Then my eyes caught a specific book’s spine.
Squeaky Clean: Pool Toy Enthusiasts & Their History.
As if by instinct, I stared at the book. It felt like a miracle dropped into my hands. Without a second thought, I grabbed it and walked with slow confidence to where Gaius and Jade stood.
I didn’t know what possessed me, but I was dead certain this was the right choice. The tranquil feeling only deepened as I locked eyes with Jade and handed over the book.
Jade stared at the cover. “This is...”
Gaius joined him in looking at it, though his expression was puzzled. “Huh. That wouldn’t be my first choice, but it’s an interesting one. Well, Jade? Final answer?”
Jade’s eyes glimmered like sunlit emeralds as he met my gaze. “If there was one person here who could win this challenge, it would you, Alaric.”
My heart soared.
“He wins,” Jade told Gaius with a playful shrug.
Gaius belly-laughed. “You’re a mysterious one, aren’t you? Attention, folks! We’ve got ourselves a winner for the second challenge!”
I’d done it.
Jade’s mouth curved into a pleased yet smug smile. It was almost like he’d set this up on purpose. Did hewantme to win?
“Is this even your favorite book?” I asked under my breath.
“One of them,” Jade conceded, pushing up his glasses playfully.
I snorted. “You truly are a bastard man.”
“It sounds like a compliment, coming from you.”
I blushed. It wasn’tnota compliment. As he turned the book over in his hand, I noticed a familiar smell coming from it. Jade’s scent.
“Is this the only book from your actual library?” I asked.
His eyes sparkled. “Yes. How did you know?”
Gods, this was mortifying.
“It smells like you,” I said, suddenly flustered. “Besides, you wouldn’t allow your precious collection to soak up humidity outside. I figured you’d only spare one book for the challenge—the real one.”
He beamed brighter. “You’re a clever kitty, Alaric.”
I despised the way that made me shudder. He knew how to tick all my boxes—and he ticked them hard.
11
Jade
My brothers went backto basics with the second challenge reward: a classic moonlit dinner date. That was fine by me. As long as I got to be with Alaric, the occasion didn’t matter. But I knew my kitten’s preferences—he loved being treated to luxurious experiences. To make sure everything was perfect, I couldn’t help but stick my nose into the preparations.
The dinner date setup began immediately after the second challenge was torn down. I lingered behind as Duke, the director kobold, shouted orders at the staff.
It didn’t take long for my brothers to notice my unwanted presence. The twins surrounded me like a pair of hyenas.
“Hey! What areyoudoing here?” Aurum demanded.
Saffron chimed in with the same offended tone. “Yeah, you should be at the castle getting ready for your hot date!”
