We both watched, quietly, as Will appeared in the picture window in front of us. Declan looked up from his work. Without a word, Will held up a hand and waited until Declan high-fived him. For his part, Declan seemed slightly perplexed. Then Will walked back into the kitchen and sat down. “Sorry, had to be done.”

“You’re both immature, like children,” I said. “Why do I hang out with you again?”

“Because we’re immature, like children?” Van asked, taking out her phone.

“And where’s my high five?” My tone might have been a little sulky.

Will offered his hand. “Sorry. I’m all about equality.”

I reluctantly high-fived him as I watched Van text rapidly. “Now what are you doing?”

“Texting Trick. He won the pool.” She shook her head. “I thought for sure you wouldn’t last this long.” She continued to tap away at her phone. “I’m a little disappointed in you, Louise Matthews.”

“You placed bets about when I’d sleep with Declan?”

Van shrugged one shoulder, totally unapologetic. “We’re simple creatures and we need simple entertainment. I have to say, I’m in awe of your restraint. The hormones have been so thick in the room between you two lately that I’ve considered opening windows.”

I gave up trying to keep any kind of privacy and explained the poison cookie concept and why I’d thought us sleeping together was probably a Bad Idea. After I explained, I waited for my friends to condemn me or at least lecture me a little.

Van, of course, got caught up on other details. “Wait, it was four times? Four? Excuse me.” Now it was Will’s and my turn to wait as she went out, stared at Declan for a second, hugged him, and then kissed his forehead before patting his back. He looked completely bewildered.

Will ignored her antics, mostly. He tapped his fingers along his empty mug. “You sure you know what you’re doing, Lou?”

“I think I’ve made it abundantly clear that I don’t,” I said softly.

Will stared at the window for a long moment before turning his gaze back to me. “Look, I’m not saying it was a terrible idea. I’m just also not sure it was a good idea. If it goes bad—you live together. Right now, you have to stay connected 24/7. Your lives are completely emmeshed.” He frowned absently for a second, his gaze distant. After a few moments, his focus snapped back into place. “Aren’t you scared it could all blow up in your face?”

“I’m terrified,” I said honestly. “But…” I looked back out the window. Van was still talking to Declan, her hands all over the place as she told him some sort of story. Declan was laughing, rocking back on his heels, his hands loosely clasped around the handle of a shovel. He looked over at me and smiled. My heart skipped.

I shrugged at Will. “It’s Declan.” I offered it like it was the only argument that made sense because it was. Watching him now, I knew, knew that if I’d been bound to any other shapeshifter, this wouldn’t have happened. There was just something about him. I couldn’t gather up the words to explain all that to Will, but he seemed to understand anyway.