Page 120 of Fangs and Fudge

“How long is she going to wait for a guy who isn’t coming back?”

“Who says he’s not coming back?”

“It’s been six days without any word.”

“So? Do you think she can just turn off her feelings? Be more sympathetic and think with your big-boy brain instead of the one in your pants, or the one in your pants is going to get punched. She already said as much.”

He lifted his gaze and looked at Vena across the room.

“She’s the one, Everly. I can feel it.”

“Well, she can’t. Now, are you going to make my drinks or not?”

He turned away from me and went behind the bar with Shepard. I met Shepard’s gaze, and he gave me a small nod. Was that approval for trying to talk some sense into MC or for not losing my shit and throat-punching him myself? As I waited for the drinks, I decided it was maybe a little of both.

My phone buzzed, and I discreetly checked it.

Cross: It’s too quiet tonight. No vampires anywhere. I think they’re planning something during the challenge. Cancel it.

I saw he’d sent it to the group and looked up at Shepard. He caught my glance and checked his phone. I watched him type his reply.

Shepard: Can’t. If I do, I forfeit the right to leadership, and we both know that’s not an option.

Cross: Then Everly and Vena need to stay with me.

Shepard: And if your kind’s plan is to go after you while my people are distracted, then what? The challenge will be the safest place for them. They’ll be surrounded by hundreds of us.

Vena: What about Miles? If the vampires are doing something, is he going to be safe?

Shepard: We moved him at lunch. He’s with an old friend of mine who I trust implicitly. He’ll keep Miles safe.

MC brought my drinks over. “Something going on that all three of you are looking at your phones?”

“No.” I pocketed my phone and carried my order away without a backward glance.

Pasting on my best waitress smile, I hid my worry that Cross was right about something bad happening tonight and served the drinks.

Mrs. Hunter waved me over as soon as I finished.

“Is it true?” she asked. “Is there someone Vena likes?”

It took me a moment to remember what I’d said.

“Yes, but don’t say anything. You know how she gets. The harder you push, the more she’ll go her own way. And Anchor is a nice guy who could be good for her.”

Mrs. Hunter laughed softly. “Is that your way of telling me to stop meddling in her love life?”

I smiled but said nothing, which had Mr. Hunter chuckling as Mrs. Hunter sighed.

“Well, I’ll leave things be for now, but I’m serious about the invitation this weekend. I missed you kids. Come back for another dinner, with or without a plus one. Your choice.”

“We will,” I said, knowing Vena wouldn’t mind as long as MC wasn’t along.

“And if you can send me a picture of the man who you think caught her eye–”

“I think it’s time for us to go, dear,” Mr. Hunter said, standing and offering her a hand.

She smiled sweetly at him, stood, then hugged me.

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