Page 54 of Eat. Prey. Love.
“Agreed.” Felix slaps his hands on his thighs, rising to his feet. “The best way to do that is to get whatever dirt or information we can on the people who publicly clash with Dolly. If we can rule them out as clout chasers, we can focus on the shit wecan’tsee.”
I look over at my lover pointedly. “Have you figured out where the nests are for certain?”
“Oui,” he says. “But they seem to be inactive at the moment.”
“Inactive?” I frown. “I don’t know much about the damn bloodsuckers, granted, but I’ve never heard of inactive nests that have a strong enough presence for you to feel them on the way into the school.”
Rennie shrugs. “They certainly live in that forest area and their scents and marks are upon the building I believe they inhabit. However, they are notinthe building now. Their coven may be traveling or hiding until we are no longer paying attention.”
“Great, disappearing vampires,” Chess groans. “Yet another bullshit problem that probably ties to the similarly disappearing Fae.”
“When you sit at the top, Chester, there are always people waiting to knock you off the throne.” He rolls his eyes at me, but I’m serious. “It’s true. Felix, Rennie, and I are perfect examples of that theory. Our girl is poised to do or be something important; we know that from the interest the damn magic fuckers have in her. So there will be problems and all we can do is knock them off your board one by one, even if they keep coming.”
That is, until Dolly comes into whatever greatness they expect, and then, all bets are off.
Don’t Threaten Me With A Good Time
Coach Z ranus hard at practice and I was sore by the time it was over. My new Pred Games nemesis got in my face a few times, but since Coco and Ru-Ru were running around filming, it didn’t last long. Rufus cleverly turned the camera in my direction every time O’ Leary started up; it made her back off so her bullshit wouldn’t get recorded.
He’s a smart fucking badger and I’m a lucky bunny to have him as a friend.
Cori was sitting on the sidelines at a table where she did measurements and notes for the uniforms. Zhenga seemed really excited about it, getting distracted multiple times by checkingin with my bestie as she worked. The bear smiled more in a few hours than I’ve seen for awhile, so I’m feeling pretty good about suggesting she do this for one of her juries.
“What’s on the docket now, Dollypop?” Rufus asks as we head for the library. “I got a lot of footage at the practice, but I’ll needscadsof film to make this damn thing before the end of the semester. I’m practically sleeping with the fucking camera.”
“Bet that makes the triplets cranky,” I say with a grin. “I’m not saying my guys wouldn’t enjoy fun with filming, but given my wretched luck and the people trying to destroy me, I’d never risk it. I’m already ping-ponging between famous and infamous daily.,”
Coco gives me a knowing look as we cross the open area. “Smart idea, babe. Even with your crazy mate locking down all the tech in your nest, that seems like a really bad proposition. Honestly, Rufus, you’d better not be doing that shit, either. We’re all in the cross-hairs.”
Which is entirely my fault and I hate it.
“Ah, ah…” the badger wags his finger at me. “No blaming yourself, Dollykins. I refuse to acknowledge bullshit self-pity. We are all strong and independent shifters who are making our own choices despite the ridiculous pressure put on us. Right?”
I look at the polar bear, and she nods before we chorus, “Right!”
“Then I ask again… what’s on the schedule for today? I know your guys have some sneaky shit planned; the weekend is our only chance to work on clues.”
“Felix and the others went to do sneaky shit while you were at practice, Baby Girl. They should be back soon,” Fitz says as he catches up to us. “The grand poobahs will decide what’s next based on whatever they find.”
“They didn’t include you in this mission? Hmm, I wonder why…” Cori gives him a mischievous look and Fitz gasps dramatically.
“Coco-cabana, I amhurt,” he pouts. “You’re doubting my integral role in this whole she-bang.Iam protecting the most precious of cargo—the lovely and indefatigable Delores Drew and her snarky little friends.”
Rufus almost chokes on his laughter as we finally get to the front of the library. “For fuck’s sake, Khan. My hands are no cleaner than yours.”
Fitz bobs his brows as he yanks me to his side. “Ahh, but if there aretwoof us, that meansbothof these ladies have a bodyguard, hillbilly. It’s calledstrategy.”
“If you say so,” the badger grumbles as we head to the back doors. “I think you just get off on watching her kick people’s asses.”
“That’s a bonus, buddy, but thanks for noticing.”
Giving them both withering looks, I hold my arm up to the sensor the Captain and his crew got installed. The door whooshes open and we all file into the hallway, heading for the main area. “Hellooooo? Chessie? Aubrey? Rennie? Felix?”
No one answers, so I drop my practice bag in the spot Chess created for our on-the-go stuff. Kicking off my shoes, I nod at the others to do the same and head for the kitchen to get more water. Fitz follows me, pinching and tickling me as we go, and I giggle when my friends make exaggerated gagging sounds. Once I grab four bottles, I join them on the couches and toss the drinks to them one by one.
“Man, Coach Z worked us hard today.”
Rufus looks around, tilting his head. “She did, but she also seemed very pleased with Coco’s designs. You’re going to ace this project for sure, girl.”