Page 73 of Hybrid Heroics

“No. At first, Jack was there to help,” I explained. “Then Dolyn—and Dylan Drake before he died. Hyde joined us far too early, but there’s no stopping her. Grim came later… York after that. And then you guys stepped in like that creepy dude at the gym who always wants to spot people while they bench press.”

Briggs snorted. “The guy who puts his dick way too close to your forehead? That’s who you’re comparing us to?”

“Only because I like it,” I smarted.

He huffed. “I can’t get that image out of my mind now.”

“Better than the last one…” Novak suggested, though I didn’t understand what he was talking about.

“It would be if it was me,” Briggs grouched. “Instead, it’s some random weirdo.”

Vaughn furrowed his brows at them before turning his attention back to me. “Are you going to tell us what the plan is?”

“Yeah. We’re going home,” I repeated. “And then I have a dinner date.”

“A date with whom?” Stone asked.

“You’ll see,” I sang, calling a flare of hellfire into my palm.

Papi’s face appeared within seconds, his smile broad as he said, “My little Devil, how was your slumber?”

“Enlightening. We’re heading to the Nashville Estate. I need you to meet us there.”

“A special occasion?”

I scoffed at his excitement. “A surprise dinner guest.”

“Should we bring wine?” he teased.

“No, Papi.” I chuckled. “You’ll be watching. I just need you on the property.”

“We’ll be there in a few hours,” he promised. “Shout if you need us before then.”

I closed my fist, ending the fiery call. We would wait for Sterling and her guys before we left. Once we got home, we should have enough time to rest and eat.

“Do you need to do anything before we leave?” I wondered aloud, glancing at each of my guys.

“Nope.” Vaughn motioned down the hall. “We really haven’t been here long. We didn’t get comfortable.”

York nodded. “We’re just waiting for Sterling and—”

“Her guys,” Novak joked.

“Yeah. I’m going to have to talk to Murphy and Thatcher.” My druid rubbed his hand over his short cropped hair. “Who’s going to help me?”

“Why are you asking us?” Palmer quipped. “Take Sloane with you. Murph wouldn’t dare cross her.”

“Oh.” I snapped my fingers, suddenly remembering something I would need Briggs’ help with. “I need a favor when we get home.”

My wolf gazed at me, curiosity mixing with distrust. “Knowing you, that could be anything. Are you going to tell me what it is?”

“Not until I need it.”

I held my hands out for him to pull me up just as Sterling came into her parents’ home. Once Murphy, Thatcher, and the guy I hadn’t met were within sight, I stretched my essence, pulling bits of their magic to me.

There was one thing I hadn’t been able to forget, one that continued to pop up at every turn.

And it was simple.