Page 42 of Trick Knot Treat

“You all are very pretty, underwear model is still on the table.”

I think they all stare harder. It feels harder. Is that even possible?

“Okay, next one. We are going to ace it, I know it,” I say enthusiastically.

“Well, it was just to simply show off your alpha, omega designation with a display that proved you were in touch enough to help soothe your alpha, and yeah, I mean, you did kinda ace it.”

“Woo!”

I hold my fist up to Zaire. He bumps me.

“Let’s go feed Clint and talk about how you all want to strangle me.”

Jace side-eyes me. “Strangle is not the word I’d use.”

“Oh? What word?” I ask, bouncing along. Spectre doesn’t bounce. He walks with great dignity.

“Come on, let’s head out to my place. We can order food or cook it.”

I turn to Clint. “You have a place?”

“I have a place. A big place. It’s mine. No people close by, we can be all alone.” He waggles his eyebrows.

I slap his arm and dance away from him.

“Are you selling it when you leave?” Jace snaps.

Clint pauses, his eyes darkening. “Probably. There’s no reason to stay.”

I slap Clint’s back again.

“What?”

I point at Felix, who has stalked away in what looks like deep offense.

“He doesn’t like me, I told you that. He’s not going to be upset I’m leaving, he will probably throw the celebration party, with Jace co-hosting.”

“Would you like just violins or a full orchestra for your pity party?” Jace snaps as he passes us.

I exchange a look with the on-the-verge-of-tears Fox because Zaire is halfway back home now. Somehow, I’m going to have to stop him and coax him into a pack dinner.

“I…am sorry. Really sorry. And kind of also desperate to be a fly on the wall of this mess,” Fox says as he struggles to keep up and contain his embarrassment.

I purse my lips and then suddenly jump, pointing a finger into his chest. “You need to make sure there is food at the next date.”

“Food?”

“And I’m bringing the dog. Everywhere.”

“What?”

“And we’re going to need something less in your face with room for intimate moments. So, lose the cameras.”

“Uh-”

“And you need to give Jace a job to do so he can shine, looking all bossy.”

Fox opens and closes his mouth, struggling to find words.