Page 117 of Finlay

“From what I gather, they were on a boat tour and Riley fell overboard,” River explained with an eye-roll. “Danny panicked and jumped in after him.”

Chester sat forward at that. “Can Riley not swim?”

“He can,” River said. “A fact I believe he pointed out as he soon as he popped up beside Danny. But supes are known to be a bit overprotective of their mates.” His eyes lingered on the tight hold I had on Chester’s shoulders. “Something I’m guessing you know about.”

“We’re not mates,” Chester said before stiffening and turning to me. “Shit, I’m sorry. That sounded really callous. I didn’t mean for it to come out like that.”

“It’s okay, m’eudail.” I kissed his temple reassuringly. His quick denial had caused a pang of hurt, but I knew it was just his fear talking. “We’re together, but we aren’t mated.”

Yet.I didn’t let myself say it, but I thought River knew all the same.

Clearing my throat, I brought the conversation back around to Danny and Riley. “I’m guessing they both had their phones in their pockets?”

“Got it in one,” River said. “They got back yesterday and picked up new phones and numbers. I suspect Danny hasn’t had a chance to let you know it yet.”

“Normally that wouldn’t be an issue,” I said, unsure how much I could trust River. “But there’s some urgent clan business I need to inform him of.”

River waggled his brows at Chester. “Ooh, soundsstabby. Is it stabby? Our ‘urgent business’ always seems to involve a bit of murder.”

I privately resolved to never introduce River to Logan. He had a similarly unhinged vibe about him.

“Do you have Danny’s new number?” I asked. “If we can get that we can be on our way.”

“No need.” River waved his hand. “I messaged the group chat already and he’s on his way. Can I get you a drink while we wait?”

The three of us made idle chitchat while sipping lemonade. River was very funny and had a knack for pulling Chester out of his shell.

I’d warmed to him immediately.

He was in the middle of a story involving Danny, Sebastian, and a red velvet cake when the door to the club burst open. Danny ran in, completely naked and wild eyed. “Finn? What’s wrong? What’s happened?”

Despite the reason we were there, a fierce joy lit inside of me. I strode over to him, ignoring his nudity, and pulled him into a tight hug. “Fuck, I’ve missed you, brother.”

Danny returned the hug immediately. “Okay, now you’re scaring me.”

I let him go with a chuckle. “Before we get into that, there’s someone I want you to meet.”

Gesturing for Chester to join us, I couldn’t stop the massive grin that spread across my face. “Chester, come and meet Danny.”

His cheeks were flushed as he joined us, and my arm went protectively around him once more. He kept his eyespointedly above Danny’s collarbones. “It’s good to meet you, Danny. I’ve heard so much about you.”

Danny’s mouth popped open. It was almost comical watching the realisation dawn on his face. “Wait, are you two…?”

I nodded in confirmation. “Aye. We’re together.”

Chester didn’t have time to so much as inhale before Danny was grabbing him in a crushing hug. “This is the best fucking news.”

He released Chester, whose blush had turned scarlet. Thankfully, Danny hadn’t held on long enough for Buddy to get pissed that a very naked shifter was hugging our mate.

Our soon-to-be mate.

It was my turn to be enveloped in another hug. Danny croaked in my ear, “Seriously. I’m so fucking happy for you.”

I hugged him back with the arm not around Chester, remembering his words to me last year. His wish for me to find happiness. “Me too.”

Danny’s eyes were glassy as he finally pulled away. “As fantastic is this is, I don’t imagine it’s the only reason why you’re here.”

“It’s not,” I sighed. “Some shit’s gone down that you need to know about.”

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