The Blackest Night (Dusk Before Dawn 3)

1BronwynI wasn’t certain how I’d found myself at a fancy ball in a home that seemed more like a castle than a house. Glancing down at the gown I was wearing, I felt as though I’d somehow wandered into another world. The white bodice and flowing black skirt looked great on me, but the white silk blouse and black taffeta skirt were fancier and more expensive than anything in my closet. I almost didn’t recognize myself after I’d put it on, feeling a bit like Cinderella with my new friends, Selene and Thana, acting as my fairy godmothers. The gown and a pair of heels had shown up on my doorstep this morning. They’d insisted they had everything taken care of when I’d tried to get out of attending the party by telling them I didn’t have anything to wear.

I’d met them in the frozen food aisle of the grocery store on the first day in my new home—although calling where I was living my home was stretching things a bit since I only had a room to myself. But Selene and Thana didn’t seem to care that I barely had two nickels to rub together. They’d been so welcoming, inviting me to all sorts of events, including this huge party Selene was throwing even though she should be taking it easy because she was nine months pregnant.

Glancing down at her feet as we stood next to the refreshment table and chatted, I cringed over how swollen her ankles looked. I was afraid they’d get worse the longer she stayed on her feet. “Maybe we should go sit down.”

“Nah, I’m used to how this feels by now.” She wiggled her toes in her strappy flats. “I went through it when I was pregnant with Cassius, too.”

“I’m so glad mine weren’t nearly as bad with Ronan and Elspeth.” Thana pulled her phone out of a pocket in her gown—which I found super cool—probably to check to see if there were any messages from her husband, who had stayed behind with their children since they hadn’t been feeling well today. She heaved a deep sigh of relief, her lips curving into a smile, and turned the screen so we could see an adorable photo of them cuddled on their daddy’s chest, sound asleep.

“They’re so precious.” My heart melted over the sweet image, and my guilt over Thana being away from them grew. I’d told her to stay home, but she’d insisted on coming because she didn’t want me to feel out of place since I didn’t know any of the other guests.

Selene glanced over my shoulder and grinned before she rolled her eyes and grumbled, “Geesh, one tiny mention of me going to sit down, and here he comes.”

I realized she was talking about her husband when he joined us, sliding his arm around her back. “You shouldn’t be on your feet.”

She ignored his complaint and gestured to me. “This is Bronwyn O’Brien. She just moved here, and Thana and I have decided to keep her. Bronwyn, this grumpy stud is my husband, Athan.”

“I’m not grumpy,” he muttered, making me giggle as my cheeks heated. I’d never been good with being the center of attention.

I’d heard a lot about Thana’s husband and the other Bancroft brother, Stephan. He sounded like a great guy from everything my new friends had told me about him. I wasn’t sure why he hadn’t made it to the party yet, but nobody seemed surprised that he was late. As much as I would have liked to meet him, I knew Selene wouldn’t leave until I did. She should be home to help her husband with their children, and there was only one way I could make that happen. “Your wife and sister-in-law are too sweet. Unfortunately, I need to leave a little early. I’m sorry I won’t be able to meet Stephan or Kieran.”

Thana waved away my apology. “We’ll have you over for dinner in a few days. You can meet our little ones, too.”

“I look forward to it,” I replied with a smile, mentally cursing my tendency to blush when I felt my cheeks heat again. I loved children, and I was looking forward to spending time with Ronan, Elspeth, and Cassius.

Athan’s gaze drifted to the windows that lined the back of their house. It was nearly midnight, and the only light in the dark sky came from a full moon. “Why don’t you use our driver? He can take you wherever you need to go safely.”

Selene slipped her arm through Athan’s and snuggled into his side. “That’s a great idea, husband!”

It was such a kind offer, but I hated the idea of putting anyone out, especially when Thana and Selene had already provided the outfit and shoes I was wearing. Shaking my head, I murmured, “Thank you, but the house where I’m temporarily renting a room is not far from here, and I could use the fresh air.”