“I thought you wanted me to clean up my potty mouth and subsequently my dirty commentary, as well,” Jen reminded her BFF.
Sally took a seat on the couch and leaned back, resting her hands on her small bump. “I mean, sometimes I do, and then sometimes I’m like, ‘wow, life is so boring without Jen’s perverted word-vomiting.’”
“’Tis true,” Bethany added. She took a seat next to Sally after having laid Hope down in one of the cribs. “You make life so much more interesting. Even if it means you will corrupt our children. That’s the price of entertainment.”
Jen threw up her hands. “I’m not a damn television show. Geez. Seriously, I could be a lot worse.”
Bethany grinned. “I feel like that’s something we should take bets on. How dirty could Jen get before Decebel stepped in and duct taped her mouth?”
“Hm, that has potential. If I get desperately bored, we will readdress the issue.” Jen laid back on the floor and put her hands behind her head. “I’m exhausted from turning Trigger into a real wolf. I need a nap.”
“I was a real wolf before, Aunt Justine,” Titus quipped.
“Just keep telling yourself that, Pinocchio.” Jen sighed and closed her eyes. She forced herself not to think about Decebel and what he might be dealing with. Instead, she took several deep breaths and allowed herself to imagine what Thia would be like in her wolf form. Her daughter was going to kick ass and take names. And also, possibly dismember her enemies. Jen probably should be more disturbed than proud of that fact, but then Thia was her kid. What did she really expect?
“Don’t forget you owe me money, Aunt Jen. I pinned you to the floor.” She felt Titus lie down next to her and then snuggle up against her.
“Shut up and let me sleep. I’ll pay you when I wake up,” Jen said, though there was no heat in her words. The little wolf pressed closer to her, and Jen leaned her head over until her cheek pressed to the top of his head. “I’m proud of you, Titus,” she whispered.
“I know,” he whispered just as softly. “And I’m glad you’re the one who helped it happen.”
“You need to see this,” Sally said as soon as Costin appeared with the rest of the hunting party in the large gathering room. The hunters were each making their way to their respective mates. Sally saw Costin’s eyes still held a pale glow, the after effects of the chase.
Costin grinned, dimples on full display. Something that could only be described as gore covered his body, and he stunk … bad. She glanced around and saw the other hunters similarly covered. Sally wondered how in the world they could stand themselves. “I want to see anything you have to show me, baby. Shall we get out of here? Or not … if you’re feeling adventurous.”
“And the after-hunt endorphin rush has kicked in.” Jen sauntered into the room and took a huge sniff. “Ah, and the smell of the kill still clings heavy to these hunters. I so wish I could have joined. Oh, well. The after-hunt foreplay is almost as good. Let the mating begin.”
Sally was glad Decebel wasn’t around to hear that. She only hoped Jen had the bond closed.
Costin moved to Sally, but she held up a hand. “Sorry, handsome, but you’re not touching me until all of that”—she motioned to his body—“is cleaned off.”
“Thankfully, I have powerful friends. Any awesome fae want to help a wolf out?” Costin glanced around the room. Sally didn’t see which fae was responsible, but a second later, her mate was completely clean. Costin looked down at himself and then back at Sally. “Well, I guess we’re good to go, Brown Eyes. Come here and show me what you got.”
Sally shook her head. “Nope. You come with me, and we’re not going to our bedroom.”
“So, you are feeling adventurous?”
Sally made a loud buzzing sound. “Eh, wrong. Get your mind out of the gutter for a second.” She waved him to follow her. “I promise this is so much better than that.”
“It’s totally not,” Jen called out. “I mean, what she’s going to show you is cool, but not better than that.”
Sally grabbed Costin’s hand and pulled him with her, headed toward the nursery. “You’re not going to believe this.”
“Okay, something to do with the nursery? Is this why your thoughts have been about nothing else but what our nursery is going to look like?” She could feel his attitude shift from bedroom time to curiosity about what had her so excited. “I gotta say, Sally-mine. I’m happy you’re throwing yourself into this whole domesticated life, motherhood thing. But if you think nursery decor is better than intimacy with me, then I am seriously doing something wrong.”
“Shh, just shut your mouth and wait a second. You are going to love this.” They reached the door and stopped. She held up a hand to keep Costin quiet. Sally raised her voice and threw it toward the bedroom. “Of course, Costin. Titus is right in here. I know you’re excited to be home. Titus wants to show you something.” The look on her face was one of anticipation, like a kid on Christmas morning.
Costin’s face was a look of confusion. “Why are you being weird? And why are you yelling at the bedroom door?” Costin reached for the doorknob.
Sally slapped his hand. “Wait.”
He pulled it back quickly. “You just accomplished what no vampire could do tonight, Sally-mine.”
She cocked her head at him. “Did a vampire seriously try to slap your hand away?” Sally couldn’t help but laugh at the vision of a hissing vampire slapping at Costin like a teenage girl fight.
“No, smart-ass.” He growled playfully. “I meant touch me. They couldn’t lay a finger on me. I was moving like lightning tonight.”
“Then why were you so gross?”
