Page 39 of In Prey We Trust

Smacking his arm lightly, I wrinkle my nose. “Make fun of my trauma all you want. You know you love me.”

He sniffs and Cori bursts out laughing. “You two are the worst. Stop sniping ‘cause we have a ton to catch up on. Talking on Fangtime was not enough and I can’t wait to hear all the tea about your summer, D.”

“What summer? I worked for Luc, which is always great, and I trained with César, but otherwise I was locked up like freaking Rapunzel,” I mutter. “Lucille had her goons watching my every move when she wasn’t in residence.”

“So sad, Dollypop. Coco worked for my Aunt Brandine in the salon and I did my usual underhanded shit for my family. It was a blast, but not having you there was a total drag,” Rufus says as he settles on the floor. “However, we will claim you tomorrow night in our dorm so we can fix that mess you’re calling hair.”

I throw a pen at him, narrowing my eyes. “How was I supposed to upkeep this without you guys? It’s not like I could go to Lucille’s people and I sure as fuck wasn’t going to attempt it myself. Is it really that bad?”

Cori giggles and nods, her curls bouncing. “You have like four inch roots, babe. Didn’t those boys say anything to you?”

“They have informed me they firmly believe I look perfect no matter what. And no, I’m not telling you about my lesson regarding that tidbit.” My face heats, and they both snort in unison. “So, no. They will not tell me if my dye job needs work—like ever.”

“That’s what we’re for; don’t worry. I have zero problem telling you when you’re a hot mess, girl.” Rufus winks and Cori elbows him, making him choke on his gum. “Damn it, Coco.”

“Now that we’ve established my shitty self-care routine, can you guys tell me about this chick?” I hold up the play pages with a frown. “Tell me about this disaster waiting to happen. Does she have some sort of agenda or is she really this clueless?”

“Clueless!” they chorus, and I groan.

I will not enjoy this class one bit.

New in Town

Delores

Madame de Bouvier ran my voice lessons exactly how I’d expect. In fact, so far, she’s my favorite new professor. She was pleasant, if not a little mousy for her species.

As I exit the Cappie version of the Shird from my second day of classes, I ponder for a moment. I’m uncertain I want to venture through the tunnel to the cafeteria on my own, and I also don’t want to call for an escort. I saw one of Raina’s men watching this morning as I walked to the building next door; he seemed shy. He’s probably lurking around here somewhere, but the quokka doesn’t know me yet and I hate to force him to interact.

Maybe I’ll grab food at our quarters for now and leave the main campus for my afternoon classes.

Heading down the path, I look up at House Reptilian and frown. I have to go there soon to rumple something of my stuff and make it look like I’ve been around. It feels even more foreboding now that students are here and I can’t figure out why. It just has an icky vibe, so I don’t want to be anywhere near it. I thought it was my bunny at first, but the more I think about it, that doesn’t feel accurate.

I shake my head as I scan my arm at the back door of our new home, muttering, “I’ll make Fitz come with me. That will fix it.”

“You’ll make Fitz go where, Baby Girl? Do I need to crack someone’s head already? Show me who and it’s done.”

Blinking as the tiger in question bounces over like a Disney character, I laugh softly. “No, you don’t have to beat anyone up. My dorm building is still creeping me out and I decided you should come with me tonight.”

He picks me up, throwing me over his shoulder and patting me on the ass despite my squeals. “No problem. I’m always happy to guard your body. Plus, I can discourage anyone who thinks they can gawp at my girl. Win-win.”

“Put me down, you ape!” My voice sounds exasperated, but we both know I don’t mean it. I’d let Fitz Khan manhandle me anyway he chooses anytime and my protests are weak.

“I can only assume you meant to say ‘pretty please with a cherry on top, oh masterful and sexy boyfriend of mine,’ so I’ll let you go once we get to the kitchen.”

“Hmmm. No, I don’t think I forgot to say that. Felix isn’t here.” My lips curve as he makes a sound of betrayal and stops mid-stride. Before I know it, Fitz is nose-to-nose with me, grinning like a crazy man.

“I’d literally pay for you two to get your shit together and bump uglies, Baby Girl. My brother desperately needs to let himself go for once, and you need someone to rein you in a little.” He dips his head to kiss me lightly and cocks his head. “Now, come eat before you waste all my touchy time with verbal sparring.”

This. Freaking. Guy.

I let him lead me over to the counter, plopping on one of the stools and letting my bag hit the floor. He whistles as he pulls a bunch of stuff out, assembling a huge sandwich that looks fucking delicious. Fitz winks as he pushes one towards me and the other at the chair next to me. When he joins me, I pick it up and groan as the flavor rolls over my tongue.

“Damn, Fitzy. You make a mean sandwich when I send you to the kitchen,” I say as I wipe my mouth. My eyes dance as I give him a playful smile. “You’re on post sexy time food duty from now on.”

He rolls his eyes, licking his chops clean. “Don’t give me too much credit, Baby Girl. Chessie made the aioli; I’m sure of it. By the taste, I think your bunny likes the garlic…what’s up with that? Speaking of which, I don’t ever think I’ve seen you eat a carrot, and that’s just freaky.”

And there goes his ADHD again.

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