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Inside, I shriveled a little.
“I’m looking forward to finding a way to contribute. I really am. But I think it would be better, for now, if I sit out on the group meetings. June and Matt went through a lot of effort to clean out the bad apples—”
“You’re not one of them,” Emily said quickly, taking one of my hands in her own.
It was clear her heart was in the right place, but she wasn’t thinking of the consequences.
“Everyone here has been very clear that they are okay with me living with Turik and Vorx. But that’s because everyone here understands what happened that night. The people at Tenacity don’t. What kind of message would it send them if a person publicly exiled for stealing is now living the good life with the fey?”
Emily made a pained face.
“You’re right. I’ll add that to my list of things to discuss with June when I see her this afternoon. We’ll work on a way to clear your name there so everyone understands.”
“How are things going over there?” I couldn’t help asking.
“A little chaotic with people reorganizing who they want to live with, and a fair number are leaving to help Ryan with the new place. I think they’ve realized that they’ll have more room and better protection if they jump on the mingled community bandwagon. Here, they’d need permission from the core group of women. There, it’s still open for everyone.”
A sick feeling settled into my stomach.
“I need permission to be here?”
Turik picked me up and sat me in his lap, wrapping me in one of his amazing hugs.
“You already have it,” Emily said with humor lacing her words. “You had it before you even agreed to come home with Turik. If you haven’t yet caught on, word spreads fast here. Tor knew Turik was going after you and let Drav know before you even left Tenacity. I’m glad you said yes, by the way. I wasn’t sure I would be able to find a woman willing to take on two fey. I mean, they all treat each other like brothers, but these two troublemakers are tighter than usual. Thankfully, they’re the only package deal I know of.”
“Wait…so everyone here knows they both want to hook up with me?” I asked, stunned.
Emily sat back and gave me a sheepish smile.
“Yes, but it’s not a big deal if you do or don’t. The choice is yours. And they won’t be upset if you choose one and not the other. The fey aren’t petty like that.”
Turik pressed a kiss to the top of my head.
“Shelby isn’t ready to choose. She is still finding her happiness.”
“Aww! Turik, that was the sweetest, most understanding thing to say.” Emily shifted her gaze to me. “He really is the sweetest.” Then Vorx. “You are too, Vorx. Just not with the words. You do sweet things, and that’s just as important.”
I watched Emily’s face as she praised them. The people in Tenacity knew her as the fey cheerleader, and it fit.
“Where’s your fey?” I asked.
“Like you, I’m not ready yet. I want to make sure Hannah’s settled and happy and keep working on finding women for all the fey before grabbing one for myself. I know how distracting they can be.”
There was a sudden thumping coming from upstairs, like someone hitting a wall.
“Is everything okay?” I asked when she cringed.
“Yeah. Sorry. Hannah came down to check if you were here but went back upstairs when you were late. Apparently, they started up again even though I know Merdon can hear we have company.”
Vorx chuckled. “Hannah provoked him at practice.”
“She always provokes him.”
“Yes, but she asked Eden to bring back a sex toy that will make Hannah enjoy her spanking time.”
Emily rubbed her face and shook her head. “On that note, I think I’m going to go visit Mary and James this afternoon.”
We stood with her and went to the door.
