Page 3 of Peacock Me Like a Hurricane

Calista has been thrust into a bigger role in this adventure because Rhea’s not at the meeting. No one is comfortable enough with her to have an intimate experience with her. I don’t know if anyone hasspoken to her directly, but the meeting has focused on kicking her out and deciding which goddesses to call. It’s funny because Sari is totally cool with giving Rhea the boot for her betrayal and didn’t for a second consider bowing out herself.

Fucking hypocrite.

“Hel,” Amanda says bluntly, her tone daring anyone to challenge her decision. Sari claps and I have to grit my teeth not to growl in irritation. All Sari’s besties are choosing very aggressive avatars, and it makes my ass clench.

I’m concerned about her part in my ritual as it is. Given the shenanigans Amanda has been up to with her ‘quest’ that she’s been blogging about, this worries me even more. I bet she’sbeen encouraged to emulate the patented Sari ‘disaster strikes’ method of working through personal problems. Her current posts suggest that she’s right on the edge of suicidal tendencies, despite the fact that she looks fine right now. So, of course she’s decided to call the Norse goddess of Death.

Jesus. H. Motherfucking. Christ. Sometimes, I want to strangle everyone I know and dance on their graves.

“Who are you calling, Deli?” Sari asks, grabbing the wine bottle to pour another glass. “I can’t imagine what will happen when you take your turn. Your goddess can’t call fifty clones at once. You’ll have to survive with only one dick this time around.”

I whip my head around to look at her as a silence falls over the room. The edge in her voice tells me what she’s accusing me of. She might as well have called me a tramp, and she’s not kidding. “That’s not my purview. The goddess calls her true mate and we respond, Sari. Given the crowd in this room, I don’t think the choices are clear for anyone.”

Everyone looks at one another, and I sit back, grinning in satisfaction. I know that I’ve squashed her completely for that thoughtless, tacky comment. She won’t notice, but it’s important to keep others from seeing someone step on you in your home. It’s especially important when that someone is your mate, your friend, and your family.

Letting her get away with that would have made me look weak.

“Are you hens done with your planning?” Philomena glides in, looking suave and comfortable in some designer jumpsuit with her trademark martini in hand. The glint in her eyes tells me she overheard and is stepping in before it gets ugly. “If so, Leo has the grill going. All the blonde dimwits are out by the pool waiting for you ladies.”

I chuckle. “I think we’re done for today, DP. Thanks for letting us know.”

“I guess we know whowon’tbe making an appearance that night, though,” Sari snarks.

Philomena narrows her eyes, waiting for my mate to continue her wine-fueled tirade. “I think people know what is and is not appropriate behavior, even for that mumbo jumbo stuff. I’m not sure if I can say the same about other public behavior, but at least the unwelcome won’t crash your hippie party.”

Ouch. She made it about RheaandSari. Sari’s aim was more dangerous, letting me know that she’s certain Taurus won’t be around. I don’t think he will, but she needs to tread more carefully. She’s going to be deeply sorry if she keeps poking that bear with a short stick.

I don’t leash him, and I certainly don’t have control of Talia.

“Guys, let’s take our drinks out by the pool,” Lily says, playing peacemaker as usual. “All the boys are waiting and it’s a pretty day.”

Amanda rolls her eyes and Calista smiles shyly. I stand, ignoring Sari’s dark countenance as I stretch my cramped limbs. I toss back the rest of my drink, looking at them expectantly. “I guess we could do that. I don’t know if I’m ready for a bathing suit,” Amanda says, chewing on her lip.

Sari snorts. “Hell, woman, this is Deli’s house. We strictly forbid swimwear.”

Philomena glares again. “With family. There is more mixed company than is acceptable for that. We have plenty of spares in the guest cabana. Sari, yours should be in your room. See if any of the extras float your boat, ladies.”

“I’m going to go get mine,” I say, starting towards the stairs. Everyone looks at me for a moment, stunned, and I shrug. “She’s right. There’s more non-family than I’m comfortable with.”

I give DP a grateful smile, trying to keep my spine straight and head held high as I go up the steps. I will not cave toSari’s abuse—not in public. Besides, I can’t swim naked with my plumage showing yet anyways. I’ll have to wear a rash guard and bikini bottoms to hide it.

We’re still semi-under wraps and today isnotthe day to tempt Sari’s ire.

I wish I wasn’t here.

That’s sad.

The Cat Hides From Life

DELILAH

The afternoon sun had given way to a starry night as we lay on the plush couch, tangled in each other’s embrace. I could feel his warm breath on the top of my head as he mumbled something indistinct into my hair.

“Deli,” he whispers again, and I can’t help but giggle. Despite feeling lightheaded from the blood loss, his voice still sends shivers down my spine.

“Mmm, love?” I look up at him through half-closed eyes, trying not to succumb to the dizziness.

“Nothing, love. I just wanted to say it.” His fingers trace lazy circles on my back as he speaks. “I’d ask how you’re doing, but that giggle tells me it can’t be too bad.”

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