Page 137 of Let Us Prey

The asshole just starts howling with laughter, slapping his knee as he snickers. Chess is no more helpful because he’s smirking like a dick, too.

I’m going to hate this shit; I just know it.

Maybe it’s time for that spanking I keep threatening.

“Oh, they’re here!”

My eyes widen to giant saucers as a Mystery Machine looking fucking van decorated like a moving disco ball comes roaring up the drive to Apex. When it squeals to a stop in front of the enormous piles of crap everyone seems to be determined to bring, I have to pick my jaw up off of the ground. The princess claps her hands and bounces, which is all Chess, Ren, and Fitz need because they’re whipped as hell.

A head full of rainbow colored curls pops out of the passenger window. “Girl, it’s been too long!”

Why are teens so dramatic? They’ve only been gone for four damn days.

Aubrey looks skeptical of the van, but he’s been all in on this shit because no one would go to these nightmare fuel events before the princess. He loads bag after bag of shit into the back of the honeybadger’s Magical Mystery Tour Van with a big grin. If I didn’t know better, I’d think he was getting off on this.

Everyone I know has lost their ever-loving mind and I’m the only sane tiger in the asylum.

“I’m so excited! Ru-Ru, thanks for taking us all in your van. I didn’t know you kept a car off-site,” the princess says as she hops into the van with a grin.

The punk rocker gives her a smirk full of innuendo. “I don’t share the Love Machine with just anyone, Queen D. But since your harem of hunks bought all the fab camping shit I suggested, I’m making my contribution.”

‘Love Machine?’ Fucking hell.

I look around as I climb into the third row, hoping I’m not sitting anywhere that’s been sprayed with closeted jock spooge. Aubrey and Ren huff laughs as they join me, letting Chess and Fitz flank our girl in the first row.

“Oh, don’t worry your pretty face, Your Majesty,” the cheerful polar bear says as she snickers. “I made sure we got this rolling mattress detailed before today. I’m not eager to stew in Ru-Ru’s conquest juices, either.”

Huffing, I roll my eyes at her. “I’ll be fine for the next few days.”

She and the badger laugh, making Dolly turn around and look at me with bright blue eyes I could drown in. “Thank you for coming. I know you’ve been reluctant for a bajillion good reasons, but I’m really looking forward to having fun with all the people I care about.”

Her sincerity melts the crankiness right out of me and I take her hand, lifting it to my lips. “You’re welcome, Princess.”

I’m rewarded with a bright pink flush and three groans. When I arch a brow, my twin just smirks at me like an asshole. Leaningforward, I put him in a headlock and give him a noogie regardless of his howls of protest.

Take that, you little shit.

“Okayyyy, adults acting like children! Buckle up and keep your hands and arms inside the ride. We’re off,” Rufus says from the front. “ETA one hour and twenty minutes, followed by camp setup. I’m your tour guide for this lovely journey into EDM festivals, so sit down and behave.”

Freya, save me. The horny badger is in charge.

Fuck my life.

After I helpedFitz set up the family sized monstrosity they picked out, I claimed a chair on the porch of our luxurious setup. Apparently, that sneaky French asshole had this collection of amenities delivered before we arrived. A group of sword swinging raccoons were here guarding it and summarily hopped in an Uber once we got settled.

Sipping my ice cold beer, I look at the other shifters running around like human hippies with yurts and tiny sport tents. Aubrey walks out to join me, sitting down in the extra large sized rocker on the other end of the deck. He has a scotch in what looks to be a very convincing plastic rocks glass. I salute him as my body relaxes.

“Our girl is in her friends’ tent getting ready?” I ask as he sighs and watches the surrounding crowds with a tiny grin.

“Yes. She left outfits for each of us—I’m concerned she believes us to be her private Ken dolls.”

The thought makes me snort, almost spitting my beer out. “Damn, I needed that, lizard. Good on you.”

He grins and shrugs. “I have always wanted to attend something like this. Ren will always follow and the other two appreciate chaos in a way you do not. Snacklet wants us all to have a good time, so improving your mood is a priority, Raj.”

“That’s why we’re so fancy, huh?”

The gargoyle saunters up, draping himself in the armchair next to Aubrey like he’s part feline. “Oh, we’re not accustomed to outdoor lives, either. But it’s good to be the kings,non?”