“Niya, we’re going to get you cleaned up. Give you a massage so your muscles don’t cramp. How’s that sound?”
I hummed in reply, too gone to form words.
Familiar arms lifted me—Alic—holding me like I was breakable. I could hear Ras in the private shower, telling him to hand me over. Alic’s fingers tightened, Ras scoffed, and Van started to tell them not to fight, but I didn't say a single word.
I learned from my mom that sometimes, you just needed to let your mates figure it out.
Eventually, they all took turns cleaning me like I was precious. Each one quietly claimed a piece of me as they washed away the mess while I drifted.
When I was lowered back into fresh, warm sheets, Van’s lips brushed against my cheek, giving me a sweet kiss. “I’ll close the night out. You’ve had enough fun for one evening.”
And for once… I let go. Let them lead. Let them care for me.
For once, I wasn’t the owner of the Winged Palace. I wasn’t the Glovefox boss.
I was just theirs.
* Song: High Off Her by Tennessee Reaper
36
ANIYAH
“What’s different?” Calix asked as he and Nova strolled into my office.
I didn’t look up from my computer. No way was I telling them I’d sealed a mate bond withfivesupernatural beings just a few floors above us last night. Hell,Icould barely believe it.
Eventually, I’d have to tell them, especially about how the tattoo we all got wasn’t as foolproof as we thought. That kind of news couldn’t stay buried, but for now… for a few more days… I wanted time to myself and my mates.
“Also, where the hell did you go?” Calix continued, flopping onto the couch with all the drama of a wronged royal. “You seriously ditched us with ourgrandfathers, at asex club! That was a great bonding experience.”
“Did they give you the whole baby-making guilt trip, too?” I asked, hoping to change the subject.
Nova let out a soul-deep sigh and collapsed beside him. “Fucking hell. Don’t remind me.” She rubbed her temple like she was nursing a trauma.
I winced. Ididfeel a little bad for leaving them to babysit the elders while I got railed into oblivion.
“Why’re they so obsessed with babies?” Calix shrieked. “Is it some you-want-what-you-can’t-have thing?”
My lips twitched as I turned toward them, chin resting on my knuckles. “Well, they probably stillcan… especially if all the parts still work.”
“Don’t you dare,” Calix snapped, pointing at me like I’d threatened national security. “You’ve maxed out your quota for inappropriate comments this month.”
“The month?!” I gasped, eyes wide. “Try a week.Tops. Be fucking reasonable.” My inner voice, smug and wicked, whispered,If only you knew what I did last night. That would probably blow through the quota for the quarter.
My phone buzzed. I glanced down, seeing a text from Riot.
Riot:Heard night was a success. Good job. Love ya.
A soft laughescaped as I typed back a quick thank you. That was as close to affection as Riot, the black sheep of our family, ever got.
“What?” Calix asked, craning his neck as if he could read over my desk.
“Riot,” I replied smoothly. “She said last night was amazing. Better than the original opening. She’s so proud of me. Sad shemissed it and said she’ll see me soon.” I smiled right through the lie.
Nova cackled. Calix groaned.
“There isnofucking way she said more than eight words,” he accused.
