Page 143 of Pucking Obsessed

I wince at the same time as D’Angelo does.

Jude.

It’s simple but powerful at the same time to use his first name.

Is it genuine affection or a trick?

I don’t know now, and that fucking terrifies me.

Even behind his mask, I can tell that D’Angelo is about to fly apart. He’s tapping out rhythms of three on his thigh.

“We need to get him out of here,” Shay whispers.

I nod.

I glance around me.

I need to do this in a way that doesn’t humiliate my lover.

When I notice an angelic waiter hovering close by, who is wearing nothing but feathery white wings, loin cloth, and a golden mask, I beckon him over.

Then I take the entire tray from the angel.

The tray holds a dark bottle, which is cutely labeledBLOODand crystal glasses.

“It’s time for the vampire pets to hold a private party for their king,” I declare.

When the tray wobbles, Shay steadies it for me.

“This way, my king.” Shay grabs D’Angelo’s elbow, gesturing toward the front door, as if this was something that we’d previously arranged.

“He hasn’t answered the damn question,” Dad snarls.

“Great party, Dad,” I say, ignoring him, “but we’re going to a less intense afterparty. One without family breakdowns. It’s private.”

D’Angelo catches on, ignoring both Colton and Dad, who are still hotly arguing behind us.

Let them rip each other to pieces. They won’t do the same to my men.

We’re going to hold our own Halloween party, which will exorcise the painful ghosts of our pasts.

We deserve that.

Shay looks glorious, even if he is limping, proudly clearing the way for his king to the exit.

When I pull open the front door and escape out into the rush of fresh air and moonlight, I’m free.

I’m fucking free.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Rebel House, Captain’s Hall

Robyn

“Fuck, Dad,”I growl. “Seriously,fuck him.”

My emotions are mixed up. I can’t slow my breathing.

---