Rather than start an unwinnable argument, Bram checked his mobile phone, but there weren’t any updates from Zain yet.
He clenched his free hand. Usually, Bram didn’t mind playing politics, but tonight, it was just bloody annoying because it prevented him from protecting both his clan and his soon-to-be mate.
“Bram.”
He looked up and saw Samira walking toward him. While her dark hair was swept up and her make-up done for the dinner, she was alone.
He met her halfway and said, “Is anything wrong? Where are Melanie and Evie?”
Samira smiled in the calm, collected way she always did. “They’re just outside. Evie mentioned how you wanted to walk in with her on your arm.” She paused, and then winked. “I also think you need a minute alone with her.”
He grunted. “Alone is probably not a good idea.”
Chuckling, Samira placed a hand on his arm. “Mel and I will be a few feet away. We won’t let you ravish her in front of the clan.”
Rather than react, he merely nodded. “We need to hurry. I want Evie up front with me before most of the clan arrives.”
Walking toward the entrance, Samira glanced over at him. “May I ask why?”
Samira was loyal to her mate, Liam, who was loyal to Bram. Still, he would keep the details vague. “There is a constant threat to her life and I’d rather keep her where I can see her. If you and Mel spot anything suspicious, let me know. I have several people watching out for threats, but the more the merrier.”
“Sure. She could always stay with one of us if you need to leave.”
“Somehow, I don’t think Evie would appreciate a babysitter.”
Samira smiled. “I think you’re right about that. She’s more headstrong than Melanie, and I didn’t think it was possible.”
His dragon chimed in. We like her strength. It is not a bad thing.
And I agree. Someone needs to stand up to you.
His dragon preened and Bram resisted rolling his eyes.
They reached the entrance and Bram smoothed the dark red fabric of his dragon-shifter attire. His life was about to change forever once he claimed Evie unofficially. Yet, his only regret was someone would steal her from him.
His inner beast growled. We will protect her.
He and Samira walked out the door. A few feet away stood Evie and Melanie, both of whom were wearing cloaks against the cold, with Kai at their side. Despite the other two, he couldn’t tear his eyes away from Evie. Even with her body hidden by the cloak, her dark red hair was swept up off her face, exposing the pale skin of her neck.
He resisted the urge to go over and nibble said neck. His dragon tried to break free, but Bram kept him firmly locked away. For once, he wanted to be in control. His beast would understand.
Maybe.
Not caring about the three pairs of eyes watching him, he approached Evie and traced a finger down her cheek. “You clean up nice.”
She raised an eyebrow. “I thought you didn’t like it when I hide my true self.”
“You’re not. I can see your neck, and it’s beautiful.”
Even in the darkening sky, he could see her flush. When she didn’t come back with a retort, he narrowed his eyes. She was restraining herself in public. He didn’t like it.
Before he could open his mouth, she placed a hand on his chest. “Do you have a few minutes to talk with me alone? Or are there clan matters you need to attend to?”
He placed his hand over hers, not wanting her fingers to become chilled in the cool evening air. “I will make time for you.” Melanie let out a soft sigh, but he didn’t take his gaze from Evie’s as he said, “Kai, take the others inside. I can watch Evie for a bit.”
As soon as the others had left, he squeezed the hand against his chest. “Now, what did you want to talk to me about?”
Chapter Three