Page 67 of The Bull's Head

The color drained from Sonia’s face and her eyes became shiny. “Oh, honey. I’m so sorry. I thought you’d come here from another pack. I had no idea…. I’m sorry. The pack found me after my sister… after….” Her lip trembled. “The First said they found her body. The records showed she’d had a baby, but she died too. They contacted me to let me know. When they told me about this place, I was sick to think that my sister and niece died without anyone who loved them around. After we talked, I felt like I needed to come here, to help everyone else like I wished I’d been able to help Dana.”

Byk could understand. “I’m so very sorry for your loss.”

They stared at each other a few moments, and then they were both crying, clinging to each other, sharing tears, and being there to comfort each other. It was good, Byk decided. Not like Teddy, but still something he could hold on to in his heart. He’d known he wasn’t alone, but meeting Sonia, Byk realized his family had grown larger. And he hoped it continued to grow.

She scrubbed a hand over her face, then gave a watery smile. “We should get this cake done. Wouldn’t want Teddy deprived, or he might get growly.”

Byk laughed, and it felt good.

Sonia showed him how to make an amazing buttercream, which he then applied to the cake. Afterward, they threw chocolate shavings on it all willy-nilly, giving it a haphazard look. Finally, he asked about putting cookies atop it. She thought it was a brilliant idea, so she handed him a pack. When they’d finished, it wasn’t perfect, but it was beautiful in Byk’s eyes. Teddy had granted a dream to Byk, and he’d always treasure it.

“Can we do this again?” Sonia asked. “I have a lot of things I can teach you.”

“Really? You wouldn’t mind?”

“No, sweetheart, I wouldn’t mind. It’s been ages since I had a chance to work with someone, and I’m enjoying it a lot.”

So Teddy had planned a surprise for Byk, and it wasn’t just a single day. He was giving Byk a chance to do something he’d always dreamed of. First a home, then a mate, and now, maybe a chance at a real life.

“Do you think…?” He swallowed hard, uncertain how to voice his desires. “I mean, would they let me work here as a baker?”

Sonia clutched the counter as she laughed hysterically, her eyes filling with tears. When she calmed, she hugged Byk, and he found it to be pleasant. “Why do you think you’re here? When Alp said Teddy spoke with him, I thought you knew enough to be able to start tomorrow.”

“Oh, I’m?—”

“If I’m honest, I prefer training you myself. We’ll go slow with the lessons, give you time to assimilate into the pack. Never doubt, though, when we’re done, you definitely have a job.” She nudged him with an elbow. “I hear tell the First’s mate has a taste for carrot cake.”

Who was Teddy Egerov that he could sweep into Byk’s life and single-handedly make everything better?

Maker, Byk loved him so.

When the door to the room opened, Teddy bolted toward it. Byk had been gone for nearly eight hours, and Teddy was climbing the walls. He’d hung around outside the kitchen, but when Mal spotted him, he dragged him off to a meeting with Dr. Hamilton, who said that what he’d done so far was invaluable. He assured her he knew he was behind, but that he would get back on task soon.

She waved a hand and said he should take care of Byk first. She was coming to understand the importance of mates and knew how necessary it was to spend time together with them. Her wording seemed odd, but Teddy blew it off, happy that she understood his need and desire to be with Byk.

“You’re back!” he shouted happily.

“Did you miss me?” Byk asked, an eyebrow arched.

“You don’t know how much.” Teddy pulled him into an embrace, delighting in the scent that washed over him. “I’m glad you’re home.”

“I have gifts,” Byk told him, raising the box he held.

“You’re my gift. I don’t need anything?—”

“It’s chocolate.”

Teddy stepped back and reached out. “Gimme my gift,” he demanded, then cackled. He gleefully took the box when Byk handed it to him and inhaled deeply. “Double chocolate?” he asked, jutting out his lower lip.

“Of course. And it’s all for you.”

He opened the top and widened his eyes. It looked amazing. Definitely not a store-bought cake that was exactly like every other one. This had style and character. “You made this?”

“I helped.”

The cake had a haphazard and messy look to it, but Teddy could see it was anything but. It had been crafted with great care, showing attention to detail, and, of course, most importantly, it had been smothered in chocolate.

“You didn’t help,” Teddy said. “You created.” He put the box on the table and hugged Byk again. “I’m so proud of you.” He could feel Byk’s heart thumping against his own chest as they clutched one another, Byk’s head on Teddy’s shoulder.

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