Diamond Dust by Vivian Arend Page A

staff liked him. “Glad to hear you’re having a good time. What do you recommend?”
    “All of it.” Frank nodded. “The ribs are fab, though.”
    Justin had directed Tyler into a seat that was as protected as possible, yet still presented a good view of the room. The lineup outside was explained as he realized every seat was taken but for the empty space to his left.
    Popular place. Not only with locals, but tourists. While it wasn’t always possible to spot a shifter from a distance, Tyler knew many of the bears who were in town for the next stage of conclave. He’d met them over the previous weeks in Dawson City, and at first glance, out of the hundred bodies occupying the main seating area, he’d guess fifty percent were bears.
    There really was no getting away from it. They’d taken over the town.
    Not all eyes staring his way were friendly, either. Supporters of his rivals glared. Those undecided which way to vote kept their expressions blank. The bear elected to the top would have enormous power for years, and even those without an agenda were rightly cautious about supporting some unknown.
    A waiter shuffled down the narrow space between tables, filling water glasses and taking orders. Tyler was distracted by a rather venomous glare from a bear seated by the door.
    “Justin. By the entrance at one o’clock. Remind me of the clan.”
    His friend glanced over. “Radium. Bunch of hotheads. I don’t have proof, yet, but I have my suspicions they were involved in the kidnapping.”
    That would make sense. Definitely a group to keep an eye on.
    Tyler twisted to give his order to the waiter. “Now That’s a Rack.”
    He was horrified to discover that instead of the young man who’d just stepped behind him, he ended up speaking to a familiar-looking blonde.
    Caroline Bradley raised a brow. “You have a thing for my breasts, don’t you?”
    He surged to his feet, his chair tipping into the person behind him. “I’m sorry, I thought you were the waiter.”
    Her smirk widened. “Okay, then. I’ll make sure Anthony knows, but he’s already got a boyfriend.”
    Tyler scrambled to dig himself out without looking more of a fool. “No, it’s not like that. There’s an item on the menu called Now That’s a Rack . It looks delicious.”
    Her upper body, including her delicious rack, shook as she laughed. “I know, I’m just teasing. You have wonderful timing.” She leaned in front of him and gave Frank her hand. “Good to see you again.”
    Tyler forced himself to remain in one spot and not accidentally lean into her. His attempt was made more difficult as Frank, ever the diplomat, tugged until Caroline was forced to move forward. Her torso rubbed his, every inch pressed to him for a second until she was yanked into Frank’s arms for a hug.
    Across the table, Justin was looking far too pleased.
    “Shut up.” Tyler mouthed the words, but that only made Justin grin harder.
    Frank finally relaxed his grip on the woman and turned her with great fanfare. “Caroline, I want you to meet my big brother, Tyler.”
    Caroline cleared her throat and held out her hand—to Justin. “Nice to officially meet you. Sorry about the little incident earlier today, sir.”
    Justin paused halfway out of his seat. Tyler opened his mouth to explain.
    Frank beat them both to it. He laughed and pointed. “Hell, that’s not Tyler. That’s Justin, his sidekick. The ugly one over here is my brother.”
    If she’d given him a what the hell look earlier for his unintentional sexual comment, her expression had grown miles more judgmental. All traces of amusement were gone. “Oh really. Gee, nice to meet you, Tyler . Frank has told me so much about you. He’s been raving about how you’re so honest and straightforward.”
    She held her hand steady until he had to accept it. If he’d not been a shifter, her grip would have hurt. As it was, the additional squeeze she gave to the handshake made his bear rumble in