Re: Bertram Eden and Lucien Swinton
"Lord Black," Bertie exclaimed at once, a mix of happiness and relief flooding him on the instant. He turned his head to offer the alpha his throat, nearly vibrating with energy.
"Very well, thank you. You look very well, yourself, I hope all has been quiet of late?" Bertie couldn't help the note of worry that crept into his voice--a masquerade suddenly seemed a harrowing place to hide assassins, and Lord Black was here unarmed. He glanced around, but didn't immediately catch sight of Mal. "Is Mal--Mr Sayers--here with you? There's someone on watch, I hope?"
If there wasn't, Bertie would cease reveling and attend to it immediately, although he carried no weapon apart from a wooden lyre, currently tucked under one arm. he supposed he could brain some villain with it, if necessary.