athair. This way I get to spoil her too."
Thane literally growled. "She's my godsdaughter!"
Law rubbed his chin. "Justice, you're a genius. I am her brothair as well."
"No, you're not," Thane argued.
"Don't be greedy," Justice refuted.
"You can't be anyone's anything if I bury you two idiots," Thane threatened.
"Mother won't let you kill us," Law pointed out.
"She'll be fine with me as her only son—you two are just back-ups," Thane said, pointing to his brothers. Justice and Law eyed each other then jumped their elder brother.
Kendrick whispered a few words, and the brawling trio was moved to the open area by a set of double doors. "There, now they won't hit the table."
Ari and Kincaid edged toward the fight, watching it entranced. "Twenty on Thane," Ari said.
"Deal," Kincaid agreed.
"Oh, I need in on this," Micah jumped to his feet and raced to where Ari and Kincaid stood. "Fifty on Justice. He'll use Law to get the advantage on Thane, then trounce his younger brother."
Brie walked over to her mate. "Twenty on Thane for me. He won't let his younger brothers show him up." They watched as the fight raged on.
A loud crash had everyone else in the room looking over to the Ashleigh brothers. Thane stood over his two younger brothers who were shaking their heads. "My godsdaughter," he repeated.
Both Justice and Law stayed silent, but it was clear that this argument wasn't over. Micah and Kincaid handed over their money. Brie held up her winnings. "Where can we spend all this loot?"
Ari smiled. "I know just the place." He smiled down at her. "We could use a bit of downtime while blood samples are being compiled. I would like to show you that this world isn't all death and horror."
"Dav's?" Izzy asked.
"What's Dav's?" Brie asked.
"Only the best pub ever. He's serving coffee now, and I'm helping him get set up," Izzy replied.
"Yup. You two coming?"
Izzy nodded and Oron shook his head. Brie laughed. "Looks like you're coming along."
Oron sighed. "Fine, but just for a little bit."
Izzy ran off toward the kitchen, and moments later, she returned carrying three glass bottles. "Okay, ready to go."
Brie waved to Kincaid, who was staying behind to later escort Anne to the storage facility. Together with Izzy and Oron, they headed toward the supposedly best pub ever.
Chapter Twelve
When they walked into the pub, a chorus of greetings went up all around. Ari raised an eyebrow at Priest. The shifter was sitting at a table with four other men. When they saw Oron, the men jumped up and pounded him on the back.
"I am just running to Éire Danu to help The Menace settle, be back before you know it," the dark-haired man said in a mockingly high-pitched voice.
Oron punched his shoulder. "I do not sound like that, Christoff. I don't know why Aiden thought you lot would be useful." His smile turned gentle as he looked down at Izzy. "Izzy, these idiots are the men of my unit. Sascha Baberiov, tiger-shifter and unit leader for Gamma. Christoff Du'Prince, vampire. Ben McKenzie, Aiden's baby brother, you already met him. And Quinn Foxglove, witch."
Ben waved at them. "Corrin took over at the facility so I could catch up with these jokers."
Izzy beamed at the men. "I've heard so many wonderful things about you. Oron is always saying how he'd feel so much better if he had his unit with him."
The men all tried to hide how touched they were, failing miserably. One by one, they gave a half bow to Izzy. Oron rubbed the back of his neck. "Way to put me out there, Iz. Being away from these meatheads has been nothing but a relief. A vacation."
"I'll tell you what's a vacation. Being away from Colton Albright and enjoying this fine cold beer," the white-haired, barrel chested warrior said, sipping at his tankard.
Brie nudged her mate then looked at the men. Ari wrapped his arm around her shoulders. "Gentleman, I have the honor in introducing my mate, Brie Wilson. She is a Deputy Sheriff out of Monroe and has been instrumental in moving our investigation forward." He paused. "Also, she can probably kick all your asses."
Brie pinched the skin between her eyebrows in exasperation, but secretly she was pleased by her mate's introduction. The men in turn surprised her further. Sascha stuck out his hand. At first, she thought he wanted a handshake, but his hand grasped her forearm instead. She looked up at Ari, who beamed. "That's a warriors' greeting, Brie."
She felt tears start to prickle