“Uh-huh.” He doesn’t look convinced. “So productive you were replying out loud to the people on whatever true crime podcast you were listening to.”

I freeze for half a second before schooling my expression into a neutral mask.

Damn it. I hate how well he knows me.

He glances at Valkyrie, who’s sprawled out beside me but before I can come up with a smartass reply . “We’re taking her too. You don’t get out enough, and she looks like she could use some excitement.”

Valkyrie perks up instantly, head lifting, eyes bright with anticipation. The moment she sees me looking at her, her tail-nub starts thumping against the couch, I know I’m screwed. She’s already in adventure mode, and there’s no way I can say no now.

I glance between Orion, who’s watching me expectantly, and Valkyrie, who looks like she’s five seconds away from physically dragging me out the door herself.

I groan, putting away my sketchbook and pausing my podcast with a resigned sigh. “Fine. Let’s go into town.”

Orion jingles his keys as we step outside, a smug little smirk on his face. “I’m driving.”

I stop dead in my tracks. “No.”

“Yes.”

I turn to Valkyrie, who until a second ago was trotting happily beside me, completely unaware of the impending danger. “We can still run. We can make a break for it.”

Orion rolls his eyes and strides past me, unlocking his black SUV. “Oh, relax. I’m an excellent driver.”

That is an outright lie. Orion drives like he’s auditioning for the next Fast & Furious movie. No—scratch that. He drives like he’s already in one, complete with aggressive lane changes, a blatant disregard for speed limits, and some unholy belief that braking is for the weak.

But I’m an idiot. Because despite knowing this, despite having first-hand traumatic experiences, I sigh and climb into the passenger seat like I don’t value my life. Valkyrie, lucky as ever, hops into the back like this is just a fun little field trip.

The engine rumbles to life, and the moment Orion pulls out of the driveway, I remember. I remember everything.

The SUV lurches forward as he takes the turn onto the main road like he’s evading a police chase. My body slams back against the seat, and instinct kicks in. I lunge for the oh-shit handle and hold on for dear life.

“Jesus, Orion! Have you ever heard of a gentle acceleration?”

He grins, completely unfazed. “We’ve got places to be, Selene. Time waits for no man.”

“We’re literally just driving to town! It’s not an emergency!”

Orion barely slows down at the stop sign, just does a rolling stop that technically counts but would definitely get him side-eyed by a cop. He takes the next turn way too sharp, and I swear to God, I feel the car tilt.