The soft glow of the television flickers across Anna’s face that I can’t stop staring at to make sure she’s happy.
“Be right back,” I murmur, pushing myself up.
“Need a hand, man?” Griffyn calls after me.
I shake my head without turning. “Got it.”
The sound of popping corn fills the kitchen. The scent of butter rises, warm and inviting, as I pour the fluffy kernels into bowls. With drinks balanced precariously, I make my way back, the sight of everyone lounging in the glow of the TV screen makes me happy.
“Here,” I say, setting down the food before them, my words clipped, too loud in the quiet room. “Popcorn and drinks. Dig in.”
“Thanks, Blaze.” Rion’s voice is unexpectedly gentle, his eyes flicking up to mine with a hint of camaraderie.
“Nice touch,” Felix adds.
“The popcorn smells like Felix,” Anna adds leaning in to kiss the snow leopard shifter on the cheek.
“Let’s see what all the fuss is about this show then,” Aksel chimes in.
We start watching the drama on the screen unfurling in predictable patterns, yet everyone seems engrossed. I’m not. My attention keeps drifting to Anna, her laughter more captivating than anything ‘Big House’ has to offer. Each time her green eyes light up, and her shoulders shake with mirth, I relax further.
She’s smiling. Truly smiling. They all are.
Maybe I am making progress, not just with her, but with all of them.
Rion grabs the empty bowl of popcorn before I can and moves into the kitchen.
“Can’t believe they’re falling for that,” Anna chuckles, pointing at a particularly absurd twist in the plot, and I can’t help but follow her gaze back to the screen.
“He’s convincing!” Felix defends.
“I bet he’s a traitor,” Anna murmurs, her fingers tracing patterns on a pillow as she leans forward, engrossed.
“I’m surprised more of them aren’t trying to hook up in that back room,” Griffyn comments.
I roll my eyes.
“There are cameras everywhere!” Anna looks at him with wide eyes.
I grunt my agreement.
“Wouldn’t stop me if you were there, Vixen.” Griffyn kisses her forehead.
As I sneak another glance at Anna, her eyes bright with amusement, I feel like maybe I’m not the biggest bastard in the world anymore. Not tonight.
Griffyn launches his handful of popcorn across the room, the kernels raining down like confetti over Aksel’s dark head. “Don’t you have anything to add, Akshole?”
“Dammit, Griff,” Aksel growls. His fist, half in jest, half in irritation, connects lightly with Griffyn’s shoulder. The incubus demon chuckles, unfazed by the retaliation.
Rion emerges from the kitchen, his hands dusted with spices, offering up the bowl of popcorn with an enthusiastic grin.
“Try this,” he urges.
I take a handful of the seasoned popcorn, letting the flavors burst on my tongue. It’s salty, tangy, a hint of something I can’t place.
“That’s really good,” I admit, and Rion nods, pleased.
We all keep eating and guessing, talking over each other with theories and laughter. It’s a perfect time, a respite from the darkness that surrounds us.
