Page 28

Wings

“B e careful with that, Seer!” I holler across the room. My friend is swishing around the now complete studio, delivering coffees from the diner to the crew of misfits working to get me ready for the grand opening.

Teddy is on a ladder with one leg hooked around the side as he uses his long limbs to hang the banner in the front window. He nearly gave me a heart attack four times today as he climbed around the room, and every time he strikes a dangerous pose, I feel panic grip my chest. Wolfie laughs from where he’s meticulously checking every piece of art hanging to ensure its level. The labels are correct, and the lighting is showcasing the work appropriately.

“Magpie, she’s nowhere near the art. Don’t worry; we all know the rules about drinks in the gallery,” Prez says, coming up behind me and rubbing my shoulders reassuringly.

“I know. I can’t help being nervous, though. This is a big event, and I know there will be people here who will actively work against me. It’s making me a little compulsive,” I reply, turning to steal a quick kiss.

After we set our boundaries and had mind-blowing sex, the four of us found a day-to-day routine that surprised the hell out of me. They almost never go home, which I thought would make me feel crowded, but with Seer camped out in her own place, it feels right.

Wolfie helped me move all the fabulous clothes belonging to my mom into the master bedroom closet, and they’ve taken over the one in the guest room. Luckily, it was also a walk-in, and they had everything from scrubs to suits stored in their sections. Again, I thought it would make me panic to see it, but I just smiled and threw my hands around the vet’s neck to kiss him breathlessly.

I don’t know where lone wolf Jolene went, but I guess when I woke up in my bed with three men snuggled against me and a corset biting into my ribs, she took an extended vacation.

Outside of ribbing my guys about abandoning their homes, I’ve accepted the routine of having breakfast together after our early morning run, parting ways to head to work, and meeting for dinner. We’re not always all together because of various appointments, practices, or commitments, but we fall into bed in my room when we arrive home. It’s comfortable, and just thinking about it makes my heart thump a little.

“Sugarplum, are you thinking about something naughty?” Wolfie says, sidling up to Prez and me with a grin. “Your cheeks are the most adorable shade of primrose I’ve ever seen.”

Wrinkling my nose, I swat him playfully. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”

“La, la, la, la, la!” Seer shouts, handing Prez his chai tea and Wolfie his fruity pink drink. “Peanut, I know I’ve been part of the festivities in the past, but you’re going to burn me virgin eyes if you keep going!”

“Her eyes are the only thing virgin about her then,” Teddy mutters loudly enough that we can all hear him.

Seer’s expression shifts to glare and she turns on her heel and stomps over to the man monkeying around the window. “Aye, lad. It’d be true, but I doubt you want me to recount all the non-virgin things I’ve seen your precious Tilly do, eh? There was this one time, in Bangkok, where we decided to…”

“Enough, you demented leprechaun!” he growls, jumping down from the top of the ladder with the grace of a fucking panther. “Haven’t you reached your ‘Edgar torture’ quota for the day?”

My bestie cackles, putting her hands on her hips. “Never! I’ll never reach that quota, even if I live a million years!”

Teddy ignores her, striding over to swoop me into his arms and kiss the shit out of me. When he pulls away to allow us to breathe, I run my fingers through his hair with a soft smile. “She’s baiting you, silly man. Don’t let her get under your skin. The past is the past.”

He grumbles under his breath, and I hold my arm up, showcasing the ridiculously expensive jadeite and black opal cuff. They set the stones in a wide platinum band in a shape that looks like a snake winding its way around my wrist. It was a surprise gift the boys brought home two weeks ago, claiming it was our one-month anniversary.

After scolding them for not telling me, this was an important date—because when the hell had I ever kept someone this long—I ordered three matching bands for their Apple watches from a master jeweler I worked for.

“I know, Tilly. I’m an asshole at heart, though. I can’t help it.”

“You got that in one,” Presley says, lifting me out of his arms to spin me around. “When are the caterers coming to set up, magpie?”

I check my watch and sigh. “In two hours. Are you going to pick up the animals on your way home, Teddy?”

Wolfie laughs, shaking his head. “No, I am. Jekyll and Hyde won’t get in his car, even if Kali and Hecate try to push them in. It’s pretty funny to watch.”

“I don’t blame them. He drives like a maniac,” I grin, squealing when Teddy delivers a firm smack on my ass in retaliation.

“We reconvene here in two hours, dressed to kill. That’s the plan, aye, Peanut?” Seer asks.

I nod, looking at the boys. “Prez, if you could grab dinner, we can eat while we dress. Teddy, you can get the flowers from... WAP.” I frown, hating that name every time I say it. It doesn’t help that it’s owned by Dorothy Elizabeth Hale—the crusty old bat who gave birth to Jillian Marie Remington. Much like Zelda, she’s made it her mission to be shitty with me, although I gave her my business.

“I love the face you make when you’re forced to say that name. I wish Doyle was around to see it,” Edgar says, giving me a wink. “I’ll see if I can charm her.”

“Alright, team. Break!” I clap my hands like Teddy does at practice and everyone groans.

What? I thought it was cute.

* * *

“Jolene! You look lovely, as always. They have transformed the space since I last visited,” Mayor Cornelia Sykes says, sipping her champagne delicately. She’s looking rather resplendent in a brightly colored caftan and sandals, her long hair threaded with colors and swinging at her waist.

I smile brightly, tugging at the lapels of the black satin Armani tux jacket. Seer had her way with some pieces of the couture that belonged to my mom last week, and she insisted this suit paired with the five inch Louboutins would blow the faces off my critics. I’m not so sure, given that she tailored the jacket with boning and forbade me to wear a shirt underneath.

“Thank you, Nelia. It’s a hand-me-down from my mother, and she always encouraged my art. I feel it’s a nice tribute for this evening.”

Nelia arches her brow at me. “Jolene Whitley, I knew your mother and if anyone encouraged your artistic side, it was Andrew. But I appreciate your manners in not saying so. Eloise had a stunning wardrobe for official events and I’m pleased to see it serving you well.”

Zareb tosses his mane next to her, and I watch him. He walks forward, bending at the front paws and putting his head down at my feet. What the hell? I look at Nelia in a panic, but she only laughs. Edgar chooses that moment to walk up behind me and place his enormous hands on my shoulders. His proximity calms me, and I take a slow breath.

“Don’t worry, Miss Whitley. Zareb is only showing you he won’t harm you. In fact, this position shows deference. I’ve never seen him do it for anyone but me before.”

I gape at the Mayor, unsure what to say to that. Why on earth would her companion show me deference? Jekyll and Hyde stroll up, brushing my fingertips on either side, dropping into a similar position facing Zareb.

Okay, this is getting weird.

“Looks like we’ve found allies, drugar ,” Teddy says, his chest rumbling against my back. “I’d never turn down such a gracious offer, Mayor, nor would my lovely girlfriend.”

Is there a shock quotient for less than five minutes? I may be at mine. I hear a gasp from across the room, then the buzz of people talking in the crowd. Teddy just dropped a gossip bomb in the loudest, clearest voice possible. The animals stand, and Euryale screeches from the perch Wolfie made for her high in the corner across the room. Kali and Hecate join the animals crowded around us with a low ‘woof’, and I feel claustrophobic.

A loud whistle sounds from the door to the back room, and I see Prez wink. For someone so quiet, he seems to always have a bead on how I’m feeling. I give him a grateful smile, watching the cats and dogs wind their way to the back for treats.

The Mayor smiles at me, her eyes knowing. “I see you’ve found admirers. That’s good—a lady should never be without a cadre of trusted associates who would burn the world for her.”

I tilt my head, studying her for a moment. “You seem to do well on your own, Nelia.”

Her laugh is rich as her eyes twinkle. “My polycule is never far, but seldom seen. They move with the shadows, so no one mistakes my femininity with weakness. Perhaps I will invite you to dinner one night once you’ve assembled your consorts.”

“Her what?” Teddy cuts in, his hands tightening on my shoulders.

“Young Boone, you may have a name, money, and a title, but you’d do well to remember who I am.” Her reproachful stare makes him shrink the tiniest bit, but I don’t comment on it. “However, I understand not everyone present knows the same amount of information as me, so I’ll forgive your impertinence—this time.”

With that, she swishes away with Zareb in tow, and I watch her with interest. I swear, I didn’t think there was a person alive who could make Edgar Olivier Boone III cringe. But he’s muttering under his breath, so I turn to drop a kiss on his jaw. He calms slightly, and I wrap my arms around him.

I know there are eyes on us; I can feel them. I can’t find it in me to care what people think about my unconventional home life anymore. Teddy chuckles and presses a kiss into my hair, rubbing his cheek against it for a moment before speaking.

“You realize this is going to paint a target on your back even bigger than before? So far, the harpies have seen you kiss me, snuggle with the vet, and watched the doc tame our pets. It’s going to get around.”

I shrug. “Let them talk. It’s what people here do best.”

Laughing softly, he lets go of me. “I’ll remember you said that. For now, go schedule classes at the desk. Some ladies are lingering there with claws at the ready. Best get them settled before blood is drawn.”

“I do NOT promise to keep Eury from pecking them to death.”

“Well, as long as you have a plan…”