Page 105 of The Stud

“Truth is tied to trust, and if you can’t tell the truth, you can’t be trusted, and if you can’t be trusted, you can’t be part of this family. And I don’t mean the one with the boys, I mean the one that consists of those of us that are thereforthem.”

“The Slayers…”

“Exactly. And it’s my job, as Cap’s wife, as ‘head Slayer’ – a term I don’t even really like – is to provide the assist for all of you and do what I can to make it easier for you all to be there forthem,which sometimes means arranging events like the fighting cancer beaded bracelet giveaway for the foundation – I know you were the one who made Snowman’s – and the Christmas cookie decorating thing we did with the hatchlings – I know hebrought you home the one that Bella made with his number on it – and outings like tonight’s NYE rooftop celebration – which is becoming the new standard tradition so you better just mark your calendar for next year now.”

She really is a remarkable woman.

From organizing family events to charity events to simply providing advice when others would simply let you take the hit, Cap’s woman is top cheddar.

Even if I’m not in a position to openly appreciate it.

“Joey-”

“I’m aware of the no fraternization policy; however, I’m alsovery aware, you and Snowman arevery togetherand as much as it upsets my growly husband, it upsets himmoreto see his second in command sulking.”

I loathe the girly tone that taints my voice. “He’s sulking?”

“Hekeepssulking.” The corners of her lips curl slightly upward. “And hethinksno one notices, but we do. Anytime the Slayers are around the boys, he always gets the same look in his eyes. Hewishesyou could be there for him like that instead of for work like you are.”

“You…” my teeth steal a tiny bite of my bottom lip, “can…see that?”

“We canallsee it,” she giggles on a shake of her head. “And we all agree to not say anything to the GM. ”

“And if she asks?”

“Truth words or no words, remember?” An impish smirk slides into place. “I’ll choose no words.”

“And the others?”

“Sameskies.” Disbelief and elation brawl for the rightful position in my stare but are both banished to the box by her harsh scowl, “Now hustle, Hoss. I wasn’t kidding about traffic. It’s likeThe Nightmare Before New Yearout there.”

Post ushering Joey to the couch to wait for my speedy transformation, I make sure to do exactly that.

Swapping out of my comfortable hoodie for a tight, short, bright green, sequins jersey dress with side pockets and Tanner’s name as well as number on the back doesn’t take long.

Getting into the black high top tennis shoes – that are surprisingly the right size – is also done swiftly.

Fuck, even dabbling on just enough makeup to look “Slayer appropriate” is done in record timing.

But deciding what to do with my hair?

My fucking hair?!

Of all things that I normally give little to no high fucks about…?

That becomes the realNightmare Before New Yearno one needs.

And having a pair of his miniature warrior figurines judging alongside a mohawk bearing rubber duck from the bathroom counter while I panic only somehow addsmorestress.

Rushing out of my bedroom with my brush prepared for battle puts me face to face with a view so adorable, I wish it was one I could post for the night instead.

The tiny bowl of mousse is balanced on top of her very round stomach while she shovels away the contents, I was clearly done eating. Bear releases a huff from my side to announce our presence yet the mama Slayer to be simply, scoopsup another bite, and informs, “Low pony, I’ve got the right shade of ribbon in the car.”

Wellfuckme.

Does being head Slayer give you magical mindreading powers?!

“UnlikeThe Princess Switchwe werenotabout to give last year’sbowpocalypsea sequel.”

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