Bronywyn
“Are yousurethis is a good idea?” Tarnley asks me, for what must be the tenth time this evening.
“Yes.” I tug on a pink sweatshirt, then pull my hair over my shoulder and braid it quickly. As soon as it’s fastened, I turn away from the mirror to face him. “Bella’s people want to meet, but they only asked for one of us to go.”
He continues to glare at me from the doorway. “And it just had to be you.”
“You know good and damn well we can’t send Rainey in there. She has the delicate nature of a bomb.”
“Truth!”
“What the—” I duck down below Tarnley’s arm. “When did you get in here?”
Leaning back against the headboard, Rainey is dressed in what I’ve lovingly dubbed ‘full hunter gear’. She pops a few more Skittles into her mouth before shoving them into the pocket of her leather jacket. “I absolutely agree with you that my tact is lacking. But, let’s be honest, if I was tactful, I really would be the complete package and would have no need for any of you.”
“Modest, too.”
I move out further, and Delaney comes into view. “When did you two get in here?”
“A few minutes ago,” Rainey replies.
Delaney completely ignores my question. “I really don’t understand why you have to go alone.”
“Bella says they’re a nervous bunch. They already weren’t crazy about any of us attending the meeting tonight.”
“And again, why can’t I go?” Tarnley asks. “Or Fearghas? Elijah? Cole?”
“Why does it have to be a man?” Rainey quips from the bed.
Tarnley glares at her. “Gender has nothing to do with it.”
“Uh-huh. Sure as fuck sounds that way.”
“No one in this group is expendable,” I tell him as I reach over and cup his cheek. “Besides, I’ll be fine. Bella is going.”
“Oh yes, the succubus who doesn’t want to be a succubus. Absolutely perfect bodyguard.” Delaney rolls her eyes.
“You can’t go,” I remind her. “Rainey will likely kill all of them. Fearghas is far too charming to come across as genuine. Cole and Elijah are both watching the council building tonight, and you,” I add, turning to Tarnley. “You, my love, need to meet with Brad in an hour.”
“I can cancel with him.”
“No, you can’t.”
“At least, let Fearghas glamour you,” he argues.
“I need them to see me. With what Bella has said, if anyone but exactly who they are expecting shows up, they’ll likely run.”
“Have you considered what’s going to happen if they do decide to help us?” Delaney questions. “Where are we going to house them?”
“Yes. And I already have that taken care of, as well.”
“Care to elaborate?”
“Paloma and Harrie are bringing us some of the pack’s camping gear. Lanterns, sleeping bags, tents…stuff like that.”
“Tents.” Rainey arches an eyebrow. “How many tents?”
“Not exactly sure, but Paloma said they have a bunch of them lying around, so she’s going to bring them all over later. We’ll put them up around the house, extend the ward lines, and then we’ll have plenty more room.”