Page 78 of Mated to the Wolves

“You heard the man. Thanks for taking care of the food tonight,” Cadoc says as he clasps Kirk’s shoulder.

“I enjoy cooking. It’s a nice change of pace to do it for others.” Kirk shrugs.

“We should form a schedule and trade-off,” I say as we make our way into the room.

Stomach growling at the rich scent of baked cheesy pasta layers, and garlic bread, I walk toward the formal dining area.

A spread of Caesar salad, golden brown garlic bread, and trays of lasagna is set up on the counter.

Bo laughs, “No one wants to eat anything I’ve prepared.”

“We’ll find something else for you to do then,” I assure him, patting his shoulder.

“It’ll get sorted soon enough, Brat,” Cadoc promises.

The conversation stalls out as we take our seats and the food is passed around. Silverware clinks on plates and the crunch of garlic bread being consumed fills the room as we sate our hunger.

Trying to talk on an empty stomach would only end in a blood bath.

Refreshed, I go in for a kill. “I saw your sister, Fell” I study his face for his response.

“What?” Fell’s muscles tense and his eyes widen.

“I called her name, and she looked right at me before she ran away.”

“Where were you?” Fell whispers.

“On the mountain with Kirk.” He doesn’t seem shocked by her presence or her response.

“Did anyone else see you?” his tone drops.

“We weren’t hiding, so probably.” I shake my head.

“Did anyone else say anything to you?” His shoulders tense.

“Maggie. We stopped by her apothecary.”

He seems to relax. “Good, stay away from my family. If you see them again, walk the other way.”

Stunned, I look down at my empty plate. “Happily.” I don’t need to tread where I’m not wanted.

“Why were you up there?” Bo asks.

“I read up on the initiation ritual from the book for the children of Fenrir. It’ll allow Ylva to step into her power. I needed herbs I didn’t have immediate access to down here,” Kirk says.

“When are we doing it?” Cadoc asks.

“Tonight.” I’m sick of being at a disadvantage.

Kirk chokes on his glass of water. “That’s too quick. I haven’t had time to analyze?—”

“I think we all know that’s one thing we don’t have much of.” I can feel the restlessness and fever looming over me. Denying my attraction to them is annoying my she-wolf, and putting me on edge.

Every breath brings their scents into my lungs. The combined aroma of musk, juniper, citrus, and rosemary is going straight to my head. My mouth waters and my cheeks flush. I curse my natural response.

I’ve been taking the pills religiously, but the bonds we’re forming are testing them. I’ll double my next dose to keep a level head. The vision of the powerful men surrounding me jump starts my libido. I want to crawl into their laps and mark their flesh with my teeth.

“Reckless and stupid,” Fell grumbles.

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