Jericho barked out a laugh. “We got to see it for free at Maizy’s last birthday party when you had to take a piss and couldn’t get your skates off.”

Denver rolled one of the balls across the pool table in his direction. “Shut it, dickhead.”

“Stay, Naya.” Austin spoke in a gentler tone. “We want you here.”

I gracefully put my hands on my hips and softened my voice. “There’s only one place men want me, and it’s not in their homes.”

When I moved past him, he snatched my arm. “Naya, sometimes I think you put on one hell of a show, but you don’t have to pull that shit in my house. That’s not what my men are about. You’re not just a friend to Lexi, but to all of us. You’ve helped us when we didn’t ask for it, and it’s only right to do a good turn for a family friend. You’ve already got your room set up, and you’ll be here anyway for the party this coming weekend. Just stick around for a little while until the dust settles and we find out what’s what.”

“Oh, crap. The party,” Lexi whispered. “Naya, I called the number you gave me, but I still need to pick up the costumes and decorations.”

“Don’t worry, girly,” I said. “He delivers for free if it’s local.”

“I need a punch bowl or something, and a few things to decorate. You’re the only one who knows how to throw a good party.”

“Hold up,” William said, raising his hand. “You already picked out our costumes… without including us?”

“Of course!” Lexi said with a conniving smile.

“Oh, shit.” Trevor shook his head. “I am not doing this.”

“Yes you are,” Austin said. “I approved them.”

Denver folded his arms. “That makes me feel better. You’re a bag of nuts if you think I’m putting on whatever she picked out.”

Lexi lifted her chin stubbornly. “We all agreed,” she said in a voice that made every man in that room shift uncomfortably. Perhaps they were feeling a tad concerned about all the times they’d been difficult with Lexi, but I thoroughly enjoyed watching them squirm in their boots.

Despite my resistance, my heart swelled with gratitude. “I’ll stay for the evening, and then we’ll see. How does that sound?”

“Purrrfect,” he said with a deep chuckle.

The rest of the pack snickered, and I shook my head as I left the room.

“Wait up,” a voice called from behind.

I glanced over my shoulder and Wheeler caught up with me.

“I’ll walk you down,” he said.

“Mmm, and tuck me in?” I teased.

Wheeler didn’t reply, but he suddenly reached out and held my hand.

Chapter 15

I cracked a smile when I entered the room and noticed my bag at the foot of the bed. “I guess Austin had no intention of losing our argument.” I reached in the short fridge to get a cool drink while Wheeler closed the door. “Do you want anything?”