How the fox shifter managed to keep his feet so clean was beyond me. Not a speck marred his cute toes. Each little toenail gleamed as if he had just had a pedicure recently.
Cass wrinkled his nose at the CA officers. “She went back to work full-time, didn’t she? That’s why we’re here.”
Alaric regarded his friend patiently. “Yes, Poppy’s back to work now.” His brown eyes turned to me. “And I need Poppy to run a check on any friends that you want to invite to the wedding. Since you’re so dead set on this decision, we’re going to have to delegate some duties, especially with only a week to plan.”
“Okay,” I mumbled. “I’m not changing my mind. So quit trying to get me to. I may not like it here, but I’m not going to run away either.”
My eyes were on a large man who had his head down, staring at his silver bracelet. I slid to the side, bumping against Alaric. I wasn’t quick enough. The man stepped on my damn right foot.
“Ow!” I griped. “Watch where you’re walking.”
He glanced back. “Get out of the way next—”
The man stopped dead in his tracks, staring.
Alaric put his arm around my shoulder, pressing me against his side. “What were you saying?”
He blinked. “Sorry. I was saying sorry.”
Cass stepped around from behind Alaric.
The man’s eyes widened comically…then the man was gone, running away so fast I knew immediately he wasn’t human.
“Fucking rabbit,” Alaric snarled.
Cass chuckled—more than a little evil in his laugh—and began to rub his chin. “I think I’m going to see why he felt the need to run from me.”
The fox put one foot forward.
Alaric took his arm off my shoulder and grabbed the back of his friend’s neck, yanking him back in place next to him. “I know what you’re doing. Quit avoiding her. You two need to work out your shit.”
“Like hell we do. I’ve got a rabbit to chase.”
“What are you boys squabbling over this time?” Poppy Carvene asked loudly, her arms opened wide. “Roughhousing will get you put in the penalty box here.”
Silver eyes closed in defeat, and then he turned around to face the tiny redhead almost upon us. “Hello, Ms. Carvene.”
She snorted, her eyes narrowed. “Cassander, how nice to see you again. It’s been a good month since I saw your ugly mug last.”
I didn’t miss the flash of hurt in her eyes.
But she hid it well, her gaze on my husband-to-be. Her expression softened. She smiled and walked right up to him, gifting him with a big hug. “It’s weird to say, but I’ve missed you haunting my hallways.”
Alaric wrapped his arms around her tight, glancing at me quickly over her shoulder. I don’t know what he was looking for, but he relaxed, holding her close. He whispered, “I’m glad you’re feeling better, Poppy.”
“I’m as good as I can be.” She released her hold on him and patted his chest once. “Work’s helping. I’m keeping busy.”
Alaric nodded, smiling, truly happy for her. He reached over and grabbed my hand, pulling me directly next to him—and right in front of her, keeping me between them. The bear shifter stated, “Poppy, I want you to meet Faith Peyton.”
“Hello.” I dipped my head to her. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“It’s nice to meet you, too,” she said. Her eyes wandered to our hand-holding, and then her red brows rose ever so slowly. Again…a flash of pain…then she blinked and peered up. A smile adorned her face, and I wasn’t sure if it was real or fake. She was trying to be happy for her friend though, despite her loss. She leaned forward, whispering, “Let me guess, Alaric. Another woman to add to our ever-growing list in the group.”
He snickered under his breath. “Correct.”
Cass broke his silence and stepped forward. He bumped his hip against hers, muttering quietly, “And guess who’s getting married?”
Poppy froze. Completely and simply…froze.
