Page 75 of Fangs and Fudge

“But--”

“And I’ll make sure he sits at the other end of the table away from Vena.” Shepard pulled back just enough to peek down at me. “Okay?”

I grudgingly nodded. “It’s not that I don’t like MC, but he’s being too assertively persistent with Vena. She’ll snap if he keeps going.”

“I’ll talk to him about it.”

Turning from Shepard, I checked the timer on the oven. It would still be a while before dinner could be served.

“I’ll let Vena know about MC,” I said. “Keep him away.”

“I will.”

Shepard followed me out of the kitchen and then headed to the living room while I went upstairs.

I found Vena in Miles’ room. She leaned against the wall and watched as he rummaged through his closet.

“What is he doing?”

Vena shrugged. “He said he’s looking for old research that he wants Dad’s opinion on.”

“Is that wise?” I whispered.

“Not sure, but we’ll find out soon enough.” She glanced at me. “Why is Maximum Chaffing here?”

I fought not to laugh at her agitated creativity. If I did, she’d take it as a green light to get even more creative.

“He wanted to give Shepard an update and will stay for dinner,” I said.

Vena snorted. “He could have called.”

“That’s what I said. Shepard promised to make sure MC is seated at the opposite end of the table and he’ll leave as soon as dinner is over.” I wrapped my arm around Vena and gently squeezed. “He’ll be gone soon enough.”

“Found it!” Miles said, pulling out a box. Tucking it under his arm, he closed the closet door and glanced at us. “Is this a party, or can I go downstairs?”

Vena and I stepped out of his way, and he bounded out of the room.

“We should go, too,” I said.

“You better stay next to me at all times. I won’t be held accountable for my actions if you run off with Shepard.”

“I’m not running off with anyone.” I turned her toward the stairs. “Besides, dinner smells amazing. Neither of us will want to miss it.”

She frowned. “I’m not even hungry anymore.”

“Pretend.”

As we walked down the main stairs, a thought struck me. How had Cross known MC was here?

I slowed and pulled out my phone.

Me: Are you at Vena’s parents’ house?

Cross: I’m feeling slighted that I don’t get dinner as well.

Me: Do you really want to have dinner with two wolves?

Cross: I’d rather sleep for another 300 years.

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