Chapter 98
NINETY-EIGHT
LAUREL
We pulled alongside a nice-looking duplex building downtown, and Jade passed a tag up to Finch, so he could put it in the front window. Her orange Bentley was parked in the spot in front of us.
“This your place?” I asked, turning to Jade.
She shrugged. “I own both sides here. Trust me, you do not want to go to the rat’s nest that they call home.”
“We’re very grateful for this,” Finch said, opening the door and stepping out.
I shook Ocean awake. He’d dozed off on the way back and sat up sharply, looking around in alarm.
He settled as he saw me and nuzzled into my neck while we waited our turn to get out.
Kaos, not to be outdone, pulled closer to my other side.
He was more alert now but not extremely cooperative.
It was quite a task getting them both out of the car.
Jade handed Finch the key. “Right,” she said. “There’s a door in the kitchen that leads to my side, so knock if you need anything. I’ll take Casey and Hugo, so they can be out of your hair.”
“And me,” Jewel said.
“Not a chance,” Jade replied.
“You can’t possibly expect me to stay with my sister and her pack. I’ve got a sensitive nose, and her alphas do not do it for me. No offence, darling.”
The last part was directed at me. I shrugged.
“I’m sure you’ll survive,” Jade said.
“God, Jade, you wouldn’t be so cruel, would you? They’ll probably be fucking like rabbits.” Jewel pouted.
“Right here,” I said, raising my hand as Kaos laughed.
“That’s enough,” Hugo snapped, cutting the pair off.
“You,” he pointed at Jewel. “Come with us. And behave, for god’s sake.”
Jewel gave Jade a smug grin, and she huffed and stalked up the stairs to her side of the building.
With my arm around Ocean’s waist, I led him up the stairs. Finch held the door open, and Kaos closed it carefully behind us.
A sound like a dying banshee started up from near the couch.
“Muppet?” I said, pulling away from Ocean and running over to the front living room. He caterwauled again, and I peered under the sectional to see his glowing eyes regarding me with betrayal.
“Sorry, baby,” I told him, holding out my hand. He yowled again but didn’t move. I sighed. I’d likely have to drag him out later and apologize properly.
In the meantime, we took Ocean across the hardwood kitchen and to a bedroom that was set up on the main level. It had an en suite shower, which I started while Finch made the bed.