Page 20 of Prey It Ain't So

“The security seems really tight,” I say to Felix. “It makes me feel better.”

“I knew you would, Princess. You’re not as safety conscious as the rest of us, but you’ve grown more sensitive to our concerns. I’m proud that you noticed.” His hand reaches up to goose me lightly, and I have to swallow a squeal.

“Felix!” His grin is wicked and I pretend to huff as the valet bear opens the room doors.

The guy coughs when they slide open to get our attention. “Your other baggage will be along shortly, ma’am and sirs. Is there anything I can order from the bar for you as you settle in?”

“Five scotches and a Dr. Pupper,” Felix replies as he prods me into the compartment. “Thank you…?”

“Blane, sir. I’ll be the valet for your family during this trip.”

“That’s awesome, Blane,” I reply quickly. “Maybe just bring ice and a bottle. They’ll enjoy having it here, and then we’ll be set for a bit.”

“Of course.”

The guys raise their brows at me like they’ve been programmed to do so simultaneously, and I roll my eyes at them. “Don’t be ridiculous. Five dicks aremorethan enough—way more than enough. How many times do I have to say that?”

Fitz shrugs. “As many times as you want random flirty assholes not to die?”

Groaning, I flop onto the much smaller bed in a starfish as the cats join me in our room. “If this is huge for a train, I’m so fucking glad we don’t travel this way often. Or in the stupid planes. I need you all nearby, and this sucks ass. No way can Rennie and Aubrey crush into here, so I’ll have to move between them.”

“Baby Girl, this is only like twelve hours or something. Do you really think that’s necessary?”

Smacking his arm, I growl softly. “Yes, I do. You guys can’t hog me the entire ride. It’s not fair. Don’t be stingy, Fitzy.”

“Fine,” he pouts as he flings his bag down and leaps onto the bed with me. “But they get to wait their turn because I call dibs.”

Oh, that’s just fucking perfect; I’m the pot of gold at the end of their rainbow.

Demons

Aubrey

Our room is morethan adequate, but being locked in this soon-to-be rocketing metal box isnotthe method of travel I would have preferred. Rennie looks just as unthrilled as he fusses with our things, but we both acknowledge that this journey would not have been possible in the air.

Well, with us in the air—and our delectable bunny hates planes, so…

Taking the train was less cramped than other land vehicles, but my dragon doesnotenjoy being caged. There’s a reason species like Renard’s and mine gravitate toward homes with towers and turrets and balconies. We like to escape into the sky when indoors becomes too stifling. The cats have no such worries; they’re fine with lounging about on any structure that will support their weight. I’m not saying that they do not relish the hunt, but for them, it’s more functional than nourishing.

“I don’t enjoy being trapped in a tin can for long stretches, either, Flames.”

My long-time mate knows my moods better than anyone, and I smile at him as I shift in the armchair. “It’s not just the dragon’s natural instincts, you know. If either of us is required to shift in defense…”

“It’ll take the fucking roof off of this thing.” The gargoyle arranges the toiletries we’ll want later on, then turns to me with a rueful expression. “Especially you. But this was the best option for getting to our destination without flying quickly. You were there when we discussed all the routes.”

“Yes, yes,” I say, waving my hand dismissively. “I know, but something about this has unsettled me. Besides you checking for bloodsuckers constantly and our woman vibrating with anxiety over all the new experiences coming at her, Felix is in general mode. Fitz is bouncing off the walls. And I know that’s all fairly normal at this point, butsomethingis bothering my dragon.”

Bothering him enough to make my grumpiness extra prickly.

“Oui, mon amour,” Renard agrees. He sits on the end of the bed, his handsome face full of fondness. “I would never tell you to ignore your inner beast. He’s seldom wrong, despite his lack of grace in communicating his thoughts. We were planning on being vigilant anyway, and I believe Felix’s choice of accommodations was wise.”

“It’s moderately secure. We are isolated enough for it to feel a bit safer than we would be amongst a larger crowd of other preds.” I rub my hand on my jaw, considering what the next move should be. “But in order to gather information from the general populace, we will need to visit the dining car.”

A light knock on the door interrupts my thoughts and smoke rings escape my nose. Rennie laughs, rising to head to the door. “You forgot we ordered refreshments.”

He’s right, but the darkness of my dragon fills my gaze as I watch him slide the door open to accept the sealed bottle and glasses. Once the tip is slipped to the valet and he gushes his thanks, my gargoyle pads back with a smirk that is infuriating. I give him a pointed look as he examines the seal. “You’re paying more attention to that than you did when you opened the door.”

“Of course I am. I could smell his intense cologne through it. This bottle, however, is sealed with wax and I would like to make certain it will not poison us or our family if we imbibe.”

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