Chapter 180 Audrey

I felt a shiver run through me as those cold gray eyes assessed me. Appraised me. Flicked up and down me like I was a prize

mare

Not even so much as a "hello"

Before I could respond to his less-than-welcoming greeting, a blur of motion caught my eye.

"Eddie!" Eliza squeaked again, bounding around the bar and throwing her arms around Edwin's neck. "Give your big sister a hug!"

She smelled faintly of gin and flowers as she pulled away from Edwin and turned to me with a bright smile. Indeed, this was the same woman from the picture in Edwin's apartment, only a little older now, "And you must be Audrey! Welcome to the family!"

Her enthusiasm was infectious, and I gladly returned the hug. "It's nice to finally meet you, Eliza," I said, feeling some of the tension leave my shoulders. "Edwin has told me a lot about you"

"Oh, I'm sure you have. Eddie and I were thick as thieves growing up..."

As Eliza chattered animatedly, neatly curled blonde hair bobbing as she moved, my gaze drifted back to the two men lounging on the plush sofa. The brown-haired one, seemingly lost in thought, still picked at that loose thread on the arm of the chair.

“That's Malakai.” Edwin said through our Mindlink, his fingers tightening around my lower back. "He's a morose jack**. Don't even bother trying to engage him in conversation."

suppressed a frown. I recalled Peter mentioning that Malakai had a mate, but she didn't appear to be here. Despite his apparent disinterest. I noticed his eyes flicking toward Edwin and me, a hint of something- jealousy, maybe?-in his gaze.

The other man, closer to my age, was eyeing me with undisguised curiosity. His sharp chin and blue eyes marked him with a strong resemblance to their mother.

"Axel," Edwin explained. "When we sit down for dinner, I'd bet my last dollar that he has some grandiose story that never actually happened."

Axel, unlike Malakai, rose from the sofa and crossed over to me. He shook my hand, his grip firm. His gaze lingered on the silver streak in my hair. "Hm. Interesting." he said, gesturing towards it. "Born with that?"

I nodded, touching the strand self-consciously. "Yes, I was."

He raised an eyebrow but said nothing more, taking another sip of his martini and turning away as if I'd just exhausted the extent of his interest.

From her seat by the window, Stella inclined her head in our direction. "A pleasure to meet my son's mate," she said, her voice cool and detached. She made no move to stand or approach us "Mom, Audrey brought fruitcake, Peter said, still holding the box. "It looks delicious."

"Hm. Get a plate for it," was all she said. I tried to hide my disappointment that she didn't so much as c**k a smile.

his eyes raking over me with the same intensity as

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Chapter 180

he said, towering over me. "She's

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His father didn't so much as flinch, and it was all I could do to not

escalate, Eliza swooped in, linking her arm through

me toward the bar "Let me fix

your poison?"

Eliza to lead

lit up. "A woman after my own heart!" She busied herself behind the bar, chattering away. "So, tell me everything about you. How did you and Eddie meet? What's it like

bubbly personality-so much unlike Edwin's usual stoic demeanor. Although I supposed the c**ks in that facade of his had been growing wider these days. "Well, we met at

bar. His lazy smile seemed more strained now, more practiced. He slid onto the barstool beside me

"I need a shot.

surprised to see him throw back the shot of whiskey Eliza provided, hanging his head slightly as it washed down his throat. I glanced

looking.

me, then over my shoulder. She poured two

third for herself.

occasionally whispering to each other and casting suspicious glances our way. I wanted to ask what their deal was, but

beauty was even more apparent, but there was a

she said as

Thank you," I replied, smoothing my hands over the skirt. "Edwin made it

let out a derisive laugh. "Oh? I thought he'd given up that little hobby long

wanted to say. He owns one of the

the backs of my eyes. Edwin's calming presence

quite talented," I said evenly. "I hope

merely hummed noncommittally and turned her attention back to her

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Sep 22 Chapter

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