I grab the nearest weapon I could feel in the drawer beside me, something strong and hard to use.

I flicker the small lights off, better for a surprise attack, especially if there's more than one.

The room goes dark as the floorboards outside my bedroom moan and creak with the weight of multiple steps…so more than one. Great.

I quickly push up onto my toes and make my way to the door. I position myself beside it as it slowly creaks open. I throw my hand up as they enter, bringing my weapon down toward the first intruder, hoping I can knock him, or whatever it is, out before the rest come.

My hand is caught mid-air before it reaches its head, a large muscular hand gripping my own.

Cole stares at me, startled and surprised before a small grin tilts his lips.

“Babe, if I knew that's what you were coming here for, I would’ve been here quicker!” Jace says from beside Cole, a playful glint in his eyes as he stares at my hand.

I scrunch my brows together, confused, as he continues.

“I mean, if you wanted some help, I could’ve given you a hand or two, among other things.” He wriggles his brows, a salacious look in his eyes.

“What—” I start before following his gaze toward my ‘weapon’ of choice.

Of all the things to grab from my dresser, why, oh god, did it have to be Bear. My large navy vibrator.

I freeze. A light blush creeps up my neck as I pull my hand back from Cole. His brows raise before pinching together as he eyes my vibrator.

I quickly scan the others, all of whose faces seem to find this situation very amusing. Even Ilyric turns his head as he straightens his expression.

I shake my head as I place the vibrator back into my dresser, a mischievous grin spreading across my lips. “What can I say? Bear is reliable and versatile. Always gets the job done and has energy for days.”

“Bear? You named it?” Jace chuckles, a large grin splitting his face.

“Don't be jealous, Jace.” Jace's eyes widen with my words, his mouth falling slightly open before he narrows his gaze toward my drawer.

“Why would I be jealous? And of a chunk of plastic?” His nose and eyes scrunch cutely together.

“Because…Bear's gotten me off more than you have, and in half the time.”

Jace begins to unbuckle his belt, taking a step toward me. “We’ll see about that.”

Cole places a hand on Jace’s shoulder, stopping him from moving to me. He shakes his head, his brows furrowed as he looks at Jace. “Not now.”

Jace sighs, buckling his belt back up, his eyes turning back to me as he mouths the word ‘Later.’

I chuckle, turning to Cole as I catch him mumbling.

His eyes trail toward my dresser before they narrow, so serious in thought as he mutters. I make out the words ’so small’ before he turns toward me.