“Well—” I blink when he interrupts me.
“Why didn’t you call before?” he asks.
“We should have been here supporting you,” Bash says, and my eyes widen.
“He was worried,” Marie says.
“You need your family around you,” River grumbles, crossing his arms.
“You look fierce,” Saphira whispers, wiggling her eyebrows.
“Definitely,” Roxanne agrees.
“It’s official,” Allie says, clapping her hands. “Sister.” She grins.
“I don’t check the texts,” Quinn says, scowling. “So, imagine my surprise when I checked the security tapes at the office. I wanted to make sure Fredrick didn’t pay us a visit. Instead, I see the three of you. Sally was blurring, her fangs showing.”
“My fangs were out?” I ask, tilting my head toward Luca.
“Yes,” he answers, his lips pressing together.
“Huh? I didn’t know.” I move my tongue around my mouth. “They aren’t now.”
“Can I see them?” Roxanne asks.
“I want to, too,” Saphira whispers to Roxanne.
“It was personal,” Atlas grits out. “Sally wanted to complete the bond. I wasn’t going to call all of you and get permission. Shade has the area protected, and your office. She made it through the transition in record time, and as you can see, she’s fine.”
“But what if she wasn’t?” Heath says softly, stepping forward. Jules grips his arm tightly, her face pinched. Bane and Hunter follow their boss, quiet but watchful.
“We would have reached out,” Luca says.
“She’s happy. Look at her.” Rowen is leaning against the counter, separate from the crowd. “Leave her the fuck alone. They didn’t want a crowd interrupting their moment. Get over it.”
“Rowen,” I sigh happily. I’m surprised he’s here. Despite his protests, I put him on the group text.
“He’s right,” Ava says. “You look beautiful.”
“Leave them alone,” Kerian says. “Most of you would have preferred being alone during the transition.”
“Are you happy?” Micah asks.
“I am.” I squeeze my boyfriends’ arms and move toward him. “I’m safe. Blurring was super fun, and I’m excellent at it.” I can feel the humor through the bond. “My mates said so,” I add. Micah glances behind me and shakes his head.
“I’d love to blur with you. Be witness to your skills,” he says, raising his brows.
“Maybe another time,” I say quickly. “Since we’re all here, we should make a plan. Fredrick needs to die today.” We all turn when the door opens, and Elijah steps through.
“Damn, I’m missing the party,” he drawls.
“Why are you here? Where’s Saylor?” I ask.
“The dragons are with her. Penny is snuggling the baby, and my brothers are guarding them,” he says, coming forward. I lose my breath when he pushes his hat back with his hand. A yellow flower is clenched in his fingers. “Who’s leaving flowers by your door?” It’s the same flower, a daffodil. Everyone looks at me. Something is going on, Dad wouldn’t leave so many flowers within a week.
“It’s not important,” I say, reaching out to snag it. “Let’s decide on the plan.”
“Sally, what’s going on?” Micah asks, narrowing his eyes. “Are you in trouble?” I bite my lip and back up. Thankfully, Atlas presses against my back, and Luca grabs my hand. I’ve kept my secrets for too long. I don’t know why I didn’t tell them.