“I understand. Our friendship has been unusual. I’m happy he looks out for you.” Rylee deserved someone special to take care of her. “Is it weird that this isn’t weird?” I motion between us.
“Because of the fox shifter thing?”
“Yes.” She shrugs. “I mean, I always knew you were something special.”
“What can I say? I’m otherworldly.” She smirks.
“That you are.” I shake my head. “If it had been anyone but you, I would have turned around,” I say softly.
“I know,” she says, tilting her head. “I’m glad you didn’t.”
“Same.” I look out the windows behind me. “When is your fight?”
“Three hours.” She straightens. “I hope you packed a sexy dress.”
“I need a sexy dress?”
“Girl, have I taught you nothing?” She jumps up. “Everyone dresses up for these as if the polish cancels out all the blood.”
“I don’t want to see you bleed.” I frown.
“Don’t worry; my opponent will be the one in pain.”
“Good. I want to see you kick ass, but I think if I saw you struggling, I would jump in the ring to defend you.” I ease out of the chair.
“I would love to see the princess, long blonde hair flying behind you, roll into the ring,” she says.
“Don’t count me out.” I hold up my hand. “My knuckles still hurt from hitting Brian. I never had the urge before to punch someone.” She bends over my fingers.
“Damn.” She grabs my arm and pulls. “Let me put something on it to ease the pain. Let’s get your bag. If you don’t have a dress, you can raid my closet.”
“Dude, you're a bit taller than me,” I say as if she can’t see that.
“We’ll find something. Just to warn you…” She looks over her shoulder. “There will be lots of shifters there tonight. Most of them are part of Heath’s family.”
“More snakes?” I shudder.
“I don’t know if Juliana, his mate, will be there. He turned her into one. Many other species will attend.” She leads me to a doorbeside the bathroom after swiping the handle of my luggage. “They are his chosen family.”
“So, I’ll be the human pet?” I laugh, only half joking.
“No one will touch you. You are under my protection. Even more importantly, Heath knows how much you mean to me. They would have to have a death wish to fuck with him.” She pushes the door wide and walks into a bedroom. “Alright, get naked. We have an outfit to choose.”
I love dressing up. I’m all for a sweet dress, but I don’t want to look too tasty. Who knows what animals I’ll meet?
I don’t want them to take a bite.
I drag my hand down my dress as I step out of the car. Rylee had the perfect outfit. It fits me like a second skin from neck to knees. I love the deep red color. The long sleeves brush my bruised knuckles, but I don’t care. My chest looks fantastic, and the black high heels are super sexy. My makeup is dramatic, and the red lipstick matches my dress. She helped me gather my long hair in a high ponytail, highlighting the streaks of blue underneath. Our conversation was easy and filled with laughter. I’ve never had any sleepovers with friends or spent hours talking about clothes and makeup. Rylee is dressed in a short, tight, black dress. I assumed she would be in shorts and a T-shirt, orwhatever a fighter wears. She scoffed, informing me she always showed up to her matches dressed to kill.
“This way,” Rylee says, and I look at her.
“It’s not what I expected.” The building is black and sleek-looking. It has to have at least four floors, and the parking lot is packed. We parked in the back next to a row of expensive cars.
“Heath has a gym on one of the floors,” she says as I follow her to the back door. “They teach self-defense classes, too.”
“Do you teach any?” I ask.
“No. But Heath wants me to.” She swings open the door, and I blink as we enter a bright hallway.
