Trick had joined us, Dammit roosting on his shoulder. The baby phoenix was especially proud of this. Eventually, he’d be able to ride on Trick’s shoulder all the time and get rid of the baby carrier completely. For now, it was short stints on the shoulder, with Trick using his affinity with fire and the bond to help control Dammit’s flame.

Pride flared in my chest as I watched them. They had both done the work to make this happen, but they wouldn’t be there without me. I did this. I brought two creatures together and created something good.

Trick’s eyes narrowed. “McKendrick.” The name came out as a fierce whisper. Declan looked confused for a moment, but I knew exactly who to look for. After a quick glance, I saw a tall, blond man get in line for coffee. He was impeccably dressed in a tailored gray suit that set off the blue in his eyes, and he had the cheekbones of a Swedish model.

“He’s Trick’s nemesis,” I whispered to Declan. “His sexy nemesis.” For his part, Trick just grumbled into his espresso.

Vanessa came over with a muffin, collapsing into a chair. “Break time, also known as the best time.” She caught Trick’s expression. “McKendrick?”

Trick glowered at her.

Vanessa snorted, peeling back the wrapper on her muffin. “Someday you’re going to hate-fuck that man, and I bet it’s glorious.”

“I would never,” Trick said, stroking Dammit’s feathers.

She laughed and almost choked on the muffin. “Oh, yes you would.” She pointed at McKendrick, who was now at the counter ordering from Noah. “That man is toned, his cheekbones could cut glass, and he reeks of competence.”

“It’s the last one that will get you,” I said, sipping my coffee.

“Stop pointing,” Trick ground out. “It’s rude.”

Vanessa ignored him. “There are a lot of fit men, and pretty men, but competent? Like he could just step in and handle shit?”

“Handle you?” I said, my voice getting a little dreamy. Van and I had both trailed off and were now staring into space.

Declan cleared his throat and I gave his arm an absent pat.

He leaned in close to my ear, his voice soft. “Please tell me I’m competent.”

“You’re practically the dictionary definition.” I realized I’d been petting his arm. Eh, I was okay with it. He had nice arms. He had nice everything, but it was socially acceptable to pet his arm in public, so I was sticking with that.

“The bar is really low,” Vanessa said. “But you would clear it even if it wasn’t.”

Declan gave a little huff and kissed the space behind my ear. I reached up and ran my fingers through the hair at the nape of his neck.

“If you two get any cuter, I’ll hit you with this muffin.” Van held up her half-eaten snack. “And it’s chocolate chip. It’s fucking delicious and it would be a travesty to waste it, just like it’s a travesty that Trick isn’t tapping that.”