Daria’s still in the kitchen area, opening cabinets and checking them out. I wouldn’t be surprised if she figured out the location of Jaeger’s safe.
“I like it,” Honey announces. Angel gives her a fond look, and Daria rolls her eyes. It’s obvious any member of Fraternitas has Honey’s stamp of approval. I worry about her lack of self-preservation.
“Has he said anything more about… you know?” Honey waves a piece of bacon at me.
“Look at her ring,” Daria points out. Honey drops everything to ooh and ahh over it. Even Angel looks impressed. I fight the urge to tuck my hand away.
“He’s made it clear that I’m his woman,” I admit.
Honey claps her hands. “What about the claiming ceremony? Has he said anything about that?”
I shake my head.
“It’s supposed to be secret.” Honey has a faraway look.
“Which means you know all about it,” Daria snarks.
Honey sticks out her tongue at her. “There are conflicting reports. Some say it’s in a BDSM club downtown.”
“Not at Inferno?” Daria asks.
“No, another place. Club Empire.”
Daria nods.
Angel’s gone quiet. She’s in long sleeves, but she’s rubbing her upper arm, where I know she has a snake tattoo. She usually hides the ink with makeup, but I’ve seen it in the dressing room.
There’s a rap on the door.
“I’ll get it.” Honey hops to her feet. Daria launches out of her chair and dashes to catch up with her.
“Not so fast.” She pushes past Honey and calls, “Who is it?”
The familiar voice of the delivery man announces, “I have a delivery for Bunny.”
“Bunny?” Honey asks.
“It’s okay,” I call. “Let him in.”
They both open the door and accept the package.
It’s a rectangular gift box. Angel helps clear away the candles and knickknacks to make space for it on the coffee table in front of me.
“Open it,” Honey squeals.
Inside the box, a thick cream tissue paper holds the scent of lavender and sandalwood. I draw out a short, white dress—a lacy sheath lined with silk.
“Oh gods,” Angel murmurs.
Honey half shrieks and covers her mouth. She’s thinking this is a wedding dress.
For a second, my heart stops beating.
A cream-colored piece of paper flutters to the floor. Angel catches it and hands it to me.
“For tonight,” it reads. It has to be from Jaeger.
I show them the note.
