Page 20 of Feral

“Sure.”

“You’re not afraid to be with Rhett and Hemsley, are you?”

“Do I need to be?”

“Not at all.”

“Then I’m good.”

A smile tugs at my lips. “Be right back.”

I head to the bar to let Tiago know I’m leaving and to make a quick call to Yves, but I’m nearly bursting with excitement over how Yannis handled that scene. He’s going to be just fine.

“Hey, Ti, I’m gonna get Yannis home safely. He had an encounter with the Bianchi family earlier today as well. They hang out in his neighborhood.”

“Damn. That’s not good.”

“No. I’ll be back soon though.”

“Take your time.” He winks at me, and I laugh.

“It’s not like that.” Not yet, anyway.

“If you say so.” Tiago turns his attention to a woman who just walked up.

Before returning to Yannis, I grab my phone and dial Yves. He answers right away.

“Yves.”

“Hey. Just wanted to let you know about something.” I explain the whole situation and the incident Yannis told me about too. “Looks like we have more organized crime trying to move in.”

“It was only a matter of time, really. Thanks for the heads-up. I’ll let the guys know. You good?”

“Yeah, I’m good. I’ll see you soon.”

After ending the call, I pause for a moment to enjoy the feeling of warmth I get every time I talk to one of the Orpheus guys. Technically, I’m one of them, but it’s different since Yves isn’t my maker. It feels good to have a coven again and to know they care about me though.

Dragging my hand through my hair, I straighten my shoulders and make my way back to Yannis. At least I’ll get to see where he lives and whether he’s truly safe there. Nothing bad will happen to him now that I’m in his life. I can promise that.

When I return to the front, Yannis appears relaxed as he chats with Rhett and Hemsley. All three men look at me as I approach and Yannis’s cheeks turn pink as he drags a hand through his thick hair.

“Can I borrow your car, Rhett?”

He raises an eyebrow. “Sure, boss.” He pulls his keys from his pocket and tosses them to me.

Ignoring his reaction, I continue, “I’m driving Yannis home.”

“How did you get here tonight?” Hemsley asks.

Yannis opens his mouth, then pauses. “Um…” His brow creases. “Weird. I can’t really remember.”

“Did you drive?” Rhett asks.

“No. I don’t have a car. I must have ordered a rideshare. Dang, my memory is weird as fuck since I moved here.”

I chuckle. “Don’t be concerned. Lair has that effect on people.” I turn to the guys. “Be back soon.”

Walking with Yannis to the parking lot, I scan the darkness, looking for trouble and fortunately finding none. Rhett drives a muscle car, as Thorn calls it. All I know is the engine makes a lot of noise and it drives fast.

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