Page 148 of The Broken Aztec Princesses

“We’ve got a plan that should work. I’ll be borrowing Chris tonight and, if we’re lucky, the thing should be dead before the night is over,” Elim answered.

“Good. I don’t need injured and panicked pack members,” I replied, perhaps a little more curtly than I should, and instantly regretted it.

“I’ll do my best, Luna,” Elim answered.

“I know you will.” I sighed, knowing I was being rude for no reason. “I appreciate how much you’ve been tracking that thing, and all other stuff you’ve helped with. I just don’t think this pack can take another hit.”

“Everything okay, Bells?” Adrien asked, sitting down next to me and grabbing another knife to help.

“I’m making it work.” Was the best reply I could give him.

“You’re not wearing Helios’ bracelet,” Adrien pointed it out.

“I can’t find it.”

“I should have brought shit with me. I didn’t think,” Adrien answered.

“I haven’t had any issues unless you count shit luck.” I shrugged.

“I’ll still see if Helios or Zi can send some protection charms with whoever is coming to pick me up later. Not sure if they can make them in time, though.”

“Thanks, Adrien.”

“Of course, sweetie. I wish I could do more,” he answered, grabbing the bell peppers and beginning to chop.

“Getting that chimichanga away from my pack is more than enough,” I assured him.

“Chupacabra,” Adrien clarified in a sing-song voice, while Elim laughed at my choice of words.

“I don’t like calling it that. It’s ludicrous. If I have to call it something, I rather go with something equally ridiculous, like chimichanga.”

“That’s what I said,” Elim chuckled.

“You’re calling it chimichanga, too?” I totally came up with it now, but it’d be nice to know I’m not the only one with a sense of humor.

“No. I don’t like calling it by its name. I call it demon dog. I’m going to bed. See you guys later.”

Poop, it could have totally been a bonding moment.

“How’s he been doing?” Adrien asked once Elim was gone.

“He’s great. Always willing to help.”

“And, with Violet?” Adrien asked.

“You caught onto that?” I smirked.

“It wasn’t hard to see.”

“As far as I know, he’s been respectful of every boundary she set until she was comfortable with him. He had a little crush on her, I think, but didn’t take advantage of when Chris and Violet had issues, and even helped them get back together.”

“Sounds like you guys have had an interesting nine weeks.”

“Goddess, has it only been that long?”

Adrien chuckled at my words, but it honestly felt like they’d been here forever.

“Can I ask you a question?” I asked.

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