Page 30 of A Wild Darkness

His eyes narrow. “Because even if you did, I know where my own house is.”

“Good for you.”

The elevator slides open, and Sebastian and I whip our heads around to see River and Lux standing inside.

“Stevie, you’re here!” she shrieks, sprinting toward me.

Sebastian has a prideful smirk on his face. “I can be very convincing.”

“I’m just here to try on the outfit for tomorrow night.”

Lux’s hugs me. “You’re going to look beautiful.”

As soon as we get to the main floor, the first thing I see is River and Sebastian’s Aunt Mae standing in the foyer with a welcoming smile. Her hand draped over a short wardrobe rack holding two covered garment bags. At the bottom of the rack, there are two pairs of stunningly black heels and a pair of men’s dress shoes.

“It’s so good to see you, Stevie,” Mae warmly greets me as the four of us step onto the onyx marble floor. The scent of leather and damp stone wrap around me like a familiar hug.

“Wonderful to see you, too,” I return, leaning in for an embrace. Her energy is comforting.

“I’m so glad you’re going to be working with Sebastian.” Aunt Mae holds my shoulders at arm’s length. “You’re the only one who’s a good fit for all of this.”

Sebastian and I exchange a quick side-eye.

River chuckles from behind us.

I get a quick startle when a tiny black kitten walks between my legs, rubbing his body fur on my ankle. “When did you guys get a cat?”

“Last week.” Sebastian smiles and scoops him up. “Meet Poe.”

I smile at his adorable face. “He’s so cute,” I say, scratching behind his head.

“Why don’t we head to the East Wing and try your outfit on?” Lux suggests, grabbing one of the garment bags.

I nod and let her guide me through the house to where she used to stay when she worked on the last nighttime project with Sebastian and River.

Now that she’s fully moved into the North Wing with River, it looks like it might be mine if I take her up on her offer to move in temporarily while they’re away in France.

When I stayed here a few weeks ago with Lux, she explained the manor is set up like a compass with the North, South, East, and West Wings branching off of the main hub, which comprises the heart of the manor. Sebastian’s in the West Wing, Mae has the South Wing, and Lux and River have the North Wing.

“Okay, let’s go,” I say.

Sebastian and River grab the other garment bag, shoes, and a small black velvet box from the rack and head toward the West Wing.

“All right.” Mae clasps her hands together. “I have some Thompson Innovations work to do. Someone has to help run the company,” she teases, then waves us off and walks away.

I grab the pair of shoes and a small black box and follow Lux down the hall.

“I’m sad I won’t be able to come with you,” she grumbles, laying the bag flat on the large bed.

The heavy blackout curtains are open, showing a clear night sky. The vastness which surrounds me reflects the breathtaking forest comprising the Thompson Manor and the property.

“I love how quiet it is up here.”

“I know, me too. It’s a dream living on these incredible grounds.” She unzips the bag and takes out a full-length black dress with long lace sleeves. “Oh my god, Stevie.”

As my sister holds up the dress. I’m stunned at how beautiful it is.

“This dress is gorgeous.” I run my thumb over the delicate fabric. “Look at these tiny silk buttons lining the back.”