Chapter Three
“And now, let's raise a toast to the newlyweds!" Killian said, after concluding his speech. Everyone held up their glasses and then took a sip of champagne. Quinn wrapped his arm around his blushing bride and gave her a long kiss on the mouth.
“Okay, now, there are children present,” Killian warned as the groom continued to make out with his bride. When he finally pulled away, Selena was as red as her hair, but her face was glowing, her smile a mile wide. Killian stepped down from the dais and signaled to the band, who then started to play an upbeat tune. Couples began to fill the dance floor as the happy couple sat at the head table, chatting and laughing with each other.
Connor hooked his finger into the collar of his tux, tugging at the tight band. He hated wearing these things. The last time he wore one was for Meredith's wedding. He was just glad Killian's was a low-key affair, and he could wear whatever the hell he wanted. But he was the best man, and Quinn and Meredith said he had to wear one today. After a couple of hours wearing the monkey suit, all he wanted to do was rip it off. Hopefully, this all would be over soon. He was happy for Quinn and Selena, but this whole reception was getting on his nerves.
Although Quinn and Selena wanted to wait until after the baby was born to have a wedding, Congressman (and candidate for Governor of New York) Jacob Martin's press conference acknowledging his long-lost son, Quinn, shot the hell out of their plans. Reporters and paparazzi hounded Quinn and Selena day and night, and they decided that a quickie wedding would be best to just get it over with. They knew the press would be vicious, seeing as Quinn was the product of an affair between the congressman and his secretary, and now he was going to have his own child out of wedlock.
It was not ideal but necessary, and the couple made the best of the situation. They planned for a quiet ceremony at City Hall and then a wedding reception at Sebastian Creed's Hamptons Estate where they could secure the premises. Large tents had been set up in the garden to prevent prying eyes (and flying drones) from looking into the reception. Creed also had a five-mile perimeter around his estate blocked off and even had boats patrolling the beachfront to ensure no one could crash the party or take photos from afar.
However, that didn’t stop the press from attacking them during the ceremony. Connor gritted his teeth. Fucking vultures. They ambushed the wedding party as soon as they left the judge's chambers. He smashed the camera of a photographer who had jostled Evie, though he really wanted to deck him. Goddamn, he saw red, but Evie had put a hand on his arm, calming him enough to help him think straight. He didn't want to ruin this day for Quinn and Selena, and Evie had looked so fucking vulnerable, peering up at him with her soft, toffee-colored eyes. Every time he wanted to go off the rails, all she had to do was give him that look. She didn’t know it, but she had saved him from a painful shift more than once. It had felt good to protect her. Even better than exacting revenge.
The smell of blood was still fresh in his senses. Had it only been a few days ago? He couldn’t remember everything. Only that he woke up, covered in blood that wasn’t his. He ran his hand down his face, trying to forget what he did recall. All he needed to remember was that he could cross off another name on the list. The feral wolf had done its job. And there were more names on the list to go through. But, for now, the thoughts of brown doe-eyes calmed him. Speaking of which …
He scanned the room, looking for Evie. Even in a room full of shifters, he towered over most of the guests (save for Sebastian and Daric), so it was easy enough to spot her. She was in the corner, talking to another man he recognized as Aiden James, Sebastian Creed’s right-hand man. He was leaning over, talking to her softly, and she laughed, then pushed a tendril of hair behind her ear. Connor gripped the stem of his champagne flute so hard it broke in half.
“Jesus, Connor,” Killian said as he walked up behind him. “Are you okay?”
"I'm fine," he said through gritted teeth and wiped the blood from his hand on his pants. He gave the broken glass to a passing waiter, who looked at him curiously. When he glowered at the waiter, the young man's eyes went wide and scurried away.
“What’s gotten you in a … Oh.” Killian’s gaze drifted toward Evie and Aiden. “I see.”
“No, you don’t,” he said in a defensive tone.
“Right.” Killian raised a brow at him. “So, you didn’t just crush a champagne glass and now look like you want to murder someone. Or not just anyone, but Aiden James?”
Connor’s scowl deepened. “He’s too old for her.”
"She's an adult, and I'm sure she can decide if someone is ‘too old' for her," Killian pointed out. "He's established, wealthy, hardworking, not so old he can't have kids. I'd say Aiden James is a catch."
Connor never wanted to punch Killian in the face more than in this moment, but he pushed that feeling down and grabbed a wine glass from a passing waiter, then downed it in one gulp. Fucking red wine didn't even make him dizzy. It was like drinking water.
Killian shook his head. “Look, everyone knows you’ve got it bad for her. Why are you fighting it? She’s obviously into you, too.”
He swallowed visibly but said nothing. Both Quinn and Killian noticed it. And they were both under the impression Evie wanted him, too. He looked back toward Evie and Aiden, but she was alone. Thank fuck.
“Go on. Now’s your chance,” Killian nodded toward Evie.
He shook his head. “I can’t.”
“You can’t or won’t?” his brother asked. “Look, I know you’re not a monk or anything, so sex isn’t the problem. Why the hell have you been pushing her away?”
"Because … Fuck. I just …" Aiden came back, bringing a glass of champagne. He handed it to Evie, and she accepted it gratefully, giving him a bright smile.
And there it was again. The guttural sound was building up in his middle, and his hackles were rising. Just being in the same room with her was calling out the feral wolf. How could he explain it to Killian? His animal had to stay deep inside him. Separate. Or else, he wouldn't be able to control it. Like all those times in the fighting cage. And then there would be trouble.
“Connor?” Killian’s brows knitted. “Hey, are you all right?”
“I’m fine!” he growled, the sound coming from deep in his chest. He ripped the necktie away, needing to breathe. “I need some air.” He strode away from Killian, hoping he had enough control to keep the wolf at bay.
***
“Thank you, Mr. James,” Evie said as she took the champagne flute from Aiden.
“Please, I told you, call me Aiden,” he said, his blue eyes twinkling. “Mr. James makes me feel old.”
“Oh, you’re not that old, are you?” she teased.
He laughed. "I was one of the senior members of our Spec Ops team when Sebastian joined," he pointed out. "So, you can take a guess." He shook his head. "No, wait, never mind."
Evie chuckled. "All right, I won't. Aren't you having any champagne?"
Aiden shook his head. “No, I’m technically on duty. Sebastian likes to plant his people as guests during events like this. Since he’s the one celebrating and hosting, I’m afraid I’m the responsible one tonight.”
Sebastian Creed and his mate, Dr. Jade Cross, had introduced Aiden to Evie earlier that evening. He was human, and, as Jade explained, had no idea about Lycans. He was also charming and looked great in a tux, and the bit of white hair at his temples only made him look distinguished. Evie wondered if Jade had ulterior motives in introducing them. She smiled at Aiden as she sipped her champagne.
"So," Aiden began. "I've heard of Lone Wolf Security, but I have to confess I've never visited your office. It seems I've been remiss in my duties as one of Creed Security's partners."
“It’s not a big office,” she said. “And I’m only there part-time.” She blushed, realizing it made it sound like he shouldn’t come because she wasn’t there all the time. “I mean, uh, Killian, Quinn, and Connor aren’t always there.”
“Sebastian seems to send them overseas a lot,” Aiden observed. “And whenever I ask him about their ops, I can never get a straight answer.”
“Oh, is that why you got me champagne? Were you hoping I’d tell you some secrets?”
Aiden’s face fell. “No, it’s not that, Evie … I …”
“I was teasing,” she said. “No, really it’s fine.”
"I didn't mean to make it sound like I had an ulterior motive," he said. "Well, I do, but it's not what you think. You're very—" He stopped and placed his finger on the small comm unit hidden in his ear. "James here. Yes. Okay, I'll be right there." He turned back to Evie. "Duty calls. Sorry about that, but it was nice meeting you, Evie." He held out his hand.
Evie placed her palm in his and shook it. “Same here.”
“I guess I know where to find you.” He gave her a wink before he turned and walked away.
Evie let out a sigh. How was it that a man could be so good looking, so nice, and seem like such a great guy, but make her feel absolutely … nothing. Nada. Zip. Zilch. Not even a thrill of excitement. Meanwhile, another equally handsome man treated her like she was invisible and one look sent her into a tizzy. He didn’t even compliment me on my dress, she thought glumly. She had practically starved herself all week so she would look good in the ice blue, one-shoulder chiffon maid of honor gown and he didn’t even say anything or give her anything more than a cursory glance.
What did she expect anyway? Connor was nice to her that one time. Awkward but nice. But then he confused her with his words. It sounded like he was warning her to stay away from him and maybe she should listen. But still …
A movement from the corner of her eye caught her attention. How could it not? It wasn’t like Connor was hard to ignore, even in a room full of people. She saw his retreating back as he lumbered away from the tents. It looked like he was headed to the beach, and, from his movements, he seemed agitated. She really should ignore him. Leave him alone, like he wanted. But, by the time she had said those words in her head, she was already following him.
Where the heck was he going? She chased after him as he walked past the guest tables, the food station, and farther away from the reception area. He walked down the flagstone path that led to the beach, then stepped off to continue down to the shore.
Damned stubborn Lycan, she muttered. Now she was getting sand in her shoes. Kicking them off, she picked up her skirt. His longer strides were already putting a lot of distance between them. “Connor!” she called as she picked up her pace. “Connor, hold on!”
He stopped in his tracks and then slowly turned. In the darkness, his green eyes glowed, though, oddly, it didn’t frighten her. “What are you doing here?”
She took a deep breath, letting the salty air cool her burning lungs. "I was … you seemed." She tried to walk toward him but stumbled on something buried under the sand. She braced herself, preparing to eat a mouthful of sand when strong arms wound around her.
“Careful,” he warned as he held her in his arms.
Evie tried to throttle the dizzying current that raced through her, but his scent and his overwhelmingly male presence were muddying her thoughts. The eerie glow in his eyes dissipated, and he let out a breath, then relaxed against her. He was close, and his nearness made her senses spin. The last time he held her like this hadn't been quite this close. Now, she could feel every hard plane in his body pressed up against her. He looked so sinfully handsome in the tuxedo, it should have been illegal. She wondered what he would look like underneath that tux, and warmth and lust shot straight to her core.
“I …”
He was leaning down, and his warm breath tickled her skin. Was he … Oh God, he was going to kiss her. It was happening. Just a few inches and …
A loud explosion made them jump apart, and a bright burst of light illuminated the waters of the bay. One, two, three—the fireworks exploded overhead, filling the night sky with brilliant colors.
Evie took a sharp, quick breath, and heat bloomed in her cheeks. Thank God it was dark where they were and Connor wouldn't see her face.
Connor cleared his throat. “Are … you okay?”
“Me?” she squeaked, then hated herself for the way she sounded. “Yeah, I’m fine. Sorry, I can be pretty clumsy,” she said, forcing out a laugh.
Connor looked up at the fireworks lighting up the dark sky and shook his head. “Of course Quinn would have a fireworks show at his wedding. Show off.”
"I guess you didn't know about this?"
He shook his head. “Thought he wanted this low key. Damn paparazzi are probably having a field day.”
Evie shivered, thinking about how those reporters had chased them at the courthouse earlier that day. One of them had shoved her out of the way to get a picture of Quinn and Selena, and Connor grabbed his camera and crushed it with his bare hands.
Something warm wrapped around her shoulders, and the scent of coffee wafted into her nose. Connor had taken off his jacket and put it on her. "What are you doing?"
“You seemed cold,” he said. “And I don’t need it.”
Right. His Lycan metabolism kept him warm. “Th-thank you,” she said gratefully, pulling the coat closer around her. It was huge and fully enveloped her, but it did its job and kept the chilly air away.
They stood there, watching the fireworks continue to illuminate the sky. It really was beautiful, and more people came out to the shore to watch the show.
“So, I was talking to Killian the other day,” he began, “and, if you need more hours at work, I’m sure we could use your help around the office.”
“What?” Oh God, that awkward conversation with him. He remembered what she said about not being able to afford the apartment on her own. “I wasn’t … I’m not asking for charity,” she huffed.
“Look, it’s not charity,” he said. “I’m just sayin’, you don’t have to move back to Kansas … I mean, not if you don’t want to.”
"I'm fine," she said defensively. "I'm doing just fine. In fact, I've already found a roommate who agreed to sublet Selena's half of the apartment. And I've accepted a role in a new show that's going to premiere in a few weeks. On Broadway." Well, sort of, she added silently, crossing her fingers.
The truth was, although the composer and lyricists of Love and Regrets wanted her back, the backers wanted a bigger star in the leading role. They agreed to cast Evie in the chorus and as an understudy, but she also had to teach the new leading lady all the songs, choreography, and blocking. They wanted to put the show in previews by the beginning of next month, which meant they didn't have a lot of time. It wasn't what she had hoped for, but it was better than nothing, and they offered her double the usual talent fee for a chorus role in exchange for her help. How could she say no?
“Really?” he asked, his face lighting up for just a second before drawing back into it usual black look. “Good.”
The show finally ended, and Evie looked back to the reception area. "Well … I should check if Selena needs me or something." She paused, waiting for him to say something, but, as usual, he remained silent. "Okay, then, I'll see you around. Here," she began to remove the jacket.
“No, keep it. You can give it back to me later.”
She shrugged and turned away, her heart heavy for some reason.