Page 141 of Let Us Prey

“Watch the jewels, ladies. I’ll have you know my balls are the hit of the Apex soccer team.”

I arch a brow at him, feeling playful. “Yeah? I thought that was the sport where you can’t use your hands.”

“Exactly.” He waggles his brows and we all dissolve into laughter again. An alarm buzzes on his watch, and the badger groans. “Well, ladies, I hate to break up our gossip sesh, but it’s time to sneak in a bite before we get back to work.”

Cori holds out her hand, and I use it to pull myself to my feet. I’m still sore as hell, but at least the bruise isn’t throbbing anymore. Giving her a grateful look, I pick up the ice pack and walk over to my bag to shove it inside.

I have the feeling I’ll be needing this again—if I’m lucky.

I Want You

Aubrey

Being backto the normal grind after the amazing time we all had on Spring Break is annoying. I usually love being able to kick morons out of my library, but the time our little family had alone was much more satisfying.

Even Fitz tearing around the rave covered only in glitter and body paint, screaming “I Am The Walrus” was better than this shit.

Rubbing my eyes as I squeeze the sparkly tiger mochi Chess gave me, I chuckle at the memory. Felix was ready to murder his overstimulated twin, but Rennie reminded him Fitz was tripping balls and would remember little to none of it. That made the future king practically salivate, so he and I chased the high tiger around snapping photos we plan on using later.

Dolly thought the whole thing was hysterical and let the naked cat give her piggyback rides throughout the grounds.

Who would have thought any of that even possible before last spring? Not me.

Being back in session has cut our time with her immensely, as she’s swamped in school work and rehearsals for the talent show. It’s my turn to take her on a date, but I haven’t asked yet. My dragon andI are in contention with each other more than we have been in centuries, and it’s making everything difficult. He wants to claim her now and I can’t decide where to have dinner.

My companion suggested that perhaps a solo outing with our girl, in a neutral setting, would help me find the Zen I worked so hard to achieve over the years. I don’t believe one date will soothe the roiling turmoil in my gut, but he made his damned ‘pleading face’ and I finally gave in. The grouchy hermit routine bothers him, especially since he’s allowed Dolly into the fortress around his heart. If I can find even a partial truce with my animal, it would make things a lot less stressful at home.

Unlike the others, I don’t want to plan a fancy trip or send specific clothing for Delores to wear. It’s not that I’m against a big production—in fact, I find the idea very appealing. However, for the first time, I would rather save my natural extravagance. At the moment, my mind and heart are too fraught to do it properly, and Dolly deserves my full attention while showing her how I feel.

Rather, how my dragon feels—which, at the moment, is far too feral for her to witness.

The sound of the archive’s airlock opening interrupts my brooding, and I look up from my stacks of books on the table. “Ah. You’re awake.”

“As are you,” Renard says, arching his brow. “Might I inquire when the next time you plan on sleeping might be?”

Rolling my eyes, I go back to examining the book that came in for authentication this week. “Don’t be dramatic. I sleep fine in the spare room if I’m too tired to remain upright.”

“Mmm. I suppose that’s why you look like a giant, stubbly wreck, huh?” The gargoyle drops into the chair across from me, watching me through narrowed eyes.

“Pfft,” is the only reply he gets as I cross-reference another book for verification.

His heavy sigh is tinged with frustration, and he pauses before speaking again. “Aubrey, for the love of Aed, go get ready for your date with Dolly. Stop being a grumpy old asshole. I’ve known you fifty times longer than anyone else. If you don’t get your horned head out of your ass, you’ll be sorry later,mon ami.”

Here comes the French; I’ve got him going now.

The dragon inside of me rumbles to life as the fire in my belly ignites. Rennie’s lips curve and his eyes flash electric blue, instinctively responding to the challenge, but he doesn’t shift one of his languid limbs—yet. My oldest companion knows I can’t allow myself to damage the precious books in my hoard—not again—so he’s keeping his own inner beast tightly leashed.

“I don’t like being told what to do, Monsieur Laveaux,” I snarl.

He’s the only one I trust to tangle with my temper this way.

Rennie rolls to his feet gracefully, strolling to the door and pressing his finger on the pad to open it. “I suppose that’s why I do it, Lord Draconis.” That said, he strides out of the archives, and leaps into the elevator space, climbing up the walls like the theatrical sod he is.

Son of a bitch. Way to ruin a perfectly good brood, Rennie.

After a nap,a shower, and a great deal of playful sniping later, I’m dressed for my trip to town with Dolly. It’s a casual outing, so according to my in-house fashion guru, I shouldn’t wear a jacket. Fussing with the collar of the light-colored oxford, I take one last glance in the mirror. I’m not vain, but I feel very exposed. It has been a long time since I’ve done something like this, and I don’t want to fuck itup.

“You’ll be fine,” Renard calls from his cozy spot in the nest. “Stop overthinking it.”

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