Rafe jumped to his feet, his face flushed with surprised rage. But then, no one ever mocked the vampire’s fashion sense. Tonight, Rafe was dressed impeccably in a custom-tailored charcoal suit, black oxfords, and a blood red-tie. The man looked like the goddamn devil. “Are you fucking kidding me, Mr. Jeans and T-Shirt?”
River’s expression turned incredibly smug. “I guess Wyatt and Bel don’t have Philippe’s patience. They don’t want to wait around for me to get naked.”
Laughter exploded in the room. Winter looked over to find Fox’s hand covering his mouth, but his shoulders were shaking as if he were trying very hard to hold in his own laughter.
“It’s true,” Bel admitted.
Rafe turned at the sound of Philippe’s soft chuckles, his mouth falling open. “You too, mon ange?” Rafe asked in horror.
“You have to admit that it does take quite a bit of time to get you properly naked,” Philippe replied, his voice wobbling slightly. The beautiful blond vampire grabbed Rafe’s hand, pulling him down to the sofa. “But anticipation is all part of your wonderful seduction.”
“That is not quite the introduction I imagined when we met Fox for the first time,” Aiden muttered. He stopped and sighed, his smile returning. “But that’s my fault. I should have known better.” Aiden crossed the room and extended his hand to Fox. “Aiden Varik. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, and I am sorry you’ve been dragged into this vampire mess.”
Fox’s relief was a palpable thing in the room. His tensed shoulders slumped, and he exhaled loudly. “Thanks. I want to do whatever I can to help Winter and his family.”
Aiden guided him over to the rest of the family and made formal introductions to each person while River remained at Winter’s side.
“He’s cute,” River said in a low voice.
Winter narrowed his eyes on his playful clanmate. “Don’t. It’s not like that.” Panic streaked through Winter as he wondered yet again if his family could actually tell his lips were swollen.
River lifted both eyebrows, his eyes wide. “Really?” River leaned in and dropped his voice even lower. “Because your scent is all over him.” The werewolf paused and drew in a deep breath like he was smelling the air. “And his scent is all over you. Interesting.”
Oh, God! He hadn’t even thought of that when it came to the werewolves.
River grinned at him and tapped the side of his nose before he casually strolled over to Bel and Wyatt. Both of his mates looked questioningly at him and then over at Winter, but to his credit, River didn’t open his mouth.
But it was coming.
His brothers would be in his business sooner or later.
Even if he had no intention of making Fox his business. He couldn’t be his business. Winter had his own prophecy to worry about, and this break from the ghosts was only temporary. Fox had a life to return to in Denver. He and Fox were just having a little fun. Enjoying themselves. There was nothing for his family to get involved in, though he was sure they’d try to make a bigger deal out of it than necessary.
“I’ll heat up the oven and throw some more frozen pizzas in,” Winter offered, already heading toward the kitchen.
He loved his family, but there was something unsettling about having them in his space. He visited them in their homes all the time, but it was different when they were in his. It had always been the one place where he didn’t have to worry about keeping tight control over his problem. It was the place he could relax.
Except that with Fox in the loft, he didn’t have to worry about being distracted by ghosts in his home. They couldn’t be seen or heard. He could unwind and enjoy his family’s crazy banter in the comfort of his own space.
It was a dream he’d never even dared to have.
“Winter! We have good news,” Bel suddenly exclaimed. “We heard from the builder, and a shipment we were waiting on came in earlier than expected. They think they can finish the house in two months now.”
Winter shot his brother a smile as he pulled three boxes of frozen pizzas out of the freezer. This was not going to be enough for two wolves and a young vampire who still liked to eat. He had no idea if Fox was still hungry.
“You can also grab the potato skins and the jalapeño poppers too,” Fox called as if he were reading Winter’s mind. Was he? That’d be more than a little creepy, but he figured it was more likely that Fox had read his worried expression.
“The Bat Cave is staying the same size, but we’re adding more weapons and gadgets this time,” River said and then suddenly hooted. “And more secret entrances to the Bat Cave! It’s going to be so awesome when it’s done.”