“How did you even find one to buy?” Kalispell was one of those areas where the homes were traditionally handed down through generations or purchased by mega celebrities.

“Money speaks, darling,” he replied.

Right. Billionaire boyfriend.

Sometimes she forgot that detail with everything else going on in their lives.

“I guess they don’t want a peanut. B?” Luc held the bag out to his sidekick beside him, reminding her that they had unexpected company.

“What are you two even doing here?” Stas stared back and forth between the muscular blond and too-attractive brunet. If she brought them to meet her parents… Oh God. Her father would be going to the nearest gun store to pick up a new item for his extensive collection and offering to play target practice with their heads.

“Celebrating the holidays,” Balthazar replied with a grin. “Amelia and Tom are already at the lake preparing the holiday home with the others, but Jacque dropped us off at the airport to ride with you.”

Issac pulled out his phone to begin dialing while Stas gaped at the intruders.

“Define ‘others.’ ”

“Germanic in origin, it refers to those remaining in a group or not already mentioned,” Luc replied. “Or it can be used to refer to a person or thing that is different or distinct from another. Assuming you meant the pronoun, of course.”

She blinked. “What?”

“This is unacceptable,” Issac said to whomever he’d called. “Well, tell them all to leave.” He pinched the bridge of his nose while Balthazar smirked from the backseat. “Amelia…” The female voice rose over the phone, suggesting Issac’s sister didn’t approve of his request, and the grins in the backseat grew.

“You’re both trouble,” Stas whispered.

Luc popped a peanut into his mouth and shrugged. “I’ve always been a fan of the pagans and their traditions.”

“What does that even mean?”

“Christmas, sweetheart,” Balthazar explained. “Sometimes we forget how human you are.”

“Used to be,” Luc added without apology.

Stas grimaced, not wanting to think about her current fate. This holiday was meant to be an escape. A way for her and Issac to truly determine their future together, but it seemed the immortals in the backseat had other ideas.

Most humans would envy her bloodline because it meant she would live forever. Unfortunately, it also meant she couldn’t be with the Ichorian beside her. All because of some ancient laws and genetic bullshit that pitted the two supernatural beings against each other.

“It’s a lot more than that,” Balthazar murmured quietly.

Stas shot him a look. The mind reader heard everything. Always. He meant well, but sometimes she just wanted to keep her thoughts to herself.

“Yes, all right,” Issac said softly. “Well, they believe he’s dead, remember?” His head fell back on a sigh. “Yes, Amelia. I will.”

A masculine voice came over the line.

“That should work. I’ll talk to Aya. Put Amelia back on, Thomas.” The last statement was said through gritted teeth, which unclenched when his sister started talking again. “Yes. Sounds lovely.” He looked ready to punch something. “See you soon.” He hung up the phone and glowered at the rearview mirror. “I will kill you both for this.”