Page 114 of My Pleasure

Zev nodded. “Absolutely.”

Kendrick waved his hand playfully. “Or we can just float you around like a beach ball.”

Meryn smiled sweetly at Kendrick.

The man’s playful expression disappeared. “What?”

Meryn just continued to look at him thoughtfully, then nodded, before waddling back inside the house. Pip and Aiden right beside her. Nigel and Neil trailing behind.

Hunter leaned down and looked at Kendrick. “Looking kinda pale there, superwitch.”

Kendrick stood. “It’s nothing.” He looked at Anne as he helped her to stand. “She wouldn’t do anything… permanent to me right?”

She reached up and patted his cheek. “Nothing you wouldn’t deserve,” she said, then took his elbow for him to escort her inside.

Zev grabbed Caiden’s arm after Kendrick went inside with Anne. “He’s your… you know,” he waved toward the city.

Caiden nodded. “Yup.”

“Meryn just…” Zev said, looking spooked.

Caiden just shook his head. “Psychological torture? Yup.” He smiled. “Serves him right. She’s not a beach ball.”

Genevieve stuck her head out the door. “We have a guest coming, should we break out the sandwich platter from the other refrigerator?”

Caiden walked towards his mate. “Good idea. I’ll start on a cold salad.”

She stood on tip toe and kissed him. “Thanks!”

They walked inside and shut the door.

Zev, Aedan, Konstatine, Hunter, and Kiera looked at each other.

Hunter rubbed the back of his neck. “It’s like my eldest cousin said. ‘We stay on her good side’.”

Everyone nodded.

Aedan held up his arm and gave a half bow. “After you all. Time to meet a ‘good’ Witches’ Council member.”

Hunter looked down at Kiera.

She shook her head. “I’m okay.”

“If at any point you want to leave, just tap my knee twice,” Hunter offered.

Aedan opened the door. “Or throw a napkin at one of us,” he said, smiling.

“Or just fucking bail,” Zev advised.

“Thanks guys,” she said, walking in last with Hunter.

Chapter Fourteen

Nearly an hour later the doorbell rang, and Pip ran to answer it. “Right this way! Everyone is waiting. We have sandwiches and coffee and brownies,” he rambled in a bright voice.

Kiera looked up and saw Pip lead the nervous looking councilwoman into the dining room. The men all stood. Pip walked her around the table. “Meryn saved a seat for you next to her.” He led her over to Meryn and pulled out the seat. When she sat, Pip sat on her other side and the men sat back down.“Did you want a sandwich?” he asked.

She shook her head, then looked at Meryn. “So, I’m here, Your Highness.” She glanced around the table, then back to Meryn, as if she was the safest one to interact with.