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I turn and look at Whisper, who’s sitting on the edge of his bed watching me mess with my hair while he pets the cat.

“No. Kind of. What if he doesn’t like me?”

Whisper shrugs. “I think he will, but maybe you won’t be into this once you hear all the details.”

“Maybe. Will he be mad if I say no?”

“Not mad.”

“Will he have to kill me?”

“No, Blush. We’re not the Mafia or whatever. Besides, you’ve got skin in the game too.”

“True.” I turn to face him completely. “Is there anything I shouldn’t say?”

“No. Be yourself. He’ll know if you’re trying to be fake or just saying things to make him happy. He’s extremely perceptive.”

“Okay, that doesn’t help.”

Whisper chuckles, standing and joining me in front of the dresser. “You’re gonna be fine. Shadow is intense, but he’s an incredible person. I don’t want to think about where I’d be without him.”

I nod, exhaling slowly. “Okay. I’ll just be honest and listen openly.”

“Good plan.” He glances at his watch. “Ready?”

“One sec.” I walk over and scratch the cat’s head. “For good luck. Now I’m ready.”

“Luck, huh? Maybe that should be her name? Lucky?”

Nodding, I smile. “Yes, she was lucky you found her. That’s good.”

“That’s settled. Come on.”

Whisper leads me downstairs, through the rec room, and to the back of the house where apparently Shadow’s office is. He knocks and Stealth opens the door, looking as deadly as he did the last time I saw him. If I believed in vampires, he’s how I would picture them.

As he opens the door wider, a blond man comes into view. He’s saying something softly to Shadow before he turns around and flashes us a bright, happy smile.

“Hi,” he says, walking toward me with his hand extended. “I’m Bellamy.”

Ah. So this is Bellamy.

“Blush. Nice to meet you.”

“Cute name.” His eyes flit to Whisper. “Caught yourself a baddie, huh?”

Whisper chuckles. “Good to see you, Bellamy.”

“You too. I’ll get out of the way.” He turns back to Shadow. “Remember what I said.”

“I will.”

Bellamy leaves the room with Stealth in tow as Whisper nudges me forward with his hand on my lower back.

Shadow nods at Whisper, who leaves without another word.

“Please have a seat,” Shadow says.

I sit in front of his desk, feeling like a kid in the principal’s office.