The Maiden's Shop

Imagine that after awhile in your care, Valko found himself entriced by you. His eyes followed you everywhere you went, found himself whining when you were out of sight.

Imagine that his tail would wag every time you reappeared after he let out a whine, an amused smile playing on your lips as your eyes met his.

Imagine after that, you started calling him Wolfie.

Imagine that after he healed up, he couldn't find himself going anywhere else. The thought of leaving you too much for him to bare so he stuck around, in his wolf form.

Of course, he couldn't always stay in his wolf form.

Imagine the only time he allowed himself to shift out of his wolf form is when you're asleep, deep asleep. With a wolf as your familiar, why would you be a light sleeper? Your wolf was there to protect you, always.

Imagine you always knew that he would get up in the middle of the night, after you've fell into a deep sleep. Certain things would be tidied up, things you knew you left a mess to worry about the next day. You never questioned it. He was your familiar, wouldn't he have some abilities of his own? Just a few? And at some point, you'll feel him lay his body against you, the weight of a leg coming to rest against your waist.

Imagine you had become sick. Nothing life-threatening, just something that made you feel extremely tired, gave you coughing fits, and the works.

Imagine that you had taken medicine to help you get better, that made you sleepy so that's what you did, sleep.

Imagine that Valko didn't want to leave you alone, of course he did. You were sick but there was things he had to do to help you feel better.

Imagine that after he did all that, gotten you water for when you wake, etc, that he did what he always did - crawled into bed beside you, his body pressing against yours, and his arm wrapping around your waist to draw you even closer.

But imagine that the movement that usually never woke you, did, blinking slowly as you did. Your arm raising to rub against your eye before you froze as the arm around you suddenly tensed, making you aware of it.

Imagine the panic that filled you. The thoughts that ran through your head. Where was your wolf? Did this person hurt him? Were you in danger? Where was your wolf?

Imagine that you decided to turn, slowly, to face the person and they allowed it. But instead of catching their eyes first, your eyes caught a tail that had found itself wrapped around the owner, against their stomach. The color and shape familiar.

Imagine without a second thought, reaching out slowly to brush your hand against the tail and it twitched.

Imagine that you decided to continue to turn to look at the - obvious - man and your eyes meet his golden ones - ones that had you breathing out softly. They were familiar too.

Imagine that you let out the quietest "Wolfie?" and a rumble responded, his head nodding, and your eyes finally caught the ears placed on top of his head.

Imagine the panic you felt disappeared the moment he rumbled, the feeling familiar and safe.

Brat tamer!Zayne, who realizes he only has issues with getting you to drink water and to eat properly...

"Have you eaten today, darling?"

"Yes, I did."

"What did you eat?"

"...crackers."

"...what about water?"

"..."

Brat tamer!Zayne, who has given you a look whenever you did try to act out, fully ready to punish if it continued, only to watch you scrunch your nose and apologize sincerely just as fast.

Brat tamer!Zayne, who realizes even with permission, you struggle doing certain things you're not supposed too, that he has to coax it...

"I said you can bite," was murmured against your lips and a soft whine left you as your hands moved to grip his biceps.

"I...ngh." Your head tilted back with a gasp, hands tightening, as he continued to hit cervix just right.

One of his hands tangled in your hair while the other stayed gripping your thigh and he tilted your head forward, leaning down to brush his lips against yours.

"Bite, sweet girl."

Teeth sunk into his lower lip as your hands trailed up to cup his neck, desperate to keep him close despite the harshness of his thrusts.

A groan left him as you sucked his lower lip into your mouth, his arm wrapping around your leg to push it higher, and you released his lip with a loud moan, your head pushing against his hand still tangled in your hair.

"Zayne!"

Brat tamer!Zayne, who does mention missing the taming aspects sometimes but appreciates your attempts and reassures any insecurities you have because of it...

"I do try! I just...it doesn't sit right," you murmured, glancing away before flickering to his eyes as he cupped your cheeks.

"I know," he spoke softly. "I enjoy that you try but it's not something to force yourself to do. You're enough, my love."

Brat tamer!Zayne, who realizes that you react to praise when he had your back pressed against his chest, legs hooked around his slightly bent ones, one hand dipped between your legs - the other holding your chin gently, making you look at the mirror in front of you...

"Keep watching," he murmured against your neck, his eyes watching through the mirror as he dropped the hand holding your chin. Fingers trailing down your shoulder before his arm wrapped around your front, hand coming up to cup your breast. "Good girl."

A smirk tugged on his lips as he raised an eyebrow at your sharp intake of breath.

"Oh?"

"Z-Zayne-" one of your hands lifted to tangle in his hair while the other rested on his arm that cupped your breast. You fought to keep your eyes open as his thumb rubbed your clit slowly.

"You're doing good, sweet girl. Keep those pretty eyes open." He brought his mouth against your ear, your hand tightening in his hair as your hips moved against his hand. "Responding so well. That's it, keep those pretty moans coming."

"I-I can't," you whined, forcing your eyes open after they fluttered shut for a moment. "Zayne, please, please, please."

The word kept chanting out of your mouth, sweet nothings murmuring in your ear, until your head was thrown back, body tensing as pleasure consumed you.

"Good girl."

Brat tamer!Zayne, who couldn't help but chuckle at every half-hearted glare sent his way after every praise that leaves him throughout the day.

Brat tamer!Zayne, who doesn't mind missing out on taming as long as you let him care for you.

Let me know what you think! First posted smut, first time in this format too. Thank you for reading!

“We know,” Poppy snorted, reaching out to pat her head. “Don’t we have plans tonight? Maybe you can go home with someone.”

“Please, the only person she wants to go home with is Rafayel and she’s too chicken to do anything about it,” Makayla deadpanned, grinning at the whine that left the woman in question.

“I am painfully aware that I am stupid. Don’t remind me.”

“You’re not stupid,” Caleb spoke up, glancing over his shoulder. “Just…I don’t know where I’m going with this.”

“He’s stupid,” Makayla stated, taking a seat beside Nicole. “You’re just not confident enough to go after him – which is dumb, by the way. You, like, have his attention every time you’re in the same room as him.”

“Go easy on Caleb. I’ve been the only person he’s been with,” Poppy mused and Nicole snorted.

“That’s easy to tell.”

“Hey!” Caleb turned towards the three women before his nose scrunched as they all looked at him. “…what’s the plan for tonight again?”

“Just a get together around some drinks,” Poppy answered with a hum. “Didn’t you want to invite Zayne?”

“Probably will have to trick him into going.”

“Sounds like someone else we know,” Nicole muttered and Makayla blinked over at her in disbelief.

“I willingly agreed to this outing!”

“After talking to the boyfriend about it.”

“…fuck off.”

~*~

{the bitches}

calculatingbitch: I am so done with all these classes

calculatingbitch: my brain hurts

lonelybitch: i think we all feel that

simpbitch: kayla is bouncing in her seat, omfg

lonelybitch: …

lonelybitch: she has a fact she wants to share

helplessbitch: listen

helplessbitch: i had my into to mythology class today, okay?

pettybitch: oh god

helplessbitch: hey

helplessbitch: i’ll just tell zayne. omg

simpbitch: are we sure my username is the correct one??

calculatingbitch: …

pettybitch: yes

pettybitch: i have heard more about how great of a boyfriend caleb is than i have about anything about him

pettybitch: everything i know about him outside of the greatness he is as a boyfriend is from kayla or nikki

simpbitch: …i’m not that bad

lonelybitch: it’s as bad as my whining about being single

helplessbitch: yea, gotta agree with them, babe

simpbitch: …

simpbitch: fuck if i’m gonna talk about him again

calculatingbitch: i give it a day

pettybitch: no, no, she’s petty enough. 3 days tops

lonelybitch: day in a half

helplessbitch: 10 mins

simpbitch: you have no hope for me???

helplessbitch: nope

simpbitch changed helplessbitch to heartlessbitch

heartlessbitch: zayne would disagree

sent 12:23

simpbitch: …

simpbitch: i fucking hate you, kayla

simpbitch: he surprised me with flowers-

sent 12:34

~

{Childhood Besties}

cal: you’re coming out tonight with us @.zay

zay: Busy

cal: wasn’t giving you a choice, bud

pips: this isn’t convincing him???

pips: you can’t just force him, caleb

cal: his “busy” is a phone call to his girlfriend

zay: I have to papers to grade and reports to review

pips: you’re always working

zay: You con Poppy in on trying to “convince” me?

cal: can’t ask your girlfriend too since i don’t have her contact information

cal: pipsqueak’s the next best thing

zay: No

pips: i’ll get caleb to make your favorite

cal: i didn’t agree to labor

pips: you’re the one determined to make him go

pips: you get to put in the work

zay: Fine

cal: that simple????

cal: agreeing over dessert??

cal: our doctor, everyone

pips: you’re going to make him say no, caleb

cal: i take it back

~

snowman: It seems I’m getting dragged out tonight

snowman: But you had that night out with friends, don’t you?

sent 2:15pm

snowflake: I do

snowflake: But with how classes have been going, I’m not sure I want to anymore

snowflake: Oh! My intro to myths was going over some interesting stuff!

sent 3:01pm

snowman: Tonight’s been planned for a week, darling. You need to go

snowflake: I knooow

snowman: What caught your interest today?

snowflake: We were going over a myth about this like dragon hybrid

snowflake: and this sorceress

snowflake: and, apparently, in that culture, their myth explains the whole soulmate thing.

snowflake: She was forced to kill him and then she cursed his, and by extension, her soul too since they each carried one half of the other’s through life and death

snowflake: It also possibly explains reincarnation within that culture too. At least, I think so. We didn’t really cover that point but we’re still learning about the myth!

snowman: You do like a lot of the soulmate myths

snowman: Think you found yours?

snowflake: Sure hoping so, love

snowflake: What about you?

snowman: I’ll have to get back to you on that

snowflake: …

snowflake: Ass

snowflake: Nikki is dragging me off for coffee. Talk to you in a bit?

snowman: I don’t have classes for the rest of the day

snowflake: Good. Me either. Maybe call before we go out?

snowman: Of course

snowflake: I love you

snowman: I love you too

~

{roommates}

consort: where the fuck is my hair brush??

servant: my bad

consort: you have your own bathroom??? that you share with poppy???

consort: why are you stealing from mine and nikki’s bathroom

priestess: wtf

priestess: why were you even in there???

servant: you act like i haven’t already seen all your shit

priestess: our bathroom is sacred

priestess: only goddess can enter without permission

priestess: you do not

consort: why the fuck did you take my brush???

consort: poppy has her own???

goddess: he had a really horrid bed knot this morning

goddess: i told him it would be okay if he put it back

consort: which he did not

consort: throw him in the pit

servant: this is the thanks i get for everything i do???

priestess: sacred bathroom

servant: …i gotta find other roommates, omg

goddess: you think i’m living with other people??

consort: also, i started as your roommate first, asshole, then the other two joined

servant: then what is the issue with the hair brush???

consort: you didn’t put it back

consort: that was part of the ground rules even when it was just us two sharing a place

consort: to the pit

servant: …

servant: fair enough

servant: i shall prepare the best pregame meal as an apology

consort: …brownies?

servant: with brownies

consort: may be forgiven afterwards

~*~

“Almost thought I would have to come get you,” Caleb mused as he met Zayne at the door. “Pipsqueak convinced Kayla to let you have a brownie so there’s a treat for you at the table.”

“Convinced?” Zayne questioned with a raised eyebrow, stepping off to the side to let others walk past him.

“Brownies were part of an apology. Had been meaning to make them anyways because she had been whining about wanting some for weeks now,” he shrugged. “Pipsqueak and Nikki weren’t even allowed one.”

Zayne hummed a bit at the statement as he began to follow the man, his eyes flickering towards the table he was being lead too before he stopped, his hand reaching out to grasp Caleb’s arm.

“How did you figure it out?” He asked in disbelief and Caleb raised an eyebrow at him.

“Figure what out?”

“Who I’m dating.”

“Who your-What are you going on about? There’s only three people dating someone in the group. Pips and I and Ka…” Caleb stared before a snort left him. “Poppy and I joked about it with each other but to be right. You’re her Zayne? Seriously?”

“You didn’t know?”

“How would I? You’ve never shown us a picture of your girlfriend and she’s…never even received a picture from you.” Caleb’s nose scrunched at the thought, his eyes flickering towards the table in time to watch Makayla shrug an arm off her shoulder with a playful scowl. “…I didn’t think the last one did that bad of damage to your confidence, Zay.”

“…I’ve been trying,” he muttered, shifting on his feet. “Can we-”

“As long as I don’t have to keep it a secret for long…and from Poppy. Unfortunately for the both of us, Kayla is aware of when I’m keeping a secret. We’ve been friends since freshman year of high school.”

“I know,” he sighed and Caleb raised an eyebrow before another snort left him.

“Right. She did mention she told you about us.”

“Poppy’s coming.”

“Everything okay?” Poppy’s voice drifted in and Caleb hummed, an arm coming to wrap around her shoulders.

“Tell ya later, pipsqueak. Let’s get going before the demon and her follower comes over.”

“…which ones the demon?” Poppy questioned, offering Zayne a smile, as he fell into step beside her.

“Honestly? They’re demons together.”

“I,” a somewhat loud voice spoke up, “am a goddamn saint. Get it right, peasant.”

“If you’re a saint, then I’m god,” a voice familiar to Zayne deadpanned and his eyes flickered towards her, watching as she reached out to flick the first woman’s head. “Not so loud either.”

“I wasn’t even referring to you two,” Caleb stated before his head nodded towards the other two woman who returned the gesture by flipping him off. “Those two are Brooklyn and Violet,” he introduced, pointing at the two women. “And then Nicole and Makayla. Those two are mine and Poppy’s roommates.”

“I heard you broke a ground rule that’s been in place since your freshmen year in college, Caleb,” Brooklyn mused as the man let out a groan.

“I’ve already been sentenced to the pit, whatever that is.”

“Forgot a ground rule? Deserves more than just the pit if you asked me,” a new voice drifted in and Zayne’s eyes turned towards the newcomer for a moment.

“Good thing no one asked you, Sylus,” Caleb deadpanned before scowling as his eyes glanced down at the table to the tiny wad of paper. “Really, Kayla?”

“You’re annoying.”

“…I’m moving out.”

“Good fucking luck,” Nicole snorted, pointing towards Poppy. “That bitch isn’t leaving us.”

“At one point, she’s gonna have too.”

“…Caleb, we graduate before these two. She’s not going to be moving with you any time soon,” Makayla pointed out before blinking and offering a smile to Zayne. “Sorry. Got introduced and then chaos. You’re Zayne, right? Caleb and Poppy’s childhood friend?”

“And then some,” Caleb muttered under his breath before grunting at the elbow he received. “Not the doctor hurting people.”

“Are you even consider “people” though?” Violet questioned with a snort, grinning at the glare she receive.

“Yes, I am,” Zayne answered Makayla and she nodded.

“Oh!” Poppy suddenly exclaimed before offering a napkin towards the medical student. “For you. Makayla agreed to letting you have one.”

“Is it a good idea for a new guy to join?” Another new voice hit his ears as he took the offered napkin and Poppy shook her head.

“Did you not hear Kayla?” Poppy questioned, eyes flickering towards the newcomer. “Childhood friend.”

“Yeah, the same was said about Makayla,” the man waved her off as he found his way towards the one beside the one in question and Makayla scowled at him

“Caleb and I are the reason this group even exists.”

“You and Caleb?” The one from before – Sylus – questioned, an eyebrow raising, and Makayla narrowed her eyes at him.

“Since I’m the reason you and Caleb even met, yes.”

“I don’t recall this.”

“Do you recall anything, Raf?” Nicole questioned, amusement in her eyes as she looked at him, and Zayne gave a quiet hum.

He remembered multiple times when Makayla complained about Nicole and her crush on a guy named Rafayel and if he was assuming correctly, he was Rafayel.

“Where’s Xavier?”

“Probably fell asleep,” Sylus snorted and Violet frowned, pulling out her phone. “Of course you’re checking.”

“Shut up,” Violet scowled up at him. “God, you’re annoying. Can he leave?”

“It’s my tab.”

“What? I thought I told them mine,” Makayla spoke, her head turning towards the bar, before a scowl found her lips. “You told them to transfer it, didn’t you?”

“Are you denying the chance to spend father’s money?” Sylus raised an eyebrow at her and she sighed.

“Fair enough.”

~*~

{Childhood Besties}

pips: i never thought the jokes would end up true

pips: and yet it makes sense

pips: you’re kayla’s zayne???

zay: i see cal has told you

pips: a miracle he kept it from me until now

pips: he’s also hiding in the bathroom right now????

cal: i

cal: may be not as sober as i thought

cal: and i know nikki and kayla sometime barge in here after drinks

pips: so???

cal: secrets

zay: i’ll owe you

pips: please don’t wait forever

pips: i can guarantee that she’ll have no issues with anything about you

pips: but i understand where you’re coming from

pips: if i ever see that woman, i swear

zay: thank you

pips: @/cal i told them not to come in

pips: you can come out now

cal: thank god

You watched as he offered a slight smile and you blinked, nose scrunching as you realized you have stayed silent after he called out to you.

"Yes, sorry. I'm just-" you cut yourself off to take a breath and a soft chuckle followed.

"Nervous?"

"Yes," you admitted. "It doesn't help that Rafayel did this whole lecture about my safety just before I left with him and his...partner demanding I share my location and I just-"

"It's alright," Zayne cut you off softly. "I'm guessing Rafayel is your roommate?"

"I...yes, he is."

"It's good to have someone worried about you. If they'd like any of my information as well, you're welcome to send it," he reassured and you nodded, taking another breath. "Shall we go in?"

"Yes, let's."

Zayne watched as you offered a smile towards the server who brought you your drink, your hands cupping around the mug before watching as your eyes flickered towards him.

"I know your profile said that you enjoyed sweet treats. I just didn't realize it was this much," you commented, bringing your mug to take a sip. "Guilty pleasure?"

"Something like that," he admitted before clearing his throat. "I don't wish to rush so, please, don't take it this way, but we can talk about a potential arrangement whenever you're ready."

Your eyes watched him before you let out a quiet sigh, setting your mug down gently.

"I don't think we'll talk about it if we wait on me," you admitted quietly. While Raf's been telling me to sign up since my issues arrived, I had wish to not do it but then..."

"You don't have to tell me why," Zayne reassured. "I don't have to know anything you don't want me to know."

"Thank you. You had said you received some bad news you couldn't take? That's why you joined?"

"Yes," he sighed softly, "and I would keep it to myself but, if this arrangement happens, you would end up as my plus one."

"You have feelings for someone," you concluded, watching as he nodded. "That does explain the companionship. I'm sorry."

"Nothing that can be done about it now."

You watched as Zayne took a bit of his treat before you were shifting your attention towards the window in thought.

"You have a busy schedule," you started carefully, glancing towards him and he nodded, watching you. "I know that Raf and his partner had decided originally on a payment after each get together before his partner ended up giving him a weekly allowance while paying all bills. I...don't need any of that. I just need-"

"-bills paid," he finished and you nodded. "May I ask what bills?"

"The basics like my part of rent, internet, and utilities. I'm on a few scholarships for college but they mainly cover the tuition portion so that's not a worry. I..."

A soft noise left you, eyes glancing back out the window as you shifted in your seat.

"You don't have to tell me," Zayne repeated, reaching a hand out to place on the table in front of you. "I meant that."

"I appreciate it," you spoke, eyes finally glancing towards him, "but its a bill I have to pay. I...I cover in-home care for my father."

A soft hum left Zayne as he nodded.

"And internship doesn't offer health insurance."

"Its barely decent pay," you sighed softly. "The chairman has been trying to figure out how to get better pay for the interns."

"That's better than most."

You murmured your agreement, lifting your mug to your lips, and glanced towards Zayne over the edge of it.

"I'm willing to cover your bills and your college expenses," Zayne started and you blinked.

"I can-"

"I know," his tone was soft, "but I want too. In return, I wouldn't mind being kept up to date with your progress throughout college and a conversation via text or call at least once a day. Between my time at the hospital and your time between school and work, outings will probably be hard to do - not that I wouldn't mind doing them."

"If our schedules line up?" You questioned and he nodded. "And that wedding, right? You want me to be there as a plus one?"

"Yes," he agreed. "I'll have to go over the save the date again but I believe it's a destination wedding. I'll cover all expenses for that as well as any outfits you need and the dress."

"...I feel like I'm getting way more out of this arrangement than you."

"I wasn't expecting to actual go through with it after making an account," he admitted. "Many expected a lot more than I thought and I just don't have the time to give most of the time. You were the first that preferred less expectations."

"...you were the first that wasn't creepy," you spoke in return, shifting in your seat. "Raf vetted all of them and only swiped on you."

"He swiped?"

"Only because he knew I would debate it for a long time," you rushed to correct. "I found the profile first and showed him."

"It's alright."

A ringing sound followed and a sigh left Zayne before he was offering you an apologetic smile.

You watched him fish out his phone, pressing it to his ear, before you reached for your phone.

raffie: did he show up?

raffie: im assuming he did since you're not responding

raffie: everything good, cutie?

raffie: cutie??

raffie: is he holding your phone hostage???

raffie: respond!!!

cutie: omg, raf. Im fine

cutie: will be done soon, I think he just got called in

raffie: text me when you leave!

Hearing your name, you locked your phone, lifting your eyes to meet his.

"I have to go in, emergency surgery for a patient," he explained, his eyes glancing towards his treat with a quiet sigh before lifting back towards yours. "You're welcome to finish this or take it home with you. I'm sorry."

"You have a busy schedule," you repeated from earlier, offering him a small smile. "It's okay."

"I can draft up a written agreement later if you'd like."

"Worry about the patient, Zayne."

A soft exhale left him as he nodded, pushing himself to stand.

"Text me when you get home?"

"Yeah."

~

"So?"

You barely had a chance to take your shoes off before Rafayel was right there, hands around your wrist to tug you towards the living room.

"Raf, I just got home."

"That doesn't matter. How'd it go?"

Tugging you down onto the couch with him, Rafayel turned his body towards you.

"Tell me, tell me."

"You get more enjoyment out of this than I do."

"Cutie," he whined, a pout coming to his lips. "You're being adventurous for once. I wanna know."

"I'm not-" you cut yourself off, taking a deep breath before you released it.

"He's willing to pay for my bills and college expenses. In return, he asks for updates on my schooling and at least one conversation a day. If schedules align, we might meet up. Outside of that, he has one request where I'll accompany him to a destination wedding - all expenses paid for and any new clothing item I may need for it. And a dress to attend the wedding with."

"Not creepy?"

"Not creepy," you agreed with a nod. "Even offered to give whatever information needed to send to you to ensure my safety during this meet up."

Rafayel hummed at that, staring at you in thought before nodding his head.

"Good. You're taking it."

"I don't have a say?"

Rafayel gave you a dull look at that before he was pushing himself off the couch, heading towards the kitchen, and you scrunched your nose.

"He offered to have a written agreement drafted up," you called out as your phone vibrated. "Did you and Sylus have one?"

"At the beginning, yeah," he replied as you pulled out your phone. "But the agreement went out the window when feelings began to complicate it. Don't regret it, however. It'll be good for you to get one."

doctor: did you get home okay?

doctor: and were there any conditions you wanted to add to the agreement?

Your eyes scanned over the texts before glancing at the time, eyes furrowing softly.

cutefairy: I did and nothing I can think of at the moment

cutefairy: did the surgery go okay? Seems a little early to be done but I wouldnt know anything about that...

doctor: I did the complicated aspects of the surgery before handing it off

doctor: talk to your roommate, see if he has any ideas for you

"Messaging him already, cutie?" Rafayel mused as he returned to his spot on the couch.

"I forgot to message him when I got home so he asked if I did," you answered, glancing towards him. "Is there any conditions I should have for the agreement?"

"A clause in case feelings are caught."

"That... won't be an issue," you admitted softly. "He has feelings for someone that's having the wedding. That's the bad news he recieved."

Rafayel watched you before glancing away in thought.

"Then a clause that allows you to pull out whenever," he spoke, eyes meeting yours. "Keeps you safe."

A quiet sound left you as it was your turn to watch him before nodding, eyes returning to your phone.

cutefairy: a clause that allows us to end the agreement whenever

“Kayley,” Zayne greeted before releasing a hum. “Seems I spaced who works here.”

“Long hours will do that to you. Mickey, what do we have open?” Kayley’s eyes shifted towards the host who shifted on his feet.

“Not much. There’s the room you leave open for Mr. Qin, who is supposed to show tonight from what you said either.”

“Oh, he wouldn’t mind then. I’ll warn him beforehand.”

“Uh, ma’am, are you sure we should be doing that? We don’t normally-”

“Dr. Li is Harleigh’s fiancé, Mickey. Which, by the way, is she back from break yet? I wanted to speak to her.”

“…Harleigh’s engaged?”

Zayne recognized the flash of annoyance that hit the host’s eyes and from the narrowing of Kayley’s, she did too.

“There’s a reason why you’re a host now, Mickey. Keep that in mind,” Kayley warned before she was turning back towards the three.

“…Yes, ma’am. She’s back from her break. I think she’s doing inventory.”

“Perfect. Come on. We’ll stop at the bar before I take you to the room,” Kayley hummed, turning on her feet.

“…How do you forget your fiancé works at Adyton?” Greyson questioned as Yvonne blinked.

“I didn’t forget where Harleigh works. I forgot Kayley does…and owns it, actually.”

 “And knowing that about Kayley is important because…?” Yvonne questioned and he glanced towards her.

“She’s the maid of honor. I believe Harleigh had to fight over her buying her dress-”

“-which she did lose,” Kayley added with a hum, glancing over her shoulder with a grin. “I haven’t heard her mention anything about her parents helping. I doubt she’d allow them anyways.”

Yvonne glanced towards Zayne as the four of them came to a stop at the bar and Kayley tapped against the counter with a hum.

“I just remembered, I have Harleigh covering Skye’s room. If you’re wanting to celebrate without her, I’ll have to figure something else out,” she spoke as the passing bartender let out a snort.

“How can you forget that, ma'am? Harleigh’s always covering his room. He only ever seems to show when she is working,” said bartender commented and another hum left the woman.

“You make it sound like he’s interested in her when he offered to play dad and walk her down just earlier today,” Kayley mused, eyes flickering towards the bartender before her eyes drifted towards the three. “What were you wishing to do?”

“I have no issues,” Yvonne offered, her eyes glancing towards Greyson. “He’s the one that insisted, even offered to extend the invitation to Ms. Maria.”

Kayley hummed at that, her eyes flickering towards Zayne as his eyes lifted towards the door behind the counter before she followed his gaze.

Harleigh had just stepped out, tablet in hand as she spoke to Robin.

She watched as Harleigh glanced back and forth between the tablet and Robin before the woman took a step back upon Robin’s hand moving to her shoulder, guiding her back to allow another employee walk past.

“I don’t see why she couldn’t,” Greyson’s words hit her ears and a grin tugged on Kayley’s lips.

“Harleigh!” Kayley called out, watching the woman as her head turned towards her, eyebrows furrowing before she was excusing herself from Robin. “You have guests.”

“I see this,” Harleigh spoke as she approached, her eyes lifting towards Zayne before they turned towards the others. “It’s nice seeing you again.”

“We have a lot to learn about you, Harleigh,” Yvonne commented with a smile.

“They’ll be sharing Skye’s room with him,” Kayley stated, her hand reaching out to take the tablet from her, purple eyes scanning the contents. “We’re missing a few items?”

 “I was just talking to Robin about that,” she spoke, dipping under the flip up bar counter, and her eyes glanced up towards Zayne as the top of her head hit his forearm before she was shifting to stand beside him. “She was going to talk to Henry.”

“You would have better luck, especially if the thief thought to delete the footage,” she commented, handing the tablet back to her. “Take your laptop with you.”

“…this is why some employees hate me, Kayley. We’ve talked about this.”

“Good thing that I’m the boss and I can do as I please, isn’t it?” Kayley hummed, her eyes turning towards the others. “Requests for drinks? Whiskey and wine is already set up in there.”

“Expensive vintage wine. I don’t get how he can drink that,” Harleigh’s nose scrunched at the thought and Kayley reached out to pat her cheek.

“Ignore her. She’s still fresh to the drinking scene. She’s the baby of the bar.”

“…I hate you.”

“I’ll just be having water,” Zayne spoke and Kayley glanced towards him curiously. “I don’t drink.”

“Mocktails for you then. Can’t have you missing out on your celebration.”

“Very accommodating, kitten,” a new voice drifted in and eyes flickered towards him. “Little raven.”

“…Skye,” Harleigh replied before humming. “Kayley didn’t give you a warning.”

“And that warning being?” “Skye” – Sylus – questioned, stepping around Greyson to lean down and press a kiss against Kayley’s cheek. “Is that the surprised fiancé of yours, little raven?”

“-acle, please.”

Kayley’s eyes met Harleigh’s before they glanced further down the bar as she reached a hand out to grasp Sylus’ arm.

“Dr. Li-”

“-Zayne,” the doctor corrected and Kayley glanced towards him. “Zayne is fine.”

“-Zayne’s friends decided that he needed to celebrate his engagement and wanted to try their luck here. You don’t mind sharing your room, do you?”

“Of course not. The more, the merrier.”

“…why do I feel like I’m going to regret this?” Harleigh muttered, her eyes glancing towards Zayne who chuckled softly. “Is there a cocktail you’ve wanted to try? Anything can be turned into a mocktail.”

 “Surprise me.”

“Dangerous game,” she hummed, leaning up to press a kiss to his cheek before she was ducking under the flip up bar counter again. “I’ll get the cart ready if you want to take them up.”

“Actually, love, do you mind showing them up? I have something I forgotten about that needs to be taken care of,” Kayley questioned, eyes flickering towards familiar red ones, and he nodded.

“Of course, sweetie. Should we expect a delay of the little raven?”

“If you could call me by my name when I’m working, that’ll be great.”

“…are we having a party?” Another new voice drifted in and Yvonne made a small noise of surprised, her head turning to the newcomer.

“Savannah?”

“Hello, Yvonne,” Savannah greeted, stepping between her and Sylus as she lifted a box towards Kayley who hummed as she took it. “Dr. Guān, Dr. Li.”

“I wasn’t aware you knew anyone here,” Yvonne spoke and Savannah gave her a grin.

“Invited to the wedding, actually. One of the few guests of Harleigh.”

Harleigh jumped at the pointed finger and she stared at Kayley as the woman stared back.

“Don’t even.”

“I didn’t say anything!”

“…and there goes Kayley, acting like mama hen to Harleigh again,” Savannah mused. “Anyways, I was just stopping by to give that to you, Kayley. I’m on my way to my shift now.”

“Thank you, Sav.”