Page 42 of Wanted

"It's coffee, but if you'd prefer something else, just speak up," Bree says.

"This is great." A tentative sip provides a brief distraction.

Someone, I think her name is Cortney, pulls a face. "Jude's really treating you all right?"

I feel suddenly protective over the man. "He's been nothing but kind." It's a stretch, but I wouldn't say our arguments weren't not kind, per se. "Why do you ask?"

"I love my brother to death. He's just so quiet," Cortney says. "I know it can be a little uncomfortable if you aren't used to it."

"He hasn't been that quiet." I stop myself from divulging too much. If he presents himself a certain way to his family, I don't want to spoil his secrets.

"Oh?" Cortney leans in as if she's incredibly invested.

"I just mean we've talked here and there. Not much, but he's not giving me the silent treatment or anything."

She leans back. "Huh. Interesting."

The girls all exchange a glances.

"What?" I ask, eyeing them over the rim of my mug as I go in for another sip.

"It's nothing," Juniper says. "We're just glad he didn't stick you in an upstairs bedroom and leave you to fend for yourself."

Whitney nods. "And if you do get lonely, please reach out to us. We'd love to hang out."

"I don't think it'll be a problem. With all those dogs, I'll probably never feel alone."

"Enough gossiping." Lee pushes his way into the group and throws himself down beside Juniper. "I'm sure she could use a little breathing room."

"Oh, I'm fine—"

"We aren't smothering her or anything." Juniper pokes his side.

"Yeah,brother,we're just getting to know her," Cortney adds.

"Well, you're riling up Jude. I think he’s feeling a little territorial and can't decide if he needs to intervene, so he's just stewing across the room with that pissed off look on his face."

Four heads swivel in the opposite direction in search of Jude. I find him instantly, in the exact position Lee described.

“I'm fine,” I mouth.

The way his eyes scan my face feels physical, even from across the distance.

"I think it's getting a little warm in here. I'm going to get a drink." Whitney brushes her hair behind her ear and practically skips out of the room.

This family could work on its subtlety. But I can't say I'm not enjoying it.

11

Jude

My bones crack in protest at the alarm screaming early Monday morning. I pull my groggy ass from the twisted bedsheets. Only once I’m upright do I slam my hand down to shut the ungodly noise off.

At the empty bed beside me, I huff.

My palm chases away some of the grit in my tired eyes.

Somehow, I’ll have to extract Ashe from Frankie’s room without waking her up. The last thing I need is for her to discover me while I’m retrieving my dog like some fucking creep. I know it’s technically supposed to be her first day at the Sanctuary, but she can sleep as long as she needs. There are plenty of tasks to complete after the sun rises.

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