Page 54 of Magic and Muffins

People had gone from contentedly eating food to looking like they were about to shred clothes and turn into wolf form.

“Protesters are going to start arriving by the bus loads,” Vena said.

Shepard muttered a soft curse and ordered more guards to surround the building. “Do not engage if they are peaceful. We call the police first because they are trespassing. If they turn violent, we detain them quickly and carefully. I don’t want to see any bruises on them if we can help it. Understand?”

The responding chorus of growls seemed to indicate that they understood since Shepard let them go without another word. He came over to us after.

“You should leave now. I need to stay and ensure nothing happens that will make this situation worse.”

I hugged him. “I’m sorry.”

“Not your fault, but thank you. Once everything is under control, I’ll come to you.” He shared a quick glance at Anchor, who nodded.

Vena caught it. “Wait. I’m leaving, too?”

“Just for tonight,” Anchor said.

“The protesters have been peaceful so far.”

“That doesn’t mean they’ll remain that way,” Shepard said. “Stay with Cross and Everly for tonight.”

“But I have knives.”

“Yeah, I think that’s why they want you to leave,” I said. “You might be the triggering factor.”

Her mouth dropped open for a second before she said, “Fine. I’ll go with the babysitter.”

“Anchor will join you later,” Shepard said.

Vena grinned. “Yay. Come soon,” she said to Anchor, then looked at me. “Get it? Cuz he can’t yet.”

I shook my head at her.

Vena patted Anchor. “Only 399 to go, babe.” She took my arm and ushered me to the door. “Cross’ whole place is soundproofed, right?”

I sighed as we walked out to the SUV.

“Shotgun,” Vena called, running to sit in the front as I moved to the driver’s seat.

“It truly is like babysitting,” Cross said, climbing into the back with a half grin.

When we were halfway down the driveway, I asked, “They’ll be okay, right?”

“I should think so,” Cross said. “Nothing about the protests so far has indicated it will get violent, and Vena found a few people turning in our favor on social media.”

“And if not, our guys are badass wolves that will tear out throats for breakfast,” Vena said unhelpfully. “Can we do a marathon ofThe Other Housetonight? Maybe if we watch a lot of them, the producers won’t cancel the show.”

I agreed since it was barely after four o’clock, and I didn’t want to think about the protesters. WatchingThe Other Housewith Vena would be like living at our old house before life turned complicated and dangerous.

“And you’ll make peanut butter popcorn?” she asked.

“One batch and no dropping any on the new couch.”

“Deal.”

After we arrived home, Vena helped herself to a pair of my pajamas, and we both changed. I made the popcorn with Cross’ help as she turned on the TV and navigated the menu. She and I settled on the couch together. It was just like old times.

Cross sat in a comfy leather chair next to us, asking a question about the show now and then but content to just hang out with us.

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