“Pot, meet kettle.” Remy grins down at me, and it makes me melt a little.
I start to smile, then remember I’m mad at him. “Put those dimples away, Broussard.” I shove his chest to get him to step back, but it just makes him smile wider. I should have kept my mouth closed. It’s never been a secret how much trouble those dimples could get me into.
Remy wraps his arm around my shoulders as I try to pass him to follow my dad. “The chief said he would call when he found out anything, so let’s go finish that talk. Plus, I will feed you.” He whispers the last part close to my ear as if to tempt me more.
“What kind of food are we talking about?” It’s dumb, but that’s what comes out of my mouth first. Food is easy, feelings and secrets are hard.
“It’s a surprise,” Remy tells me while leading me back toward the front of the building. I look over my shoulder to see Felix following us. Dad isn’t anywhere to be found, and Scotty is standing diligently near the window to keep an eye on Mark. I wouldn’t trust him with Ms. Carter either, even if she is his lawyer.
“Fine, but it better be good and…and I want to know what you guys were talking about,” I insist, even though the feeling invading my chest would argue.
The SUV is parked out front next to Dad’s truck. I half expect to see Grayson pouting in the front seat, but they must have dropped him off somewhere else, because the vehicle is empty. My stiff shoulders relax a little. I can’t remember a time when I was happy not to see Grayson.
“You can have the front,” Felix says as I open the rear driver’s side door.
“Nah, I’m good. Go ahead.” When I climb in, I see my bag on the seat. I’m so scatterbrained, I didn’t even realize I didn’t have it with me. I pull the strap over so it’s resting against my thigh. I should probably check in with the MBI tonight. It seems like this case is more complex than I expected, and it will probably take more than just the two days I requested off. My supervisor might even be interested if it turns out Mark is LoJacked, because that in itself is against magical regulations. There must be a good reason someone would expose the fact that he was by sending an officer of the court before any charges were even brought against him.
I assess my surroundings for the first time. We’re not heading into town like I expected. Grabbing the back of Remy’s seat, I pull myself forward. “Where are we going?”
“The house.” Remy’s answer is upbeat.
“I thought you were taking me to get food.” I sound pouty, even to my own ears.
“No, I said I would feed you, and I am. I’m going to make dinner,” Remy tells me like it’s an everyday occurrence. I’m not quite sure how to feel about it. It feels like another thing I didn’t know about him, and it demonstrates how much has changed, yet I’m also intrigued. When I left, the only thing Remy cooked that didn’t involve the microwave was eggs.
“You cook?” I look over at Felix, expecting him to make a face or give me some sort of clue that Remy is exaggerating his abilities, but he doesn’t.
“You sound so doubtful. You know I don’t bother doing something unless I do it well.” Remy makes eye contact with me through the rearview mirror. There’s heat in his gaze, and it makes me think of something I know he does very well. Good thing Percival isn’t here, or he would— “Where’s Percival?” I look around in a panic, as if he’ll pop out of thin air.
“He’s okay. Grayson took him to the house to get settled.” Felix turns in the seat as he answers. A wave of guilt washes over me. I can’t believe I forgot about him. I’m a horrible witch. Felix must be able to read the emotion on my face, because he adds, “Don’t worry, he was anxious to get his things sorted. Apparently, minks are very particular about their dens, and having his stuff boxed up made him uncomfortable.”
I nod and look out the window. It doesn’t really make me feel better, but I appreciate Felix’s effort. I know our bond isn’t sealed yet—that will only happen once we stir a spell together—but I still feel like shit for forgetting about him, because that’s exactly what I did. I was so eager to get out of the car when we got to the station, I didn’t give him a single thought.
“If driving across town with his stuff in boxes bothered him, he’s really going to freak out when he has to pack up again to drive all the way back to the city.”
Felix and Remy share a glance with each other, but they don’t include me in their silent exchange. The SUV slows, and Remy makes a turn into the lane that leads to their house. I make sure to look out the front window. I don’t think this is a sight I would ever tire of. The large house comes into view, and I try to take it all in, just in case I don’t get to see it again.
Remy parks the car near the side entrance and cuts off the engine. I’m a little reluctant to get out and face not only Percival, but Grayson too. Once the guys exit, I follow suit and walk with them up the short path to the door. It’s unlocked when Felix turns the handle, and he motions for me to enter before him.
Their mingled scents waft out of the house to greet me. It’s familiar yet new, since they didn’t live together when I left town. After taking another deep breath, I follow Remy deeper into the house. With a few quick turns, we end up in the kitchen. Grayson is already seated on a stool, turned to watch our approach. He stands when our eyes meet. “I took Percy’s things to your room,” he informs me almost awkwardly.
“Percy? You already reached nickname status?” He’s nicer to my familiar than he is to me.
Grayson looks down briefly, then meets my eyes again. “He seemed really happy about the size of the closet.”
I snort. “Wait until he finds out it’s bigger than my entire bedroom back home.” I say it mostly in jest, though it is true. Grayson’s brow furrows deeply, and he shoots a glare at Remy and Felix.
“I thought MBI agents made good money.” Grayson sounds accusatory when he focuses back on me.
I tuck my hand in my pocket and cock out a hip. “I make okay money, and I’ve only been out of the academy for a few months.” My tone is defensive, but I can’t help it.
“He’s just worried about you,” Remy says, walking past Grayson and me to get into the kitchen. Along the way, he bumps shoulders with his friend, and Grayson stumbles a little. “He just doesn’t know the right way to show it,” Remy finishes.
Grayson gives Remy a sideways glare and rubs his shoulder. “Maybe somebody could have mentioned it.”
“Maybe somebody could have pulled their head out of their ass and found out for themselves,” Remy retorts.
I bounce my gaze between them, confused about how this is progressing. “Ignore them, I always do. Want to see more of the house?” Felix keeps his voice low as he steps closer to me.
