Page 32 of Just a Friend for the Lion
“Duly noted, Tony. My bad.”
This is my life now.
A growling Gorilla offended by tuxedos and a date with destiny I already blew.
Fucking amazing.
Tricia Rodriguez, mynot-so-human resources personnel, a Bunny Shifter actually, pops her head in next.
Curvy and tall, all business, and scary efficient for someone with twitchy ears and a unicorn gel pen collection.
But she came highly recommended, so I gave her the job.
“Sir?” she says, one brow raised. “I heard a slur?”
“I know,” I mutter. “I’ll tell Tony I’m sorry again later.”
“I see.”
Her tone is neutral but pointed.
“Okay. As long as you’re aware that words carry weight and we strive for inclusive language.”
“I get it, Tricia. I do. I appreciate the accountability. But right now, I really need to leave before I’m late to a magical hellscape mixer with dozens of othersupes and one crazy ass magical matchmaker who may or may not have sealed my fate.”
Her ears perk. “Oh. Drama.”
“Yeah. And tuxedos. Send help.”
She grins. “You look nice, boss. And if you need any help?.”
Do I?I glance in the mirror again. The tux fits like it was conjured—because it was.
My jaw is tight, my eyes a little too wild, and my heart hasn’t stopped pounding since I thought about MJ in some kind of cocktail dress surrounded by hungry single supes.
I’m gonna lose my damn mind.
“Thanks, Tricia, I got it,” I mutter, grabbing the keys to my SUV, and the invitation etched in silver script.
She gives me a thumbs up and a smile.
“See ya later, Lion-o.”
What the?
I don’t answer.
Just stalk out, pulse hammering, tux choking, jaw clenched.
Because I might’ve screwed up before.
But this time?
I’m not walking away without a fight.
And if that means facing a mansionfull of enchanted candles, date-hungry Shifters, and possibly a Vampire or two, and one very pissed-off pizza queen?
So be it.
