With traffic, it took them thirty minutes to arrive. He pulled into the closest parking spot and then turned to Zac who sat in the front passenger seat. “Coming?”
“Eww, no.” Astrid piped in from the back. She was frowning as she looked at the screen of her smart phone. “Reviewers gave this place a one-point-oh rating. And that sounded generous, based on the pictures. I know I’m pretty much indestructible, but I have doubts whether the True Mate pregnancy powers can withstand those mashed potatoes.” She gave an exaggerated shudder then took out a paper bag from her purse. “Good thing I brought snacks.”
“We’ll stay here,” Zac chuckled. “You go and see Adrianna.”
“And tell her we said hi,” Astrid murmured through a mouthful of what appeared to be a brownie.
“I will.” He slipped out of the car and headed inside. It was exactly six o’clock when he entered and spotted the back of Adrianna’s head as she sat at their usual table. She was not alone, though. Seated across from her was a silver-haired man. At first, he thought it was some old timer keeping his sister company, but as he drew closer, Lucas realized that he was not much older than him. He was glancing around, as if assessing the place for danger.
“Adrianna?” He stood right beside her when she looked up.
Adrianna’s face lit up as soon as their eyes met and she quickly got to her feet to embrace him. He breathed in her scent—like freshly-baked pastries Nonna used to make—and wrapped his arms around her.
“You came.” There was doubt in her voice and he hated himself for making her think he wouldn’t.
“Of course.” He pasted a smirk on his face. “You didn’t give me much of a choice. Though I’m glad I did. It’s nice to see you.” He looked over to her companion, who was now peering up at him with cobalt blue eyes. His wolf went on defense, sensing the other Lycan’s animal. He could feel it, its hackles raised as well, but there was something about it that was strangely familiar. Like finding a kindred spirit. “Who’s this?”
“Oh.” His sister’s voice was breathy. “This is Darius.”
He didn’t need the introduction of course, as who else would be here with her.
The other man gave him a curt but respectful bow. “It is an honor to meet you.”
“Darius Corvinus, right? Julianna’s told me all about you.” He waited to see if the man reacted, but he didn’t even flinch. “She said you were keeping a close eye on Adrianna,” he continued. “Thank you.”
“It is my duty to serve my Alpha. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll give you some privacy. I shall be waiting right outside the door.” Darius bowed his head again, then strode out the door. But Lucas didn’t miss that flicker of wanting in his eyes as his gaze passed over Adrianna. It was like a spark; small, but strong enough to turn into a blaze.
“Interesting guy.” Very interesting. He turned to his sister, raising a brow at her as if to ask, what is up with him?
She ignored his non-verbal question. “Sit.”
And so he did, taking his usual seat. “So, are we having greasy, cold burgers or soggy, salty fries?”
She laughed. “How about the usual?”
He called the waitress over and gave her their order—a vanilla milkshake for him, chocolate for Adrianna, and a plate of onion rings to share. When the waitress left, he turned back to his sister. “So, why did you want to meet me here?”
“Why have you been ignoring my calls and my messages?”
“I’m not ignoring you.” But he knew she would see right through that lie.
“Yes, you have,” she insisted. “What’s wrong?” She was trying to look him in the eye, and he suddenly found the dried crust of ketchup on the edge of the table interesting. But Adrianna continued her assault. “Tell me. You know I’ll find out one way or another.”
He couldn’t keep ignoring her, so he looked at her. Those eyes so much like his own were full of concern. “Lucas? Please. Tell me what’s the matter.”
“It’s nothing.” He picked up the menu, pretending to peruse it, though the words just blurred on the page and made no sense.
Adrianna’s gaze felt like a laser beam, zeroing in on him even as he tried to deflect her. He wasn’t sure if it was the twin bond they shared or if it was because no other person on the planet knew him as well as his sister. The words that came out of her mouth were almost prescient.
“What’s her name?”
His head snapped up, and he knew he couldn’t lie to her. So he decided to just not say it. “No one you would know.” Technically, the truth.
“And why wouldn’t I know her?”
“Because she’s human.”
Her emotions were so transparent on her face. Shock. Surprise. “Oh.”
“And she’s investigating me for a murder.”
The same emotions on her face magnified. “Oh.” She collected herself. “What are you going to do?”
“I don’t know.” And that was the one truth he couldn’t deny. Sofia had gotten under his skin, and he didn’t know how to get her out. Or if he even wanted her out. He glanced toward the door and saw the shadow of Adrianna’s new bodyguard. “What about you? What’s the deal with that Darius guy?”
Her face went all red. She too, couldn’t lie to him. “Huh? What about him?”
She always answered a question with a question when she didn’t want him pestering her. “Don’t play innocent with me, Adrianna. No bodyguard looks at their client that way. Or the other way
