Page 83 of Shattered Veil
Before I can respond, Eira is there, standing on Brigid’s other side. “Oh hi, Tiernan.”
I nod in greeting, then leave, making my way back to where Rory is standing. But as I approach, I see he’s got his own problems.
A redhead is pressed against him, her hand on his chest. “Come on, handsome,” she purrs. “One little dance won’t kill you.”
Rory’s jaw is clenched, his entire body rigid. “Thanks, but I’m not interested.”
She pouts, batting her eyelashes. “Don’t be like that. I’ve seen you watching me all night.”
I have to hide my laugh. Rory hasn’t taken his eyes off Brigid since we got here.
“You must be mistaken,” Rory says, his voice strained. He tries to step back, but she follows.
She pouts, pressing closer. “Don’t be such a bore. It’s Solstice!”
Rory’s always been a magnet for female attention, but it’s rare to see him this uncomfortable with it. The bond with Brigid has changed things for all of us.
“Really, I’m flattered, but—” Rory starts, but she cuts him off.
“Let me guess, you have a girlfriend?” She rolls her eyes. “Then where is she? I don’t see her,” she slurs.
He’s too nice to tell her to fuck off, but his patience is wearing thin. “Why don’t you go dance with your friends?”
The girl’s not taking the hint. She leans in, her lips brushing his ear. “I’d rather dance with you. Maybe we could find somewhere more... private after?”
He gives her nothing.
“Playing hard to get? I like that.” She runs her finger down his arm. “I bet I could change your mind.”
Rory’s nostrils flare, and I can see him fighting for control. Now that he has a mate bond with Brigid, his wolf really wouldn’t like unwanted attention from someone who’s not his mate.
I sigh, knowing I need to intervene before Rory loses control. His wolf is close to the surface, hackles raised at this unwanted attention. I focus, reaching out with my senses to the natural world around us.
Tapping into that energy, I weave it together with my own. A whisper of wind rustles through the room, carrying with it the scent of pine and wild herbs. The redhead’s eyes go slightly unfocused.
I push a little more, sending out pulses of calming energy. The girl’s eyelids droop. She yawns, covering her mouth.
“You know,” I say, stepping closer, “It’s very late. I think it’s time to leave.”
She blinks slowly, struggling to focus. “Oh... right. I should... go. I think I need to go to bed.”
The redhead finally leaves, but not before Brigid notices her. I sense her anger before I see her face.
Brigid’s eyes flash dangerously as she watches the redhead stumble away. Her jaw clenches, a muscle ticking. I can practically feel the jealousy radiating off her in waves.
Rory catches her eye and shakes his head minutely. A silent warning.
Brigid takes a deep breath, visibly forcing herself to relax.
I turn away, not wanting to draw more attention. But I keep my senses tuned to Brigid, monitoring her emotional state.
The party rages on around us. Someone enchanted the ceiling to look like a starry winter sky. Snowflakes fall, dissolving before they hit the ground. Under different circumstances, I’d appreciate the beauty of it.
“This is bullshit. Not being able to be with our girl,” Rory growls.
I nod my agreement.
It’s painful not being able to touch her, to let her feel how much we want her.
