“Probably,” she said, rolling her eyes.

I felt the blood drain from my face. “Did they get pictures of them coming inside?”

“We’re not bothered if they did,” Luke said.

That was good. “I know. I’d just rather have this courtship not be under the microscope when we all know it’s going to be hard for me as it is.”

“I’ll leave first,” Eva said. “Take them with me if I can. One of my guys can drive your car around back.” She was looking at Avery. “He can find his own way from there.”

“Are you sure?” I asked her.

“One-hundred percent. Come on. Walk me out.”

I went with her, the guys staying behind. She took my hand. “I’m so happy for you,” her voice was quiet. “Really. And whatever you need to make it work, I’ve got you.”

“Thank you.” I held back the emotions which were at the surface. They were so much bolder around my heat.

“Do you want Wes to stay with you for the heat?”

“I don’t think Wes wants to sit around while I get railed.”

She raised an eyebrow. “He’d do it.”

“It’s going to sound stupid, but I feel safe with them. Wes said they were a good pack. But I don’t want to be cavalier about it either.”

“Let’s do a call. Tell the guys since they’ll have clearer heads than you will. Probably.” She laughed. “Call me every night at seven.”

“I’ll try.”

“If you don’t, I’ll send Wes and that will probably be worse.”

I hugged her. “Thank you.”

“Don’t be scared. It’s going to be great.”

“I hope so.”

“I know so. Have a fucking fantastic time, May-may.” Eva pulled away and flounced out the door, making sure to turn and wave to me intentionally, so any cameras—both the ones standing outside and any who were hiding—simply saw two sisters visiting and not another potential pack for the Ice Queen to ruin.

I waited one more beat and then closed the door. Time to do this.

Chapter 13

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

________

ESME

Eva’s plan worked. The paps followed her and her driver, and Henry doubled around the block and dropped off any who decided to follow Avery’s car before pulling into the alley behind my house.

The guys were ready anyway, getting me out of the house and into the car in a matter of seconds like we were on a spy mission.

“Thank you, Henry,” I told him before he got out of the car. “Are you okay getting back? We could drive you.”

He smiled. “I think that would defeat the purpose. I’ll be fine, Miss Williams.”