Eric was tempted. So very tempted. But he had to prove to people—and to himself—that the gossip was inconsequential.
“I won’t let some stupid gossip prevent me from attending my brother’s wedding,” Eric said in his firmest voice. He smiled brightly. “I’m fine, really, Li.”
Liam looked at his face searchingly. “I’m good at putting on a happy face when I feel like shit. I’ve been there. So don’t. Don’t bother with me, Eric. I can tell that you feel down, and I’m not sure that it’s about the gossip. Is there something else?” He squeezed Eric’s hands. “I know we aren’t as close as you and Jules, and I’m partly at fault for your situation—”
“You aren’t. You were distracted and didn’t listen to my problems. It happens. Don’t blame yourself. I have only myself to blame.”
Liam shook his head. “I still feel responsible. I want to help you, Eri. And that’s why I arranged for some nice alphas to keep you company during the reception. I hope you aren’t mad at me? I know you don’t like making small talk, but it would be better than to stand alone.”
“All right,” Eric said, his stomach filling with dread. Rationally, he knew Liam meant well and he might be right, but…
He really wasn’t looking forward to the evening now.
***
“Ant, you really don’t need to stick so close to me,” Eric said, smiling.
At least, he hoped that he was smiling, not grimacing. His cheeks were literally aching from that smile. He didn’t think it was possible for a smile to be physically uncomfortable.
His eldest brother’s lips thinned, and he stayed where he was, a firm, steady presence beside him. Unfortunately, Anthony’s presence could do nothing to change the fact that people were refusing to acknowledge Eric. Even the “nice alphas” Liam had enlisted the help of had mysteriously disappeared after doing the bare minimum of greeting him. Eric understood, really: who would want to ostracize themselves by associating with a pariah?
But he still had nearly burst into tears when his eldest brother had noticed his predicament and came to stay by his side. No one dared to say anything nasty when Anthony Blake stood next to him with a stony, menacing expression on his face. Sadly, even Anthony’s presence couldn’t stop Eric from feeling naked in a room full of clothed people.
He was painfully aware that all these people had seen the picture. They had seen him half-naked and aroused. They would never forget it or let him forget it.
“You really should go, Ant. Have fun. Find someone pretty to dance with.” Eric’s wan smile turned a little more genuine. “I know you’re considered a big catch, brother.” Anthony was a catch, with his handsome looks, confidence, sizable fortune, and connection to the royal family. Even the scandal with Eric didn’t change that—alphas were unaffected by salacious scandals. It might be unfair, but Eric was glad that at least Anthony didn’t have to suffer the consequences of his mistake.
“I’m not leaving you alone,” Anthony said flatly.
Eric was so grateful, but he knew that his brother standing guard next to him was only making the gossip worse. They had to act like they were moving on from what had happened.
“Please go. I’ll be fine. Did you congratulate the newlyweds at all?”
Anthony glanced toward the other end of the room where Jon and Liam were holding court. Liam was smiling widely, looking even more radiant than usual. No wonder his husband barely seemed able to look away from him, gazing at him with a heated, soft look in his blue eyes. To be fair, Liam was no better. They barely looked away from each other.
“Not sure they’ll even notice me if I go there,” Anthony said with a snort. “And they don’t need me. You do.”
Eric was about to repeat that he would be fine when something caught his eye.
Someone.
Hugh.
Hugh was there.
His eyes wide, Eric watched in confusion and disbelief (and not a small amount of irrational giddiness) as Hugh made his way through the crowded ballroom.
Hugh was a tall man, but he wasn’t taller than most alphas. And yet something about his sheer presence made him stand out, the crowd parting for him obligingly. Maybe it was his blood, the Randall pride and privilege shining through. Maybe it was just the man, the confident way he carried himself, somehow emanating an air of alpha despite his scent suppressants. Whatever it was, it made the crowd part for him and follow him with their eyes. Some of those eyes were gleaming with curiosity and appreciation, but there was recognition in some of them too.
What was he doing here?
“Who is that?” Anthony said.
Eric wrenched his eyes away from Hugh. “Who is what?” he said in his most nonchalant voice.
“Don’t play stupid, kid,” Anthony said. “You know very well that I’m talking about the Kadarian you were just staring at.”