Bonus Scene
Without him knowing about it.
EMME
We took a break from swimming so I could coordinate the final steps. Keeping the phone hidden under the towel, Talon’s broad shoulders also helped to block the camera view.
I rarely had my phone these days, but it was essential to plan the prank of all pranks. Hence why my wolf was firmly in place in the bond today.
When Hunter messaged, it took me an extra minute to decipher his words. I needed to practice my reading again, since I’d let that slip with everything happening.
Daddy of all Storms: Okay, I’ve got all the cameras set up and will coordinate the integrated special effects to work with our appearances.
Talon read over my shoulder. “That’s why we shot some footage in advance,” I whispered, keeping my head down so Slade couldn’t lipread. No doubt it was one of his many thousands of skills. “Hunter will combine live and pre-shot images to really freak him out.”
I wanted everything to feel eerie, like a haunted house.
When Hunter sent through a video of what he’d compiled so far, I was impressed with how freaky it all looked.
My phone buzzed again.
Golden: I swear, I missed my calling as an actor. I’m going to be the scariest motherfucking clown that ever clowned.
A snort escaped me, but you couldn’t fault Kellan for his enthusiasm.
Grouchy: You’ve got half of it right. You are a clown. I’m still not sure this is the smartest prank we could pull on him. I’m sure the dragon is sensitive about his little… uh, fear.
*Golden changed Grouchy’s name*
Golden: Don’t worry your pretty little head about it, Fin Bear. Emme will protect us.
Scaredy Bear: Kellan, you won’t have to paint on fake blood if you keep that up. You’ll be the most authentically injured actor that ever existed.
With a laugh, I quickly typed a message, my heart aching at Kellan’s name for me today.
Heart: You know I will protect you from Scary Shifter.
“You’re the literal only one who could,” Talon said with a shrug, like it was simple facts.
Maybe it was.
Daddy of all Storms: Emme is the only one who could.
Okay, we were all in agreement.
Heart: Cora will be in the guard hut in twenty minutes to do your makeup. Horton said that Slade will be finished working out in an hour, and that he’s leaving his phone footage just on me and Talon in the pool. Do you need anything else from us?
Golden: Pool. Send nudes.
Scaredy Bear: Want me to drown him in front of you? I can do it. He still mostly swims doggy style in the shallow end.
Golden: Aw, Shortcake already knows that doggy style is my best fucking stroke.
Goddess have fucking mercy.
Daddy of all Storms: *eyeroll emoji* You walked into that one, Fin.
Heart: Protection withdrawn. You’re both on your own.
Talon threw his head back and laughed. “Your mean streak is one of my favorite streaks. I get hard every time you raise your voice at one of us.”
This alpha was the epitome of if it looks like she’s beating the crap out of me, just know, this is my happy place.
“You’re always hard,” I reminded him, and case in point, when I looked down, there was an impressive outline on the front of his swim shorts.
“Can you blame me when I am mated to the sexiest fucking female in the world.” His gaze burned as he ran it over all the bare skin my skimpy bikini left on display.
My scent spiked hard. Talon’s hands were sliding down to cup my ass, as if he couldn’t help himself.
When my phone buzzed again, I fumbled and almost dropped it.
Daddy of all Storms: Ignore the idiots. This prank is going to work, baby girl. And then Slade is going to punish you while we all watch. It’s a win-win all around.
My fingers trembled as I attempted to coherently reply.
Heart: I think we’re getting off track here. Everyone remember their role and get back to the house soon. Love you.
Golden: I FUCKING LOVE YOU, PRETTY MATE. *heart emoji* *kissing face emoji*
Scaredy Bear: I love you, darlin’. This is your best work, and I’m so happy to be part of it with you.
Daddy of all Storms: We got you, baby girl. Let’s do this together.
Talon slid my phone back under the towel, and then I was over his shoulder once more, heading for the pool.
“Okay, Honey,” he said as he stroked a firm hand down my thigh. “Let’s swim again. I really got the best end of this deal.”
I was laughing all the way until he dumped us both in the pool. If we pulled this prank off, I’d get to call myself a true prank master.
For all of time.