Page 29 of Dark Awakening: New World

"Don't go overboard with the clothing," Bridget cautioned. "Ell-rom is going to bulk up once we get more food in him, and then everything other than the shoes will be too small for him."

"I don't know what to get him." Jasmine sighed. "What he will like."

"Simple leisure clothing that is loose and comfortable. He's still spending most of his time in bed."

"You are right. He was so exhausted after the little walk this morning that he's still sleeping."

Bridget nodded. "He's also a finicky eater. I found a vegan delivery service of healthy, protein-rich meals." She chuckled. "Kian must have taken after his uncle, being a vegan, I mean."

Jasmine's eyebrows shot up. "Really?"

Bridget laughed. "No, not really. Kian wasn't always vegan. He decided to become one later in life for moral reasons." Her expression turned thoughtful. "Ell-rom's digestive system might be close to that of a human, but he might lack the enzymes necessary to process animal products. It is also possible that he's repulsed by them because of how he was raised. They could probably sneak some fruits and vegetables into the temple for him and his sister, but they could not cook for them, especially not meat. The smells would have given them away."

The more Jasmine learned about the Kra-ell society, the stranger it seemed. "It must be so different." She leaned against the doorframe. "So much of human interaction happens around shared meals. What do Kra-ell families do? Go hunting together?"

"I guess so," Bridget said. "It fits with their overall way of life. It also explains why they are not happy in the village. They need to go hunting."

The visual of that sent shivers down Jasmine's spine.

A bunch of vampire-like people attacking a herd and sucking its blood was not a pretty picture, even if they didn't kill the animals.

She was so glad that Ell-rom wasn't like them.

Shaking off the unsettling thoughts, Jasmine pulled out her phone. "I also need the delivery address. Should I order things to the penthouse?"

"You sure can." Bridget's finger flew over her screen again. "I sent you the address."

"Thank you." Jasmine's phone pinged a moment later. "I apologize for taking up so much of your time."

Bridget waved a dismissive hand. "I'm here to take care of the twins, and you are welcome in my office anytime you have a question regarding either of them or just if you need to talk to someone. What you are doing for Ell-rom is not easy, and we all appreciate it."

Jasmine dipped her head. "Thank you."

18

MARINA

The aroma of sizzling meat and warm spices filled the dining room as Marina put the finishing touches to the Mexican-inspired feast. She had found the recipes online and adapted them to her taste—carne asada, fluffy Mexican rice, refried beans, a couple of homemade salsas, and a large bowl of guacamole.

As Marina set down the bowl of pico de gallo, Lusha smiled. "It all smells wonderful, and I can't wait to dig in."

"You and me both." Peter draped a napkin over his lap. "Marina is spoiling us. Alfie and I didn't eat so well even when we were boys and our mothers cooked for us."

"Men." Marina rolled her eyes as she sat down. "Cooking is simple and rewarding. What is so difficult about learning to make a few dishes and feeding yourself properly?"

Peter leaned over and took her hand. "We never could have reached your level of mastery, love. You imbue your creations with something special."

Alfie cleared his throat. "Can we please eat? I'm starving."

He wasn't comfortable with their displays of affection, and Marina tried to respect his boundaries and keep them to a minimum when he was around.

"Dig in." She waved a hand at the spread on the table.

For a few moments, everyone got busy piling their plates and sampling the dishes.

"This is amazing," Lusha said. "You really have a talent. When I try to make something, I always overdo it with too much oil or too much pepper or salt, and it comes out barely edible."

Marina tilted her head. "So, what do you do? Eat sandwiches for breakfast, lunch, and dinner?"

---