Page 16 of The Devil's Conflict

I shake it. “I’m Thea. And why would they ban you from the building?” I can’t help but ask. Is that a common thing they do around here that they ban women from entering the building?

“Because we don’t need her recruiting you,” Shadow announces as he walks over. “And so you had a day to settle in before the women showed up here and overwhelmed you.” He gives Rose a pointed look, and she just gives him a sunny smile in return. “Surprised the rest of the Coven didn’t join you.”

It suddenly clicks in my head that this is the group that Eric told Theo about and who Bowie and Frost mentioned at the apartment last night. I grin and say, “I hope to meet them at some point. Been a long time since I’ve heard about a group ofwomen striking such fear and respect in a man’s heart.” Rose laughs, while Shadow and Hulk just stare at me. “I almost want to see what the requirements are to join.”

“Jesus Christ,” Shadow groans.

Rose grins wickedly. “We’re a welcome to all kind of group,” she explains. “Most are Old Ladies, but we have a few honorary members who aren’t too. I’m sure we can find you a place.”

“You end up in jail, you’re paying your own bail,” Shadow warns me, before turning and stalking away.

I look at Rose questioningly, but she just shakes her head and says, “I’ll explain another time. I just stopped by to say hello and welcome. And get under Shadow’s skin a bit.”

Hulk snickers. “Rose, you do that by existing. He’s already ticked at you for telling Macy she needs to learn how to trick people, especially boys, and that she should impart those skills on her soon-to-be baby brothers or sisters.”

“And was I wrong?” Rose demands, throwing her hands up. “I mean, men are assholes on a good day, so better she keeps them on their toes now. She’s going to have a hard enough time when she’s a teenager trying to date for the first time with you lot around. She’s going to need every skill she can get.”

I have to agree with her. Hulk just rolls his eyes, leans down to kiss her cheek, and then walks away. Rose turns to me and asks, “Which one is your brother?” I point him out and she grins when Theo walks over, all charm and swagger. “Oh, now, aren’t you handsome?” she flirts shamelessly. “I’m Rose.”

He shakes her hand and says, “No one told me we’d have a stunner in here today,” he flirts back. “And I also hear you’re going to be putting me through my paces as a Prospect.”

“Oh, don’t listen to them.” Rose scoffs. “And anything they tell you about me or the other Old Ladies, it’s all lies and exaggerations. We’re really not that bad.”

“They’re worse!” Viper calls across the room.

“Woman, get your ass out here,” Bullet’s voice suddenly says loudly as he stalks into the room, an exasperated look on his face. “Should have known you were going to come this way and not get that coffee you talked about.”

“I wanted to say hello to Thea and introduce myself to Theo.” Rose sniffs, but her eyes are bright with mischief that makes me grin. Damn, I’m starting to see why the men are clearly wary of this woman. Something tells me she’s a bit of a wildcard.

Bullet stops behind her and then looks at Theo. “You have a chance to talk to Viper yet, Prospect?” he asks Theo directly.

Theo shakes his head. “No, Sir. He said we’ll talk shortly.”

“Good,” Bullet says with a nod. “And none of this Sir shit. It’s Prez for the most part.”

“Got it, Prez,” Theo responds with a grin.

Bullet looks at him for a moment and then sighs. I hear him mutter something about smartasses, but can’t quite make it out. Rose, however, does and her grin widens. Then Bullet looks at me and his cold blue eyes hold mine for a moment. “Hear you pissed off my VP this morning. Am I going to have to worry about the two of you at each other’s throats?”

I shrug. “As long as he listens to what I said, we should be fine.”

“And what exactly did you say?”

“That I no longer report to him, he is not my superior officer, and he needs to leave me alone. Or did he not tell you he showed up at my apartment last night and told me to report here at eight AM sharp?”

“No, can’t say that he did,” Bullet replies, a thoughtful look on his face. “Well, welcome aboard, and let me know if you have any issues with any of these bastards.” Then with that, he grabs Rose’s hand and pulls her away.

Rose shoots me a wink over her shoulder and I smile before going back to my desk. Something tells me that Bullet isn’t onefor many words, but his wife makes up for that. “I like her,” Theo announces with a grin, then heads back to his own desk.

Before I can get back to work on straightening my desk, Shadow calls out, “Thea, you up for a consultation with a potential client? We need to make a quick stop at the club’s bar on the way and drop some stuff off for Cryos there.”

“Sure,” I say easily. “Need me to bring anything?”

“Just something to take notes with. It’s only going to be a day job, but it’ll be a good way for you to figure out how you want to handle it since it’ll probably be you doing the job. You good with that?”

“As long as you are comfortable with me handling it solo,” I reply.

“No worries on my side, but if you think you’ll need a second person after we do the consult, we can figure that out. You bring your car?” I nod. “Alright, I’ll ride with you. You know where the bar is?” I shake my head. “I’ll direct you. Be ready to leave in five minutes.” Then he goes back into his office.

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