“And Bayzon of Thirty-Six is the worst. Look at him right now, not even bothering to dress properly for the Dark Moon Costume Ball. He’s only dressed in formal attire and a simple mask. Who is he kidding? We all know it’s him because he’s the only one who doesn’t bother to wear a costume. Like he’s too good for the rest of us.”
“Why is Bayzon their crew leader? Why? He’s no leader.”
“I bet they’re all waiting to meet humans and take them as mates, that’s why they won’t test mating compatibility with a female of their own species.”
“They’re human-lovers,” one of them hisses. “All of them.”
And then one female glances over at me and her eyes widen because she knows I heard everything.
I give a rueful smile in return, not even trying to hide my eavesdropping.
She bites her lip and elbows the others.
“What?” one of them growls.
And then they all look over at me. They all just sniff the air, lift their chins and guide their group away from me, leaving the buffet line. No excuses or apologies, just disappearing into the crowd.
I chuckle and shake my head. Well, I don’t know whether or not to believe them, but they sure made Saxon’s brother, Bayzon, sound pretty terrible. Huh. And they said he wasn’t wearing a costume…
“Don’t let them bother you,” a warm voice says from behind me.
I turn to find a human woman smiling at me. She’s dressed as some kind of space pirate, complete with a fake blaster on her hip and an eye patch pushed up on her forehead. No mask, proving she’s already out of the game. This young woman has dark, curly hair that brushes her shoulders and her nails are painted a deep purple that matches her eyeshadow perfectly.
“I’m Roxy,” she says, extending her hand. “Cannibal’s wife. You must be Leah’s friend. She just sent us a text, letting us know you’re here and to check in on you.”
“I’m Naomi.” I shake her hand, relief flooding through me at finding another human. “You heard all that?”
“Hard not to.” She rolls her eyes. “Those particular females have been salty about the fever brothers for years. Don’t take it personally.”
Another woman appears at Roxy’s side; this one dressed as some kind of Xylan noblewoman in flowing silver robes. Alsohuman, with long dark hair and a sweet, delicate face. “Is this her? Leah’s friend?”
“This is Naomi,” Roxy confirms. “Naomi, this is Lila. She’s mated to Claws.”
“The tall one,” Lila adds with a shy smile. “Well, they’re all tall. But he’s the tallest.” She looks me up and down. “I love the dress, by the way. Very classic. Very, ‘I’m too cool for a costume.’”
I laugh. “I didn’t have time to put one together.”
“Sure, sure.” Roxy winks. “That’s what Bayzon says every year too.”
My cheeks heat at the mention of his name. Saxon’s brother is the mysterious brother I was eyeing and decided was too mean for consideration.
Roxy notices and exchanges a look with Lila. “So you’ve already spotted him,” she says, not quite a question.
“Hard not to,” I admit, echoing her earlier words. “He’s the only other person here not in costume.”
“Leah wants you to meet him tonight.”
“She does?”
“Yes,” Lila responds. “She thinks he might be a good match for you.”
I blink with surprise.
“Mmhmm.” Roxy grins. “And he’s been watching you all night. The brothers have been placing bets.”
My mouth drops open. “Bets on what?”
“On whether he’ll actually talk to you or just stand in the corner brooding until midnight.”
