NINE

Derek:

“Damn it,” I cursed as the dart hit the outer side of the board.

We were in my study, safely ensconced having eaten dinner and with enough drinks available to fell a skilled sailor.

“You lost,” Benjamin cackled. “Again. Drink up, Alpha.”

I cursed endlessly at him and he only handed me the half-full whiskey bottle. I took a swig and sat down on the couch, feeling the alcohol burn down my throat through to my stomach. I sighed. That was mildly pleasant.

“The goddess smiles down upon you this night,” I teased my best friend. “That’s why I’m losing so much.”

“Yeah, yeah, tell yourself that, Derek,” Benjamin laughed at me. Seconds later he turned to me again. “Look at us, a bunch of bachelors just having the time of our lives. I mean, at least one of us is a bachelor proper right?”

I paused.

“Right,” I murmured to myself, taking another sip of the whiskey. “Could you not say anything about that so loudly? The walls have ears you know.”

I didn’t want anyone asides from Benny to know