Despite the gravity of the situation, I can't help but snort.
I sigh, running a hand through my hair, needing to calm down. "Couldn't you have scheduled the werewolf home invasion for next week? I had plans to binge-watch The Bachelor and eat my weight in ice cream."
Emily lets out a choked laugh, the sound somewhere between a sob and a snort. "Oh, well, excuse the fuck out of me, your highness. Next time, I'll be sure to clear my calendar of any pesky supernatural attacks before I pencil in your pity party. Wouldn't want to interrupt your crucial self-care routine."
"Damn right," I shoot back, forcing a grin even though she can't see it. "A girl's gotta have her priorities, you know. Saving the world is important and all, but so is maintaining my flawless complexion."
Emily groans, and I can literally hear her eyes rolling through the phone. "You're a real piece of work, you know that? I'm over here fighting off werewolves and trying not to piss myself from fear, and you're worried about your fucking skincare routine."
"Hey, if we're gonna go down in flames, I'm gonna do it looking fabulous," I quip, yanking clothes off my hangers. "Besides, someone's gotta keep up morale around here. Might as well be the resident hottie with the killer sense of humor."
Emily snorts. "You're impossible, you know that? But I love you anyway, you ridiculous bitch."
I feel a surge of warmth in my chest at her words, a reminder of our unbreakable bond. "Love you too, Em," my throat tight with emotion."Okay, you two stay put and keep your heads down. I will round up the cavalry and figure out our next move."
Emily laughs, the sound a little more genuine this time. "Got it. Just...be careful, okay? I have a feeling this is just the beginning. And Dani?"
"Yeah?"
"I know you've got your vampire beefcake and his merry band of misfits watching your back, but still. I can't lose you."
A sense of foreboding settles in my gut. "I know," my voice barely above a whisper. "But we'll get through this, Em. We always do."
"You all should get the hell out of there and lay low until we meet," Emily warns, her voice turning serious. "There's no telling what those fury pricks might do."
"Got it."
I hang up and grab my bag. Time to play a game of 'How much shit can I fit into one suitcase?' I start throwing things in haphazardly—clothes, shoes, my fun little rose vibrator Rhyland got me. You know, the essentials.
Lucian and Erik burst into the room like they are auditioning for an action movie. "We heard everything," they say in unison.
"I knew it was those werewolf fucks." Rhyland starts helping me pack, his muscles flexing in a way that's totally unnecessary but greatly appreciated.
Seraphina floats in, all angelic and concerned. "What can I do to help?"
Lucian turns to her, cupping her face in his hands like she's the most precious thing in the universe. "Nothing, baby girl," planting a kiss on her lips that's sweeter than a unicorn's fart. "Your presence is enough, beautiful."
Seraphina practically melts, a goofy smile spreading across her face.
I smirk at the two new lovebirds, "Hate to interrupt, but we've got a slight problem. Where the hell are we supposed to go?"
"I know where we can go," Lucian says, turning back to us with a smirk. "I've got a place that's so secret, even the CIA doesn't know about it."
I raise an eyebrow, skeptical as hell. "I don't think Karma will cut it this time, Luci. We need somewhere completely off the grid, somewhere that—"
"I know, I know," he cuts me off, waving his hand like he's swatting a fly. "Like I said, I've got a place. It's my super-secret, ultra-exclusive bachelor pad out on Mercer Island. It's got everything we need—a hot tub, a fully stocked bar, and a view that'll make you cream your panties."
Rhyland's head snaps up, his eyes narrowing. "Since when do you have a fucking house, dickwad?"
Lucian grins, all smug and self-satisfied. "Since I bought it years ago, dumbass. What, did you think I spent all my money on hookers and blow?"
I snort, shaking my head. Only Lucian could make a safe house sound like a fucking frat party.
"Alright, enough with the real estate chit-chat," I say, zipping up my suitcase with a flourish. "We need to get out of Dodge before the wolf pack returns for round two."
As Rhyland finishes packing up my belongings, I survey the wreckage of my apartment, my heart heavy with memories. Every shattered piece tells a story of the life I've built here, the love that has seeped into these walls.
But now, amidst the ruins, I realize that the warmth and comfort have been stripped away, replaced by a hollow emptiness. The werewolf attack, the theft of the Soul Stone, the violation of my sanctuary—it's tainted everything.
