Page 79 of Bruised MC Bear

“Seriously?”

“No man. I’m kidding. What do I look like, a zookeeper?”

He reared back with laughter.

“We should have a plan for what to do if you or your buddies change to your bears.”

“We’re covered, I think.”

I finished my coffee and got to my feet. “Good. You worry about that part, and I’ll handle the wedding details. Don’t stress out about it at all. Everything’s set for today. The bridal events manager of the hotel assured me the ballroom is decorated to Angel’s exact requirements. Our tuxedos from the tailor are in my suite, and…” I tapped the breast pocket of my suit. “I’ve got the rings right here.”

“Awesome. The ladies will be busy this morning.”

“Nice. That means we can have that round of golf after all.”

“And a couple hours of high-stakes gambling. I can’t miss watching you rake it in at the high rollers tables. You wear a mean poker face.”

Angel and Sonya walked in together just then. Both were wearing sunglasses.

“Good morning, ladies,” I greeted them.

“What so good about it?” Angel groaned.

“Don’t mind the bride-to-be, guys,” Sonya informed us, making a point not to look directly at me. “She’s still a little hungover.”

Axe smiled. “She’ll get over it. I’m sure it beats the pre-wedding nerves.”

“Probably.” Sonya tilted her head in thought. “Isn’t it bad luck for the bride and groom to see each other on their wedding day?”

“Luck? We’ve screwed Luck right up the ass, and with his own damn horseshoe. We’re getting married on Halloween.” Axe had a playful look in his eye, which was a good sign. It meant he was comfortable with Sonya. “So Sonya, I didn’t get to tell you this … I love the fact that the woman I’m about to marry has a best friend like you.”

“That’s sweet. How do you mean?”

“I never have to worry when she’s out with you. You can rip a person to shreds just for looking at her funny.”

“That’s right,” she agreed. “I’m a badass she-bitch, and I can hold my liquor.” She lifted both hands with her fingers in the rocker sign of the horns. When she remembered that I was in the room, she lowered her hands and cleared her throat, resuming her formality, as if she didn’t know how to act around me.

Angel found the closest sofa and slumped down into it. “Somebody get me some coffee. Stat. I can barely see straight. And some aspirin. And whatever hangover remedy you know of. I’ve got a full day and no time for this … this…” she rested her head back and pulled her fall jacket over her face.

“I’ll get the aspirin,” Sonya announced, and left.

Axe filled a mug of coffee and took it to her. “Looks like you ladies went all out last night for the bachelorette party.”

“Hi honey,” Angel purred, then groaned again. “Trust me, you don’t want to know. I feel like crap.”

He sat beside her and pulled her into his lap, kissing the top of her head. “What happens in Vegas, dot dot dot,” he teased.

I headed for the door to return to my room for a few things. “I’ll be back, you two. Golf is in twenty, Axe.”

“We’ll be here.”

Sonya was in the hallway when I stepped outside. I stood in the doorway.

“Had a good evening?”

She nodded. “I did. Are you going to let me pass?”

“Eventually. I thought you might want to talk. You know, clear the air so there isn’t all this tension between us.”