“Getting up from the table, shaking a little at her unraveling, Ari cuffed Charlie across the head. “Be nice.”“Tell him to be nice!”“I can’t,” she snorted, looking back over her shoulder at them. “If I did that he’d actually have to be nice… it would be like re-writing his entire personality.”Jai grunted. “Funny.”

“Do I get to choosewhat she commands you to do? Come on, let me, it’ll be fun.”Jai laughed humorlessly. “I said I don’t want her commanding me to do something asinine, kid.”Charlie’s grin disappeared as quickly as it had surfaced. “I told you not to call me, kid, Jinn boy. I’m what… two years younger than you,douchebag?”“Try five. And that’s only in physical years.”“What, you trying to say I’m not mature?”“Oh those socks you’re wearing definitely are. Have you heard of detergent? A shower? Hygiene?”“I shower, you militant, glorified fucking babysitter.”“Watch it, kid.”“Kid? I am this close to taking a swing at you, you overblown piece of-”“Oh for the love of God!” Ari cried, throwing her hands up, her head pounding. So much for their strained peace treaty. “Shut up. Shut up. Shutup!”Despite their matching glowers, both of them slammed their lips closed and glared at one another. Ari heaved a sigh of relief as she pulled achilled can of soda out of the refrigerator. At least the soda still felt nice sliding down her throat. Not the same as an ice cold Coke on a blazingsummer day but still nice. She took a refreshing swig and turned towards her male companions once again. Blasts of frost shot out from Jai’s eyesonly to be met by the simmering black heat of Charlie’s angry gaze. Rolling her eyes and biting back the guilt that she was somehow responsiblefor the animosity between the only two people she could count on right now, Ari spilled into the chair between them and Jai slowly sunk back downinto his.“So what will I command you?” she asked quietly, ignoring the way her fingers trembled as she played with the tab on her soda can.When she got no answer, she glanced up to see Jai’s face going red, the veins in his head throbbing.“Dude, what’s wrong?” Charlie asked quietly, looking at Ari in alarm. “Is he choking?”Ari’s heart flipped in her chest at the thought and she reached across the table to grab his arm. “Jai?”His eyes widened and he waved a large hand at his throat and mouth and then pointed at her.What the hell?!“Jesus Christ, he can’t talk?” Charlie asked incredulously. “Is this a joke?”

“Ouch. “Bite me.”Jai grinned slyly and looked up at her from under his lashes. “Just tell me how hard.”

“I would say it was nice to meet you, but I was naked so… it wasn’t.”

“Something about him made her pause. When his eyes glittered back at her from the shadows, Ari felt his gaze on her with a jolt, like sun peering through the crack in a curtain, waking one with burning eyes and a groan. It wasn’t unpleasant but it was unexpected and intense.”

“I was washing the dishes and the sneaky bastard crept up behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist. And kissed me. Right here.” I pointed angrily to my neck. “Can I not have him committed or something?”Dr. Pritchard snorted. “For loving you?”I drew back, shaking my head in disgust. “Dr. Pritchard,” I admonished softly. “Whose side are you on?”“Braden’s.”

“She raised her eyebrows, looping her hands around his neck and wriggling provocatively. 'Looks like I've just been promoted to Alpha then, huh?' Lucien made a face. 'Well the job is yours if you want it, but I should warn you that the contract is bull crap. I've received none of the perks that were promised.' 'Perks?' 'Oh, you know... a lifetime supply of beer and foot massages, a harem of women to bathe and clothe me etcetera...' She snorted and pulled back from him. 'Harem of women?' He grinned unrepentantly. 'Did I mention my sense of humour is greatly underappreciated?”