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The werewolves made a series of appreciative noises. Fritz opened his arms to hug me but quickly thought better of it when he noticed the don’t-you-dare look on my face.
“Play on, gentlemen.”
“Half of them are limping,” Penny commented as we walked away.
“They’ll regret their choices tomorrow. They might be werewolves, but they’re still geriatric.”
She gave me a sidelong glance. “Why did you let them carry on?”
“It’s a bonding activity.”
“Is it considered bonding when they’re beating the snot out of each other?”
“For them it is. It’s our job to make sure they don’t kill each other during the expression of all that brotherly love.”
Penny’s face grew pinched. “Isn’t there a rule—?”
“I’m sure there is.” I slid behind the wheel of the golf cart, effectively cutting off any further questions. “You mentioned something about meeting new Neighbors?”
“Yes. At the HOA building.”
“Then I guess we’d better get moving.”
“Perfect timing,” Justine said, as we strolled through the door of the small auditorium. “We’re almost finished. You two can wrap things up.”
I almost wished I’d waited to break up the werewolf brawl, so I could’ve missed this entirely.
I crossed to the front of the room to address the newcomers. Penny followed me so closely, she managed to step on the heel of my shoe.
“A little space would be nice,” I said.
“Sorry.”
“We have five new Neighbors with us today.” Justine named them left to right. “I’d like you to extend a warm welcome to Keith, Francesca, Yasmin, Sorrel, and Lorraine.”
Werewolf, naiad, and three vampires. Got it.
“This is Maya August,” Justine continued, “and she is the director of security on the island. Penny Beaufort is our new assistant director.”
Keith snickered. “Two little girls in charge of one big island? Were there no big, strong men available to protect us?”
Justine answered before I could backhand him. “Trust me, Mr. Irwin. Maya and Penny are more than qualified to look after the Neighborhood.”
Penny smiled so wide I was convinced her cheeks might crack. “We’re happy to answer any questions you may have about island security.”
I wasn’t sure “happy” was the appropriate word, but I let it slide.
“We want you to feel safe and comfortable here on Evermore,” the fury continued. “This is your new home, after all.”
“But there are rules and regulations you need to abide by,” I added. “And if you don’t, you’ll receive a visit from one of us.”
Yasmin raised her hand. “What’s your protocol for emergency evacuation in case of a weather event?”
Justine responded before I had a chance. “Hurricane preparedness information can be found in the binder I left in your condo. Feel free to reach out with any specific questions.”
“I’ve heard this island has a substantial vampire community,” Sorrel said. “Is that true?”
“Vampires are one of our more populous groups, yes,” Justine replied.
