchange numbers so you can call me if you want to.”
Sydney smiled. “Thanks, I appreciate it.”
“Sitting down now, love,” Connall ordered, and Pepper rolled her eyes.
“I’m coming, I’m coming,” Pepper droned. “Sydney, this is Connall. I thought he’d be a little less of a fusser with the second kid.” She lowered her voice. “He’s worse.”
Sydney smiled and Connall shook her hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Sydney.”
“Nice to meet you too.”
“Come on, love,” he said, and guided Pepper to the table.
Sydney felt Thane’s arm slide around her waist from behind as he kissed her temple. “You okay?”
She turned to face him with a grin. “I’m fine. Don’t worry, honey. I’m not going anywhere.”
He stroked her cheek. “If you find this at all overwhelming, you let me know. We can leave. I have a bottle of wine waiting and a movie queued up.”
“Nice try.” Sydney rolled her eyes. “I don’t want to leave. I want to get to know your friends.”
“Damn it,” he breathed out, kissing her quickly before leading her back to her seat.
“When are you due, Pepper?” Sydney asked.
“A couple of weeks. Our three-year-old is with Grandma and Grandpa right now, so we have a rare night off.”
“How long are you staying?” Thane asked.
“We’re staying through the birth. Provided this little one comes before Liam’s big birthday.” She laid her hands on her belly. “Kade and Sam have been here for the last month and have to stay for another few weeks, and since she’s bossy and my best friend as well as my sister-in-law, I am required to stay put until Doctor Sam delivers the next baby Gunnach into the world.”
Payton giggled. “She’s not a very good patient herself though, and she’s also going to have another baby in few weeks, so she’s a little more hormonal than normal.”
“Sweetheart, can we please refrain from discussing the queen’s hormones?” Brodie interjected.
“Lighten up, Brodie,” Pepper teased. “You know if Sam heard you refer to her as the queen, she’d have a coronary... or throw something at your head.” She focused back on Sydney. “Sam has been a pain in my butt for the last three months, so discussion about her hormones is open season. Back me up, Pay.”
“Well, I wouldn’t say pain in the butt,” Payton countered.
“That’s because you’re nice... and she’s nicer to you than to me.”
Payton laughed. “She’s nice to you.”
Pepper grinned. “Sure, let’s go with that.”
“I take it you’ve known Samantha for a while,” Sydney said.
Pepper nodded. “Since second grade. She’s the best friend I’ve ever had.”
“Aw, that’s sweet.”
“Until she’s a pain in the butt.”
Payton choked on her wine and let out a surprised laugh. “Bloody hell, Pepper, you have to warn me when you’re going to make me laugh.”
“Comic relief and eye candy, Pay. I just do my thing, hon, I don’t plan it.”
Payton shook her head as she took several deep breaths. Brodie slipped his hand to the back of her neck and she leaned against him.
“Sam was also human, by the way,” Pepper added.
“Should we just start introducing you and Sam as the ex-humans?” Payton asked.
“Sounds too harsh. You know, like when we started saying pre-owned car, rather than used car? How about pre-mated?”
Payton wrinkled her nose. “Too close to cremated.”
Pepper laughed. “You might have a point.”
Sydney forced a smile as she watched the two women. She really missed her mom. Thane took her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. I’ve got you, love.
Thank you.
The rest of the dinner passed all too quickly for Sydney. For the first time in a very long time, she felt part of something. She’d never been one to have a lot of friends in high school and college, probably because she became more withdrawn after her father died. But tonight, seeing how much this family adored Thane, and how they treated him like one of their own and, by extension, her as well, she felt like she could be totally herself. Now she just had to figure out who she was in this new world she was falling in love with.
“Do you want to walk the dock, love?” Thane asked as they filed out of the restaurant.
“I’d love to,” she said.
“We’ll say goodnight here,” Payton said, and hugged Sydney. “But please say we’ll do this again.”
“Definitely,” she promised.
Pepper hugged her as well. “As soon as our next moose kid comes into the world, we’ll be having a little party, so I hope you’ll be there.”
“I’m sure we’ll make it happen.”
They finished off their good nights, and Thane wrapped an arm around Sydney as the other couples left them. “They are so awesome, honey.”
Thane nodded and guided her along the sparkling waterfront. “Aye, love, they are. They’re certainly more family than friends.”
They didn’t speak for the longest time. Just listened to the sound of the water lapping against the dock as they walked along the sidewalk. Sydney couldn’t help a smile as she pulled Thane to a stop and looped her arms around his neck. “Thank you.”
“For?”
“For everything.” She stroked his hair as she smiled up at him. “I know I can’t rely on anyone else to make me happy, but you do.”
Thane squeezed her waist. “You were worth the wait.”
“I was?”
“Aye, lass.” He chuckled. “We are prepared to wait. It’s something ingrained in us from birth, because we only have one mate, but some of us wait longer than others, and I always wondered who you’d be. I couldn’t have hoped for better, sweetheart. I love everything about you and I can’t wait to discover more.”
“Thane,” she whispered, blinking back tears.
“I have something for you,” he said, and reached into his jacket pocket, pulling out a black leather box and kneeling before her. “Sydney Roslyn Warren, will you do me the honor of marrying me?”
She gasped, covering her mouth with her hands and nodding. He stood and slipped the ring on her finger and she threw herself against him, kissing him with abandon. “I love you so much.”
He held her for several minutes until Sydney decided she needed to see the ring. Another gasp escaped her lips as the giant diamond glittered under the dock lights. “Wow.”
“Do you like it?” he asked. “We can return it if it’s not quite what you want.”
“I love it.”
The center diamond was emerald cut and the band was designed with intricate Celtic knots that wrapped around her finger. “It looks beautiful on you. I was worried seven carats would be too big for your hand, but it’s perfect.”
“Seven?” She shook her head. “Thane, that’s too much.”
“You don’t like it?”
“I love it.”
“Then it’s perfect.”
She sighed. “Well, as Mom always used to say, ‘when it comes to houses and diamonds, it’s never too big.’”
Thane chuckled. “Wise words.”
She gripped his chin and stood on her tiptoes. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.” He leaned down and kissed her gently before walking her to the waiting car.
Sydney kept a firm hold on his hand as Wallace drove them home and once again fell asleep in Thane’s arms, not waking once during the night.