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“I’m not shit with computers,” Larkin protested with a pout from where he stood tucked into Seb’s side.

“That reminds me,” Holt then muttered to me. “I can’t get into my emails again. I think my password changed itself or something.”

My shoulders sagged as I suppressed a sigh. “Like I said the last two times, passwords don’t change themselves. You’re probably just typing it in wrong again—”

“That can wait, anyway. My point is, without you, Goliaths wouldn’t be able to embark on this next exciting phase.” Holt was still grinning widely. “This extremely lucrative and exciting phase.”

I managed a wan smile, too fucking exhausted to muster much, if any, enthusiasm. “Glad it went well.”

“I’m taking everyone out for a drink to celebrate,” Holt declared, smacking me on the back before releasing me. “We’re going to Gargy’s.”

I blanched as Larkin exclaimed, “Noice.”

“Well, have fun,” I said quickly, trying to discreetly inch back toward the door. “I better—”

“Oh no. You’re coming.” That grey hand with its hot pink nails reappeared on my shoulder. With a firm grip, Holt led me deeper into the room so I couldn’t escape. “And you’re taking tomorrow off to relax.” Lowering his voice, he leaned in and murmured, “Maybe do a face mask or something?”

My nostrils flared in offence. I knew I looked tired, damn it—he didn’t need to point it out! Besides, ghouls had naturally shadowed eyes. I mean, yes, mine were looking a bit more sunken than normal, but still. Rude.

“I’d really just rather go home,” I said tentatively, then winced when several wrestlers booed. “I’m not a big drinker,” I added helplessly.

“Doesn’t have to be booze.” Carl, aka Blood Suckapunch, gave me a friendly grin. “But you should come out with us, man.”

“Please come, Rafe,” Susan said eagerly. “It’d be nice to get to know you better.”

I faltered, because Susan seemed too sweet to say no to. Then Val Kyl-More sauntered up to me and clapped me on the shoulder with a grin.

“You’re a Goliath now, Rafe. Gotta deal with us sometime.”

I felt my face get a little warm as I gave her a hesitant smile. I still found her stupidly hot. And I was still, beneath my awkwardness and general hatred for crowds and socialising, a stupid horny guy. So I was tempted.

Hornier than usual right now, actually, seeing as I’d been too tired the last few nights to wait up and keep an eye out for Ewen next door.

I found myself darting a quick look at him. He was watching me, eyes slightly narrowed as he took in Val’s hand on my shoulder and my flushed cheeks.

“Okay,” I heard myself say. “Just for one.”

“Excellent.” Holt turned, now wearing a huge, hot pink faux fur coat. He fluffed up his hair before grabbing Taylor’s hand and heading for the door. “We’ll go close down the bar while everyone gets changed. Seb, will you come and get rid of the stragglers?”

“Sure thing, boss.” The quiet werewolf kissed the top of Larkin’s head before stepping forward.

“I’ll help,” Larkin said eagerly, clinging to Seb’s hand. “And I’ll call some cabs.”

I stood there awkwardly, already regretting my decision to say yes, as they left the room and several of the wrestlers followed to go change out of their outfits.

I already hated this. I didn’t know anyone well enough to just hang out with them until we were all ready to leave, and on top of how uncomfortable I got around people I didn’t know—especially a lot of them—I was sleep-deprived.

I rubbed my burning eyes, then tried to hide a yawn behind my hand. When I looked up, my pulse leaped.

Because Ewen was heading toward me.

My heart started to pound. I didn’t know what he was going to say, and I wasn’t mentally prepared to interact with him. Especially while he was wearing that outfit.

He wasn’t flashing me his usual cocky grin though—the one he wore when he was getting ready to crack jokes at my expense or tease me. In fact, weirdly, he looked kind of… concerned. Or something. Then he gave me a tiny smile—a kind of soft, almost sympathetic one, like he knew how uncomfortable I was—and my belly flipped.

“Hey, Rafe.” A voice came from my left before he could reach me, making me jump. I turned to see Kit the mothperson bounding toward me.

They were already in their human skin, their wings and tarsal claws gone. They still had their shaggy dark hair, but their eyes were now deep brown and their skin was a pale human shade.