Page 95 of Moonlight Hearts

Rae looked sparkly.They had a casserole dish, and unless I was mistaken, there was a lot of pride on their face when they nudged the other teenager forward.

“No, that’s Sophie.This is Ella.They’re dating.Ella, say hi to Amory.”

“Hi to Amory,” said the other teen.The bold eyeliner made it somewhat difficult to tell, but there was a definite resemblance to Rae.

Sophie groaned and bowed her head at me.“She means well, Mr.Saintclair.She’s an outstanding student.The principal at our school even said that her calligraphy contest entry was exemplary.”

My eyebrows shot up at that.“You guys have calligraphy at your school?That’s cool.I was in the calligraphy club at my school.”

Ella looked unimpressed and moved the plastic container she was carrying from one hand to the other.“It’s not like I even wanted to enter the contest.It was mandatory.”

“You still did really well,” Rae said.“Come on, let’s not stand in the doorway.”

“Good idea.”But before I closed the door, I heard the elevator open and turned to the teenage werewolf.“Sophie, can you take the pies into the kitchen, please?Hand them off to Soyer.”

“Of course, Mr.Saintclair.”

And off she went while Ella rolled her eyes at her girlfriend in an oddly adorable way.

I looked to the elevator only to see Kasey, his snakes out in the open, Ant, and Ben.Kasey was carrying what looked like a big sack, not unlike Santa’s.

“Hey, guys.What’s that?”

“Me and my new helpers here made chili,” Kasey said with a wide grin, his snakes dancing and looking around curiously.“Thought it could be good in case anyone needs a change from all the themed food.Wrapped it in a pillow cover to keep it warm, but I think we should reheat it.”

Ant nodded.“It’s really good chili.Having a professional cook make it makes a huge difference.Don’t believe anyone who tells you it’s the spices.”

“Sous chef,” I said, just as Kasey said, “Thanks.”

I got them all inside and moving in the general direction of the kitchen, then closed the door.Laura was excitedly telling Dwayne how the juicer worked while Elias was topping off his beetroot and something juice with a lot of vodka, Simeon and Valentin touching-close to him, as if they didn’t want him to get lost in the small crowd that had gathered in our home.

Soyer walked past Kasey and the others to get to me, but waved in the general direction of the table.“There are hot pads.Put that pot on the table.”

Kasey gave a sharp nod, his snakes joining in the motion.“Yes, boss.”

Soyer put his arms around my waist.“My heart, did you permit those Star-Garbed wolves to make you pie?”

“Uhhh.I mean, Jules asked if I like pie.Everyone likes pie, that’s what I said.More or less.”

He sighed and leaned into me.“How were you supposed to know how manipulative they can be, how conniving?I shouldn’t have let you wander around all by yourself, all friendly and smiling at people.It’s not good for the world.”

I glanced at everyone.Our friends were moving around the table, examining the place settings Soyer had been so fussy about, talking, and smiling.I felt at ease here.I felt safe here.I buried my hand in Soyer’s hair, caressed his scalp.

“How is smiling not good for the world?”

He frowned.“That question, Amory, tells me you don’t know how sweet you are.Like ambrosia.How would you understand what that does to other people?”

“You’re so weird sometimes.I’m not ambrosia.Hey, did I say thank you for cooking?”

“What?Could you repeat that?I didn’t quite hear you.”

I smiled against his hair.“Thank you for cooking for us, Soyer.Everything looks delicious.”

“You’re welcome, my heart.I hope you enjoy what I made.”

“The cider’s good and so are your cookies.I don’t know how anything you make would be not good.Should we—”

“Mr.Bennet, where are the champagne glasses?”Vico asked.He’d wandered into the kitchen after all.