The Golden Raven (All for the Game, #5)

by Nora Sakavic

Jean assumed they’d go straight to the shelter, but Jeremy parked at the Lofts. On her way out of the car, Laila said, “Take Jean with you.” ​Jean stared at her. “No. It’s your beast, not mine.” ​Laila leaned over to eye him. “Technically it’s Jeremy’s.” ​“Your partner, your problem,” Cat chimed in. “The boy can’t be trusted. Let him go to a shelter alone and he’ll probably come home with a half-dozen puppies. Thank you for your sacrifice, Jean. I said thank you and goodbye,” she added, when Jean started to argue again. She gave him a meaningful look and gestured between herself and Laila. “Read the room.” ​“You don’t even have a bed yet,” Jean complained. ​“I have a face she can—”

“It is a stupid name. It is not as bad as the last, but it is still unforgivable. He is not a dinosaur.” ​“We can rename him,” Jeremy said, studying Jean’s face like the secret to the universe was just out of reach. “It might just take some work and time for him to get used to it, especially if he’s six. Here, hold him a sec.” ​“Put him down. He has four legs to stand on,” Jean said, but Jeremy had already closed the short space between them. ​Shifting Rex from his chest to Jean’s was easy work, and if Jean didn’t catch hold, it would be a long drop to a very hard floor. Jeremy ignored his muttered complaints in favor of fixing Jean’s grip, and he stepped back only when Rex appeared secure. The dog was oblivious to or unmoved by Jean’s disapproval and instead pressed a wet nose to the underside of his chin. Jean tipped his head away, earning a huff before Rex went still. ​Jeremy studied the dog a minute longer, then said, “He’s asleep.” ​“He’s faking it,” Jean said. ​“He likes you,” Jeremy said, pleased. To Christian he said, “We want him.” ​“We do not,” Jean corrected him, but both men ignored him.