items as gifts for in there?”
I thumped my tail on the floor. “Of course not! Why, are there more presents hidden in the garage or something?”
“No, but Mom, Shelby, and a good handful of the Novaks are planning on bringing us dinner tonight, and I suspect they’ll have more things for us.”
“Just as long as we get to paint and put things where we want them, that’s all I want.”
“And all I want is you.”
I licked his nose. “Who knew an alpha could be so soft and sappy?”
“That’s a bear for you, fluffy. All grr and danger on the outside, squishy on the inside.”
I jumped up and bounced on his stomach. “You’re pretty squishy outside, too.”
He rolled over with a grunt. “Watch it, pup. I could squish you.”
I bounced away. “If you could catch me.”
He shifted back into human form so fast, I only had a half a second head start. Even though he had more speed and agility as a human, he couldn’t match a wolf.
I let him catch me, though.
Eventually.
Don Novak seemed too large for our little house. I was used to seeing him in his mansion with its extra high ceilings. “This is a comfortable place, boys. Perfect for starting your family.”
Jordan wrapped his big hand around mine. We’d had a good conversation before anyone arrived, and he’d agreed to handle most of the socializing. Even though I appreciated the Novaks, and especially Dante, Don Novak still scared the crap out of me.
He gave the don a respectful nod. “I hear a lot of that is thanks to you.”
“Oh, not me. Any credit goes to my little koshka, here. And your sister, I believe. Is your family here, yet?”
“Yes, they’re around here somewhere... I’m not sure where they’re hiding though. The house is too cozy to go missing for too long. They’re excited to meet everyone. Can I get you a drink?”
Dante appeared from the kitchen, two wine glasses in his hands. “Don’t worry about it, guapo. I chose an excellent Argentinian Malbec. If I don’t make sure there’s something a little stronger than water, these Novak alphas start swimming in their vodka. I brought a case as part of our housewarming gift.”
Jordan gestured to the newly furnished room. “As if this isn’t enough?”
Dante shrugged one shoulder. “That was different. That was helping a friend. The wine is for the fiesta. Two completely different things, you see?”
“And I don’t think we own any wine glasses...”
Dante’s eyes twinkled mischievously. “Now you do.”
“Dante, you’re here!” Louisa pushed Shelby down the hall and into the living room.
Dante kissed her cheek, then bent to do the same to Shelby. “Hola, reinas. Shelby, what do you think? Did we do well?”
“I think you did an amazing job,” Louisa answered. “I can’t believe you ordered it all online and it looks so good together. But tell me, is this handsome man your mate?”
“Of course, forgive me. Introductions. This is indeed the love of my life, Francis Novak. My love, Louisa Patterson and her intimidatingly stylish and intelligent daughter, Shelby.”
The don took Louisa’s hand and kissed it. “It is my pleasure, madam. From what I hear, your son is an excellent partner for our dear friend.”
I blushed at being called a friend of the don’s. There weren’t many people who would dare to claim friendship with him, and even fewer whom he would acknowledge. After all my family had done, I was still shocked the Novaks had never lumped me in the same bucket as the worst of the Stanislavs.
But the don seemed to be maintaining a decent relationship with my cousin Roman, who had taken over after the Novaks killed the then-heads of the family.
Still, there was a far gap between a decent business relationship and the concern and compassion they had given me.
“Are you involved in organized crime?”
I turned wide-eyed to Shelby.
“Shut up, Shelbs,” Jordan hissed.
But the don laughed. “She is a bold one. And I hear you are a writer, da? Do you plan on writing a story about me?”
“Maybe. If it’s interesting enough.”
“Oh, my dear sweet child. Shall we have a talk? Off the record, of course.”
“Is he going to have to kill her later?” Jordan asked. “Because if so, maybe we should kidnap her away from him?”
“She will be fine,” Dante assured him. “Frankie is a giant teddy bear.”
Jordan and I shared a skeptical glance. I had been on the receiving end of the Novaks’ kindness, but I also knew what their claws would do.
River, who’d been quietly talking