“Ah.” His file needed to be updated. In the file photo she was young, no more than thirteen turns of the sun, with a stick-straight body and gangly arms and legs. But he’d been struck by the wide grin she was directing at the camera.
He blew out a breath. She’d certainly grown up in the past few years.
Marjani elbowed him in the ribs. “Anyone but her, Ric. Lord Dion won’t let you within ten miles of her.”
“It’s a party. We can at least have a dance. And Dion’s not even here yet.”
“But his brother is.”
“So?” Adric flicked him a dismissive glance. The younger do Mar was going to be powerful one day, but at the moment he wasn’t close to a match for Adric.
“You want to start a war, that’s the way to do it.”
She was right. And while he was willing—no, eager—to engage the Rock Run clan, this wasn’t the time or place.
Adric turned his back on the pretty little river girl. “Let’s dance. I think I can still do the damn samba.”
His sister’s lips quirked. “Since you asked so nicely—”
“Shut it,” he muttered.
She chuckled, grabbed his hands and moved into an easy, fluid salsa. But then, their Jamaican mother had had them both dancing from the time they were toddlers.
As the dance ended, Cleia appeared with Dion, both of them wearing shit-eating grins. The two of them were immediately surrounded by people offering congratulations.
Dion caught sight of Adric and their gazes locked. The two of them had disliked each other on sight—and now the other alpha knew that Adric had engineered Cleia’s rescue, had been inside Rock Run with the sun fae.
A beat passed as neither of them would give ground. Tension rocketed through Adric. Damn, he wanted to challenge Dion. If he won, he’d have the right to take over the other alpha’s clan—and his territory. But this was a celebration and the laws governing a gathering of this sort were rigid. Anyone who broke them with an unprovoked attack would be punished severely.
Adric gritted his teeth and jerked his head. Acknowledging Dion as the dominant—for now.
Cleia noticed him and smiled. He moved forward to offer his congratulations, enjoying how Dion’s teeth clenched as she graciously accepted them and thanked him in turn for the aid he’d rendered the sun fae.
“It was my pleasure.” He shot a carefully expressionless look at Dion. “I trust you weren’t harmed, Lord Dion?”
Dion’s jaw hardened. The man didn’t like being reminded of the humiliation of being captured naked—and in the act of taking an equally naked Cleia. Adric kept his face blank, although inside he was grinning.
Cleia frowned and flicked her fingers as if shooing away an insect. He blinked as a painful jolt of energy hit him. She gave him a butter-wouldn’t-melt-in-her-mouth smile and turned to Marjani.
“And is this your sister?”
Adric swallowed. “Yes, my lady.” He introduced Marjani to the queen and Dion. They exchanged a few words and then melted back into the crowd.
“Let’s go eat,” he muttered to his sister. “It stinks of the swamp around here.”
Behind him he scented Dion’s spike of anger, and a couple of nearby river males sent him heated looks, but they were constrained by the same laws of hospitality that bound him. He flashed them a smug smile and guided Marjani toward the dining area.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Rui leaned against a tree, arms crossed. The mating ball was in full swing now. From what he could tell, his entire clan was a little high from Cleia’s infusion of life-energy. Those who weren’t dancing stood in groups talking animatedly as they sipped drinks or nibbled treats from tables groaning with every food imaginable, including a magnificent white mountain of a wedding cake.
Teens flirted or faked boredom, while the younger kids darted excitedly through the crowd. Nearby, a group of men burst into a raucous off-key song, the Rock Run males trying to outshout the sun fae. Rui shook his head.
But it was good to see the clan enjoying themselves. It had been too long since they’d had something to celebrate.
He strolled along the dance floor. Merry was wearing a new dress that swirled in a blue-and-white bell around her legs as she danced with a sun fae girl. When she caught sight of Rui, her face lit up and she raced toward him, her new friend on her heels.
“Tio Rui! You came!”
“Hello, sweetheart.” He swung her into the air.
She entwined wiry arms around his neck. “Did you see me dancing with Gracie?”
“Is that her name?” He winked at the little blonde. “Boa tarde, Gracie. I believe I met you when you were this high.” He held up his hand at toddler height.
She clasped her hands behind her back and smiled shyly up at him. “Good afternoon, Senhor Rui.” She glanced over her shoulder at her mother, a cousin of Cleia’s.
He nodded to the woman. “Boa tarde, Lady Amelie.” For the most part, the sun fae had been friendly enough when he’d lived here, although they’d never let him forget he wasn’t a pureblood—and then there were those animal genes. But he’d always liked Amelie.
She returned his greeting with a smile. They exchanged a few words and then she strolled off with Gracie.
He slanted a grin at Merry. “Look at you, princesa. Is that a daisy on your dress?” He held her away to admire the large flower appliqued on the front.
“Yes.” She beamed and touched a white petal. “Mama’s friend made it for me. And did you see my hair?” Her wiry black hair had been woven into a single fat braid and topped with a bright blue bow.
He kissed the top of her head. “Muito bonita.”
“Obrigada,” she returned with a dignity that had him smothering a smile.
They surveyed the dancers. “Where’s Mama?” he asked, his tone deliberately casual.
Merry’s look was very adult. “She’s with Senhor Petros. She said if I need something, I should ask Tia Sabela.”
“I see.” Something dark and primitive filled Rui’s head.
“Don’t worry.” Merry patted his cheek. “She doesn’t like him as much as you.”
He grunted something noncommittal. He was not going to stoop to discussing Valeria with her daughter.
“You have to be nicer to her.” Merry cast him a sly look. “Senhor Petros brings her flowers. She likes flowers. And candy. Chocolate candy. She loves chocolate.”
His lips twitched in spite of the darkness. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
Her mouth turned down. “Don’t you want to be a family with us?”
He swallowed something sharp and raw. “It’s not about what I want. It’s about what your mama wants.”
“But—”
“That’s enough, menina. What your mama and I do is between us.” He set her back on the grass and gave her a firm pat on the rear. “Now go play with the others.”
Merry fisted her hands by her sides and frowned up at him. He lifted a brow. Whatever she saw in his face made her sigh and drop her gaze. “Oh, all right,” she grumbled and stomped off to join the other children. A minute later she was laughing again.
He continued to pace along the edge of the dance floor, stopping to exchange a few words here and there with the sun fae he knew and other members of Rock Run. The Rock Run people were tentative with him, as if he were recovering from a long illness. Which he was, he supposed. It made him uncomfortable, though, so he set his back against another tree, this one further from the celebration. From time to time someone glanced at him, but for the most part they let him be. He supposed his set face had something to do with it, but his animal was growing more and more agitated.
Another man was with the mate. His animal couldn’t understand why he was allowing it.
Dion and Cleia took the dance floor. His old friend was sporting a midnight blue shirt and black slacks that bore the marks of sun-fae tailoring, but like most of the fada, his feet were bare. Rui’s lips curved. It was clear Dion wasn’t going to be dazzl
ed by the sun fae and their wealth.
Cleia said something and Dion snagged her for an openly possessive kiss that had the crowd hooting and calling out ribald suggestions. When he released her, she gave a rich, happy laugh and spun out of his arms, her bright hair flying around her shoulders. He caught her hand and reeled her back in, the two of them playing to the audience.
Rui grinned along with the rest, but he couldn’t help reflecting that fate was a funny sonofabitch. Dion had set out to stop Cleia whatever it took, even if it meant imprisoning her for life—or worse—and had ended by mating with her.
Rui, on the other hand, would slit his wrists before mating with a fae. He’d had his year with Cleia and the woman was good, but he was glad to be out of her clutches. She was strong-willed, used to ruling. Dion was going to have his hands full with that one.
But what did he know? He was the man who’d left his woman just days before their mating ceremony.
Luis halted by the tree along with his mate, Marina, and little Xavier. “Tio Rui,” the boy shouted from his perch in his mama’s arms. “I’m all better. Queen Cleia cured me.”
“I can see that.” Rui ruffled his brown curls and listened to Marina repeat the story of his miraculous cure.
Xavier was squirming to be put down. “I wanna play with the other kids,” he whined.
When she hesitated, he gave her a winning smile. “Por favor?”
With a roll of her eyes, Marina set him on the grass. He dashed off to join in a game of soccer. Marina’s gaze followed him, her expression naked with emotion.
Rui took her by the shoulders. “He’ll be fine, querida. There’s not a trace of sickness in his scent.”
She nodded. “I know it here”—she pointed to her head—“but not here.” She touched her breast.
“Give it time.” He kissed both her cheeks and released her to eye Luis. “And you, primo. You look like a new man.”
It was true. The fatigue that had lined his cousin’s face was gone, and he looked as if he’d already regained a couple of pounds.
Marina slanted her mate a smile. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think the fae switched him for another man.”
“Come here, you,” Luis growled. “I’ll show you which man I am.” He wrapped his hand around her nape and kissed her.
When he released her, she blinked and then gave him a slow smile. Rui swallowed a prickly lump of envy. The look the two of them exchanged was so intimate, so loving.
Marina brushed her fingers down Luis’s cheek and murmured something Rui didn’t catch. He was turning away to allow them their privacy when she said in a louder voice, “And Rui, you don’t have to leave. Keep your cousin company while I see what Xavier is up to.” She slid out of Luis’s arms and headed after her son.
Luis made a rueful face. “She still can’t believe he’s better. He almost died, you know.”
“Sim. Even as drunk as I was, I knew. Forgive me for not being there.”
“What would you have done? None of the healers could help him.” Luis’s throat worked. “If Cleia hadn’t figured out what was wrong—”
“But I should’ve been there. Even if all I did was watch over him when you needed to sleep.” Rui slung an arm around his cousin’s shoulders, wordlessly offering the comfort he should’ve offered days ago. Luis leaned into him, unashamed to draw strength from another male. Their animals understood that touch was necessary.
“I hear Dion’s going to live with the sun fae for part of each month,” Rui remarked.
Luis straightened, but they remained where they were, arms around each other’s shoulders. “That’s right. And Cleia will live part of the time with us. As second, you’ll be in charge when Dion’s gone.”
“He’ll only be a few miles away. I’ll just be carrying out his orders.”
“True. But you’ll be acting as alpha in his stead. You up to it?”
“Is that a challenge?”
“Only if you blow it.” Luis sent him a sidelong look. “We both know that when you’re healthy, you can whip my ass. But I’m damned if I’m going to stand by and let you. Get yourself in shape or expect a challenge.”
“Fair enough.” As if sent by a malicious pixie, a server stopped to offer them a choice of champagne or mineral water. Rui didn’t allow himself a look at the sparkling golden wine. “Water, please.”
With a glance at him, Luis took the water as well.
“You want me to start working out tomorrow?” Rui asked. “With you?”
“Of course with me. I’ve got a lot of time to make up for. And no offense, cousin, but you’re out of shape yourself.”
A broad grin split Luis’s face. “You’re on.”
The talk turned to the base’s defenses. Rui explained that he’d arranged it so everyone could attend the mating celebration, and Luis nodded. “I’ll take my turn tonight. Marina’s going to want to get Xavier home anyway.”
They covered a few more items. It was an ordinary conversation between Rock Run’s second and third, of the sort he’d taken part in many times, but to Rui its very ordinariness was special. It had been a long time since he’d discussed anything at all with his cousin.
But all the time his eyes were searching the crowd for Valeria.
Luis nudged him. “She’s over there.” He pointed over Rui’s shoulder.
Rui turned and there she was, coming across the meadow.
Alone, that dark and primitive part of him noted with satisfaction.
She strolled toward the dance floor, clothed in a simple green dress that flowed like water over her lush curves. The late afternoon sun touched her rich brown hair with golden highlights. She’d left it unbound so that it swayed to and fro over her breasts.
He stared at her, mesmerized, his chest tight. All around the dance floor, unmated males did the same. Spines straightened and stomachs sucked in. A dozen hungry gazes ran over her voluptuous body.
Rui rumbled a warning. Those fada close enough to hear shot him a look, then dropped their eyes. Even the sun fae men glanced around uneasily.
Valeria appeared not to notice. She wound her way through the crowd, smiling and greeting her friends.
Merry spotted her and sped across the grass, calling her name.
“Hello, baby.” Valeria swung her up for a kiss and then set her back down. Her eyes met Rui’s over Merry’s head. Her smile faded, but she gave him a brief nod before turning back to the little girl, who was explaining something with great passion and much waving of hands, probably about the soccer game.
Rui’s fingers tightened on his glass. He hated that he could no longer read Valeria. He hated that she acted as if they were mere acquaintances, as if she’d never lain under him, hot and needy and begging him to take her.
Okeanos appeared, striding across the grass with two other men. Seeing Valeria, he said goodbye to his friends and fell in beside her and Merry. They kissed and then stayed where they were to watch the dancers, Okeanos’s hand on her ass.
Rui took a slow breath. The Greek fada shot him a look and deliberately drew Valeria closer. She glanced over her shoulder at Rui. Their eyes met and for a long moment, she stared at him. Then she raised her chin and turned back to Okeanos.
Rui’s whole body went taut. He wanted to tear the other man limb from limb for daring to touch his woman. He wanted to pull Valeria into his arms and give her a deep, claiming kiss of the sort Dion had given Cleia. And then he’d take her home and pleasure her long and hard until she admitted she belonged to Rui—and no one else.
But he didn’t have the right.
Luis dug his elbow into Rui’s ribs. “Deus, man, when are you going to wake up and kick that man’s ass? Isn’t your mate worth fighting for?”
Rui shook his head. “You don’t under—” His voice trailed off and he stared at his cousin, arrested.
He’d told himself it was better this way. He’d left Valeria and she’d gone on with her life. But now he wondered when the hell he’d become
so gutless. Sure, he’d returned from the sun fae drained and weak, but he’d had a year to get his shit together.
“You’re right,” he said. “She is.”
* * *
Valeria felt Rui’s gaze boring between her shoulder blades from where she stood talking to Petros. Because it was him, of course. He might have denied their mate bond, refusing to acknowledge or feed it until it was a fragile, frayed thing, but she still felt him—whether she wanted to or not.
She sent him a scowl over her shoulder.
His cousin Luis leaned in to murmur something. Rui stared at him and then looked back at her.
He’d changed. The energy surge had burned away some of his fat. He wasn’t back to his old self, but you could see it, there beneath the excess weight: the powerful frame, the long, strong legs. But it wasn’t simply his body; his face was more alert too. He’d shaved, exposing a hard jaw and lips that could be either cruel or sensual. His river-green eyes seared into hers: hot, predatory.
A shiver slid up her spine. Not fear.
No, it was because she remembered too well what that look meant.
She flushed and resolutely turned her attention back to Petros, who was asking if she wanted champagne.
“Thank you,” she said, taking the proffered glass.
All around them, the members of Rock Run were pairing up with each other or unmated sun fae. The clan might not hold bacchas any longer, but they were still fada, descendants of Dionysus and his wild followers, with the blood of the god himself running through their veins. The combination of their alpha’s mating and that surge of energy had everyone of mating age reaching for a partner—or two—and apparently the sun fae felt the same.
She couldn’t help glancing at Rui again. He was still looking at her.
Their gazes locked. The sounds of the celebration faded and it was just the two of them. His lips curved in a half-smile that made her whole body tingle.
She jerked her gaze away. Drat the man anyway. She just knew he was picturing her naked. Fada males liked to master their women, and Rui was very much a fada male. He’d loved to tease her, to make her beg for her pleasure until she was nearly mad with wanting him.
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