Page 97 of Let Us Prey

“Stop it,” the dragon huffs grumpily, shifting in his chair. “You’re especially cheeky today. Is that because you agreed to let bite size come hunting with us after dinner?”

Since Fitz’s ‘date’ with Dolly, she’s become a frequent visitor in all levels of the Tower, even on the top floor. Whether she’s plopped at my desk doing homework, playing Slaystation with Fitz, or even simply curled up on the couch with headphones and sheet music, I almost expect her presence at this point. And since Dolly doesn’tlike it when I brood on the ledge ‘like emo Spiderman’, I now make a habit of joining the circle.

Shrugging at the pointed question, I rise from my throne and walk to the sidebar, pouring us each a drink. “I promised she could join whenever she wanted. I couldn’t very well take that back, now could I? Besides, you let her spend the night with you, big guy. Don’t throw rocks in glass Towers.”

Take that, you stubborn old lizard. If I have to admit things, you do, too.

Aubrey puffs a few smoke rings, always grumbly when he has to discuss things he’s not ready to. I come back with scotch and I chuckle, wondering if he’ll attempt to redirect. “She was scared, Rennie.”

“She was crying, Flames.”

This is a stand-off we’ve had many times over the years about various things. Furniture? Yes. Hobbies? Yes. His fucking books? Absolutely.

But never a girl.

We eye one another for a moment, and I drop onto my Gothic throne with a satisfied grin. He hates when I logic him out of being purposefully obtuse, and I know it. Our stand-off is broken when Felix comes stomping back into the room, covered in flour from head to toe. My eyes widen as I watch the alpha continue to the bathroom, cursing like a sailor on leave. When I look at my companion, we burst out laughing at the same time.

Felix Khan has met his match in Delores Drew.

“Twenty bucks says Fitz talked her into it,” Aubrey snorts, leaning back on his throne with a grin. Now that someone else’s hangups are in the spotlight, he’s much more amenable.

I shake my head. “Fifty says our girl did that all on her own.”

“You’re on, poetry boy. Shall we go see what trouble the children have gotten into?”

Nodding, I rise again, taking my absinthe with me. “Chess’ kitchen is probably a fucking mess. He’ll be tearing his hair out.”

“Word.”

“Oh, sweet Aed, never say that again.”

The lightsfrom the chandelier make the crystal glisten, and I find myself amused as hell that Felix demanded we set the big table for dinner. We almost never use this room—I have no idea why it was even built. During the holidays, we typically all eat in the sitting room upstairs while drinking and grousing about the students and staff. But with Dolly here, we apparently need to roll out the red carpet.

We’ve definitely never used this china, nor the silver. I haven’t opened the cabinet they’re stored in since I moved in because I didn’t see the need for the trappings of a king at a place like Apex.

Okay, outside of my chair and my private quarters, I suppose. But who likes to be uncomfortable in their own space?

Once the Raj comes out of the washroom, Aubrey and I could herd Dolly and Fitz so Chess has enough peace in the kitchen to finish. Dolly is relatively clean, and Fitz has stripped to his boxers to rid himself of the dust, although I bet that was his choice. It’s all quite comical, but I know dinner will be burnt to a crisp by the jittery chef if we don’t intervene.

“Does it look right, Rennie?”

I blink when Dolly comes bounding over to me, her full skirt bouncing. She’s dressed in an outfit that could only have been picked by the fucker elected to discuss our… proposition with her. Fitz came back the next day smug as hell, crowing that she’d accepted all five of us, but beyond that, he’s kept his mouth shut. I’d never tell him, but I actually respect him for letting everyone—including Dolly—get comfortable with the arrangement instead of running his big fat mouth about their escapades.

Besides, I’m not sure if I could take it.

Of course, he couldn’t completely let it go, judging by how the bunny in question is dressed in a baby pink pin-up style dress that ties around her neck, and the entire delicious looking garment is cherry patterned.

No one ever accused Fitz Khan of being subtle.

Truthfully, Fitz seducing Delores first probably affects Felix more than any of us. It’s usually the Raj who would take on that role in a poly tiger group, but neither he nor Chess are ready for that yet. Aubrey is notoriously slow to let people in, but allowing her in our actualbedroom was a big, flashing light that he’s made some sort of decision, even if nothing scandalous happened. And I… benefit from all of their familiarity without having to define anything too closely just yet.

There’s a safety in being the watchful one, and I’ve been quietly arranging things to show that I enjoy her presence in the Tower.

“Rennie?”

Oh, shit. I got lost in my head again.

I smile, tilting my head as I walk around the table slowly, admiring her work. Our girl may not cook, but her sharp mind knew how to set a formal table. “You set it European style.”

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