Melody reached for her drink. “If we hadn’t sent them, we’d always be looking over our shoulders for assassins. Tak would’ve sent Lakota if he wasn’t the beta. He’s got experience as a bounty hunter. I’m not sure about Krys’s expertise, but he’s got big wolf energy, so…”
When a Mage by the front doors wielded an energy ball, bouncing it between his hands, everyone stopped what they were doing.
Calvin shot up. “You got two seconds to put that out before I shove a pool cue up your ass!”
Catcher shot across the bar and terrorized the Mage, who quickly snuffed out the light and sat down.
“Show-off,” Calvin grumbled before heading back to the bar.
I delved in my purse and retrieved the note Atticus had left me. I must have read it a million times since yesterday morning.
Joy,
I have gone to slay your dragons.
Forever yours,
Atticus
“Is that from Atticus?” Melody asked. “Can I see?”
I passed her the note and touched the dragonfly pendant around my neck. It was filled with diamonds—real ones. Sparkly things never impressed me, but this gift was special. Atticus wasn’t trying to buy my love—he already had it. The gift symbolized his commitment in the same way humans wore wedding rings. Once the baby came, I would wear it on special occasions since shifting could break jewelry or even injure us. This tangible bauble kept Atticus close to my heart.
“This is sweet.” Melody returned the note. “He’s a good man.”
I tucked the note back in my purse. “How did you know Lakota was the one?”
She gave me an impish grin. “Besides the fact he’s hot in bed?” Melody laughed. “I’ve had a crush on him since forever, but I’m not sure if there was a singular moment. Maybe when he saved me in a snowstorm, but I was just a teenager and didn’t know the difference between love and a crush. Lakota challenges me, and I need that kind of support with the business and everything. He’s nothing like the guys I dated in the past. Lakotawantsme to succeed and is genuinely interested in my work. Sometimes I think he pushes me more than he pushes himself. The mind boggles.”
“What about the other girls? How did they know?”
She shrugged. “Your guess is as good as mine. You know, I asked Cici once, and she told me she knew Archer was the one because he makes her laugh.”
“I don’t need laughter,” I admitted. It became apparent that each of us had different needs, and maybe part of love was finding someone who fulfilled them.
Melody leaned on the table and tucked her chin in her palm. “What do you like about Atticus? How does he make you feel?”
“Safe. But that’s not why I love him.” It was impossible to conceal my smile. “When he’s around, I feel like myself again—like the young woman I’d forgotten about. The one who loves to be silly and have deep conversations. I don’t have to pretend with him, and he doesn’t expect me to be anything or anyone. Maybe that’s all I’ve ever wanted—someone who loves me the way I am despite my size, my condition, my humdrum life, my uncertainty about everything. Even my manicure needs help.”
Melody put her hand over mine. “You’re gorgeous. And I don’t mean because of that whole Marilyn thing. You’re the kindest person I’ve ever met, always giving us hugs and asking how we’re doing. I’m not a very lovey-dovey girl who asks about people’s feelings. But you have this magic power of spotting when someone’s down or needs a friend. And don’t talk about your size. I’d kill for your figure.” She sat back. “Well, minus the baby.”
We both laughed.
Melody glanced down at her sweatshirt. “I’m small on top, if you know what I mean.”
“Weallknow what you mean,” Virgil murmured, his head on the table.
“You don’t want kids?” I asked.
She shook her head. “I’m not ready.”
“Neither was I, but here we are.”
I swung my attention up to Salem, who appeared at our table. “Where did you come from?”
He gripped the back of my chair. “I just finished a job down the road. Can we talk?” Salem’s brown eyes were far too serious, and I realized we’d both been avoiding a conversation that was long overdue.
As I stood, a twinge in my back made me wince. “We won’t be long.”
