Aurelia sucked in a hissed breath. “Wishes can be a dangerous desire.” I gave Aurelia a consoling coo. As a djinn, it was understandable why she detested the wordwish.Walking closer, Aurelia’s Caribbean-blue eyes covetously stared at me. “You are a remarkable creature. Should you ever tire of your current tribe, seek me out.”
I don’t think Aurelia heard my hiss of displeasure. She vanished too soon for that.
“She’s always such a pleasure,” Phlox said, voice laden with sarcasm.
“Hush,” Peaches scolded. “Aurelia’s had a rough life.”
Phlox shook his head. “Honest to the Goddess, I have no idea if you’re a fool or genius, Peaches. Regardless, I’m glad it’s you holding Aurelia’s leash.” Phlox gave a full-body shiver.
“A sentiment I wholeheartedly agree with, beloved.” Leon stroked his lean fingers through the length of Phlox’s uniquely colored hair.
Dillon and Ruthie sat on their haunches, tongues hanging out and heavily panting. Sedrick looked down on his niece and nephew with a mix of pride and exasperation. “Did you bring a change of clothes for them, Phil?”
“The bag’s in the truck,” Phil answered.
Sedrick’s large palm stroked down his chin. “You two wanna change back, or do you want to ride in the truck bed back to the house?”
Dillon gave a low woof while Ruthie nudged Sedrick’sthigh with her large head. “Back of the truck it is then. Ray, Wendall, it’s been…exciting, but I think it’s best I get these two back home. Lucroy, I’m happy to return after to help clean up.”
“While your assistance is appreciated, it is unnecessary. This will not take long,” Lucroy answered.
“Yeah, we’ve got this. No problem,” Peaches agreed, already flying high and heading to a far corner. He picked up a chair, looked it over for damage, and set it on top of the table. The next chair he came to he tossed into the center of the room.
Vander’s gaze wandered the room before he offered, “If you collect all the stuff that’s trashed, I can turn the remainder to ash. It’ll be easier to get rid of that way.”
“Thank you, Warlock Kines,” Leon answered as he too began sifting through the damage.
“We can help!” Wendall made to step forward, but Lucroy and Leon held their hands up in unison.
“It is your bonding night,” Lucroy said. “As I said earlier, this will take little time to set to rights.”
“But—”
“But nothin’, kid,” Johnny scolded as he hopped down from the bar, Lizbeth close behind. “Like the boss said, we’ve got this. You two go get frisky between the sheets.” Johnny made some type of lewd hip thrusting motion that made Wendall’s skin burn like fire. Johnny just threw his head back and cackled.
“Ray, we should—”
“We should do as our friends say.” Ray kissed the side of Wendall’s head. He probably would have kissed the top if I hadn’t already claimed that particular patch of real estate. “Come. It’s been a busy day.”
Wendall’s fingers dug into my fur, scratching my body and sending my soul thrumming with pleasure.
“I’m sure Trinket’s tired,” Wendall thoughtfully said.
“I’m certain she is,” Ray readily agreed. “Shall we go home?”
Wendall scanned the bar, still uncertain. Groaning, I tapped my feet on his head, shifting my body back and forth. My belly was full, and they were right—I was tired. I wanted to curl up in a ball and sleep. Later, when Ray and Wendall’s bedroom quieted, I’d head in there, roll on my back, and air out my belly. I’d definitely wait until the moans and groans settled.
“O-okay,” Wendall finally relented. “Thank you all. I…I’m sorry for how things turned out.”
“Pfft,” Lizbeth blew out a huff. “Don’t be. This is the most exciting wedding reception I’ve ever been to. God knows it beats the hell out of my brother’s boring-as-shit reception.” She rolled her eyes. “And my friends wonder why I love coming into work. They are never going to believe this shit.” Lizbeth chuckled as she swept up broken glass. “Skeets! I’m probably the only human that’s even seen one.”
“And lived to tell the tale,” Ray said, voice too low for Lizbeth to hear.
Wendall’s head cocked to the side, and I dug my claws in tighter, holding on. “Sounds like they’re kicking us out.”
“Then let us take the hint.” Ray opened a portal. I noticed his eyes scanned the area. “Any trespassers, Trinket?”
I shook my body and widely yawned before settling more comfortably on Wendall’s head. The portal was blessedly clear. By the time Wendall and Ray stepped through the portal, I was fighting to keep my eyes open. Satisfaction sang through my soul. Because of me, my tribe was safe. I would protect Wendall and Ray with my life. They were so very lucky to have me.
