Chapter 56

WEST The elevator doors open and Zeke steps out. He glances around nervously, and it sets my teeth on edge. Something’s going on. He looks terrified, but he also seems oddly happy. And then I see why. I swear my heart stops beating when she steps out behind him. She flicks her dark curls over her shoulder and folds her arms across her chest. Our eyes meet, and I stand frozen, certain I’m dreaming and will wake up at any minute. “Shorty?” Xander’s voice cuts through the uncomfortable silence. He’s standing at the other end of the hallway, looking as shocked as I feel. “Hey,” she says so quietly I almost don’t hear her. Then the four of us stare at each other for what feels like a fucking eternity. Say something, asshole. Go pick her up and carry her to bed. Fucking chain her to the goddamn frame ifyou have to. The sound of thundering paws breaks the silence for us, and Snowflake charges down the hallway. Letting out a delighted shriek, Lily crouches and holds out her arms. The stupid mu