“Mm?” I don’t have the energy to even open my eyes. They’ve wrung me out completely.
“Listen, what kind of color would you like on the walls of your office?” he asks. “I said you loved pink and that, um, green color. Teal. But Aiden thinks white would be better so you’ll be able to decorate it how you want it.”
That wakes me up instantly. “What?”
He smiles at me, his expression soft. “Your new office. We’re remodeling my old bedroom since we’re all sleeping here now anyway.”
I gape at him, then glance at Jack and Aiden. “You’re serious?”
Aiden smirks. “And we’re getting a bigger bed for this room because you three take up all the space.”
“Hey, you’re the cover hog,” Ty complains, slapping his naked shoulder.
I burst out crying. I can’t help it. Happy, laughing tears streaming down my face.
“Oh, hey, now.” Jack sits up and wraps his arms around me. “Was it the color choices? You don’t have to decide today.”
I hiccup and laugh, wiping my cheeks with my palms. “No! I just love you guys so much.”
Aiden groans and throws his arm over his face. “What happened to my life? It used to be so peaceful and quiet.”
Even though I can’t see his eyes, his mouth stretches in a grin as he says that. I poke him in the side anyway and flop down next to him.
“Light teal would be perfect,” I inform them. “And can I get rid of those old curtains?”
Ty pulls me in and kisses the top of my head. “Anything you want.”
Twenty-Five
Skye
After breakfast the next morning,a teenager comes barreling into the main room of the Lodge, his green eyes wide. Ryan, I recall. Since I’m staying here, I need to learn everyone’s names—and people have been much friendlier these past few days, so I’m actually interacting with more than just the usual Lodge crowd.
“Where’s Aiden?” he pants. “Gotta talk to him.”
I raise my eyebrows. “In his office. Come on, I’ll show you.”
I lead him down the hall to where Aiden’s door stands ajar. Knocking lightly, I push it open—then try to stomp down the memories of a very memorable night encounter that happened in here. We’re in the presence of a teenager, for gods’ sake.
“Ryan wants to speak to you,” I tell Aiden. I give the kid a smile and head back out into the hallway.
“Wait,” he calls. “You’d better stay.”
“What’s up?” Aiden asks, putting down his pen.
His desk is littered with boat schematics and bank statements, and if the disheveled state of his hair is any indication, things aren’t going well. I make a mental note to offer him my help. I know the clan is well-off in financial terms, but ordering a whole new fleet of fishing vessels for the village must be a pain in the ass. Now that I’ve finished the work on the protection spell and the Lodge’s website, I don’t have a new project lined up. I’ll have to find something, but I thought I might take a couple of days off before then, enjoy the last of Alaskan fall if I can.
Of course, we’re still unsure of whether witches will attack again or not.
Ryan pushes his red hair away from his forehead. “I was patrolling the perimeter of the spell with my dad,” he announces. “You know, to make sure no one is trying to get in.”
“Yeah?” Aiden says. “Good thinking.”
Ryan grins. “It’s awesome. If you’re on the outside, you can’t see a person standing two feet away from you if they’re behind the barrier. Miss Skye did a great job.”
“Thanks!” I beam at him.
He blushes a little, his pale cheeks turning pink. “Anyway,” he rallies, “we found a fresh campfire in the woods on the other side of the village. Not far from our plane.”
