Page 204 of Hateful Games

“I’m perfectly capable of caring for the dogs and don’t need a sitter. They’ve also grown on me and I would rather not come home to an empty house.”

“Why? Scared a ghost is hiding in your closet?”

“Shut up.”

Walking past the living room, we reach the open kitchen. Nathan comes to a halt beside me and chokes out, “Did a tsunami struck in here?”

The couch has been slashed with angry paws, boxes and toys are littered around. In the middle sits Bunny, looking all smug.

“Yeah, they’re all on a rampage. I’m telling you, this room is cursed. Last time, I had to replace the furniture because Rose and Bianca set the fire alarm off. Now I have to buy them again.”

“The tiny ones were in on it too?”

“No, I was distracted by them while he,” I point at the culprit. “Caused chaos in here. I’ve been trying to win him over. Nothing fucking works.”

“Then why the hell are you carrying this one around?” Nathan points to Fire.

“Woof,” barks Fire, voicing his displeasure.

“Watch,” I say to Nathan and put Fire down. A second later, he goes to town.

Nathan’s spine goes ramrod, eyebrows flying to his hairline, before he bursts out laughing. Tears falling down his face as he clutches his stomach.

I yank a humping Fire away and pick him up in my arms. “He can’t be trusted on the floor.”

“You’re a mess, man.”

My phone pings with a text. Reading it, I pass Fire to Nathan, despite his protest. “Hold him.”

“Where are you going?”

“Taking Bunny outside. Our war ends tonight.” I grab two pieces of chicken from the plate on the island and cautiously approach a quietly sitting Bunny near the couch. He watches me intensely, sniffing the scent of freshly cooked chicken. “You want this, Bunny? Come here then.”

“I’m not taking you to the hospital if he bites you,” warns Nathan from behind, and then mutters to himself, “I should’ve stayed home.”

“I have a surprise in the backyard for you, Buns.”

“Buns?”

“Rose calls him that sometimes,” I reply. “Quit distracting me.”

“Grrr…” A low growl leaves Bunny’s mouth and it’s aimed at Nathan. A rather pleasant surprise.

“Yep. Nathan’s the bad guy,” I whisper.

“You fucker!”

“Woof woof woof!” barks Bunny, and I grab his collar as he stands on all fours, ready to charge after Nathan.

I scratch his ears and calmly murmur, “It’s okay, Bunny. Here.” I feed him the chicken. “Good boy. Come!”

Rising to my full height, I guide him to the backyard, where I had my guards set up a large trampoline. I ordered it specifically for Bunny, knowing his favorite hobby is to jump on the bed. This is a far better and cheaper option.

The second he sees it, his curiosity has him running toward it and straight away jumping on it. When he bounces, he pauses in surprise. He tries it again and I grin, close to pumping my fist in the air when he begins to enjoy it.

I just know I’m on his good side now.

Rosalie is going to hate this.

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