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Funnily enough, she wasn’t worried. Wasn’t braced for it all to mess up. She simply wasn’t prepared to take for granted that it wouldn’t. She didn’t like taking anything for granted, particularly not the people who mattered to her.
Bailey danced her fingers along his nape, both she and her snake content in the knowledge that he had no intention of fighting that he was theirs. Okay, so he wasn’t theirs completely just yet—they needed the bond to solidify the whole thing. But they were mates all the same even now.
Bailey loosely hooked her thighs over his hips. “People are going to call you nuts, you know.”
He tilted his head. “Why?”
“Because time and time again people have told me that if anyone claims me as their mate it’ll mean they’re out of their mind. I don’t disagree.”
“Oh, I don’t doubt that I’m signing up for a lifetime of being psychologically toyed with. You wouldn’t be you if you weren’t testing my sanity. But I’ve told you before, I wouldn’t have you any other way.”
“Aw, that’s sweet. No one would ever believe you say such nice stuff to me. They’d accuse me of bullshitting.” She frowned. “They do that a lot.”
“Because you lie a lot.”
“Only when I’m bored. That doesn’t count.”
“It really does.”
She huffed. “At least I don’t build bombs anymore to keep me mentally occupied.”
“You used to build bombs when you were bored?”
“I don’t like having nothing to do. You know that.”
“I’m curious, did members of the Movement ever regret teaching you that skill?”
“No. But some did lament that they’d passed on their secret to making a homemade lethal poison. Not that I used it on any of the members. They were simply scared I would, what with mambas being vehicles of vengeance.”
Deke studied her for a long moment. “You’re far more deadly than most people will ever assume, aren’t you?”
“You say that with approval.”
He dipped his face to hers. “I like deadly.” He took her mouth, soft and slow … but the kiss quickly kicked up a notch, and soon enough he was fucking her like a savage all over again.
Life was a blessed, blessed thing.
Smiling at the cute little giggles coming from the nearby trick or treaters, Bailey rapped her knuckles on the Alphas’ front door. All the children walking from house to house appeared to be members of the pride—it wasn’t always easy to tell, since some wore masks.
Spotting Isaiah sitting on his own porch, Bailey gave him a quick wave. Chewing on what was most likely candy, he saluted her.
Havana swung open her front door and beamed at them. “Hey, guys. Come in, come in.” She stepped aside, excitement pouring off her, and then closed the door behind them. “Movie is ready. Snacks are laid out. Candy bowls are full for the trick or treaters and …” She trailed off, her nostrils flaring—no doubt sensing that Bailey and Deke now wore each other’s scent. Her eyes went wide. “Oh my freaking God! Aspen!”
Chewing on something, the bearcat walked out of the living room to join them in the hallway. “What, jeez?”
“Sniff up,” urged Havana, her smile bright.
Aspen looked from her to Bailey to Deke. “If one of you has farted—”
“No farts,” said the devil with an impatient flap of her hand. “Now sniff.”
“You’d better not be lying to me.” Aspen stepped closer and took a delicate sniff. Her eyes bulged. “Oh.” Then she was jumping up and down, her hands clasped in delight.
Bailey looked at Deke. “I’m not sure if they’re happy for me or just pleased they’ll have someone to help ensure I don’t destroy the world.”
He chuckled. “It might be a bit of both.”
“What’s going on?” asked Tate, coming down the stairs.
“Bailey and Deke are imprinting!” Havana replied.
The Alpha male’s brows winged up. “Yeah? Congrats.” He shook Deke’s hand and gave Bailey a smile. “I’d like to say I saw it coming, but I wasn’t sure how things would go. There’s nothing predictable about any situation that involves Bailey.”
She inclined her head, proudly conceding, “Too true.”
Right then, the doorbell rang.
Since Bailey was closest to the door, she pulled it open. Two couples and four children stood on the porch. Only the kids were dressed up.
The “vampire” Dillon and the ‘witch’ Emilia were the twin children of Alex’s sister, Mila, and her wolf-mate Dominic. The couple were part of the Phoenix Pack, as were the Betas with them, Jaime and Dante. Bailey hadn’t before seen the “angel” or “grim reaper” standing behind the twins, but she was guessing that they were the Betas’ offspring, given the resemblance.
“Trick or treat!” the little ones sang in chorus.
“Happy Halloween, kiddos,” said Bailey.
Havana sidled up to her, a bowl of candy in her hand. “Don’t you all look adorable!” She bent a little and held out the bowl, and the children pretty much descended on it.
