Page 45 of Oath of Revenge

Chapter 14

The aroma of sizzling meat and eggs filled the air as Scarlet walked downstairs, one leather boot in her hand. The sound of clinking plates echoed with her steps on the stairs. She’d fallen back to sleep until nearly noon, which she hadn’t done since she was a child.

She was definitely not a child now, not with how deliciously sore she was. She shivered as images of their indecency in the kitchen floated through her mind. Grandma would throw a fit if she knew what they’d done.

Then again, that was probably why she’d left in such a hurry yesterday. She probably would’ve said it was inevitable. Scarlet scowled as she stomped down the stairs.

She’d woken up disoriented, washed her face, and changed into a spare set of clothes. When she’d found one boot still on, her annoyance had turned to anger. The familiar emotion wrapped around her like a hug, and she grasped it with both hands.

It was much better to face the unknown downstairs with the comforting emotion that had sustained her for years. Ever since losing her mother then her father.

She hit the landing and stopped at the water closet under the stairs, leaving her lone boot outside the door.

The other had been left downstairs by the table. When he had come through the door in all his fucking naked glory, blood soaking his fur, making him look rugged, fierce, and dangerous, all her senses had gone haywire.

It was an irresistible combination. She threw the washroom door open and kicked her boot into the living room. When she turned the corner, she paused, her chest growing tight.

Her stomach growled and lurched, but not entirely from hunger. Her mate was cooking breakfast, Olive’s apron around his waist. His naked ass didn’t seem to bother him, but it sure bothered her enough to freeze in place.

Fucking hells this was ridiculous. She couldn’t have a Growler for a mate. She wasn’t a shifter and shouldn’t have a mate at all. Humans like her with weak ass magic just got married or didn’t. They weren’t supposed to have mates.

Wulfric turned and smiled, his face mostly human now except for his wolf ears and mane of gray and black hair. Fur or hair? She didn’t even know how to describe him.

“Hungry?” he asked, his voice sending a shiver up her spine.

She frowned and sank onto a kitchen chair as he scooped something onto a plate. He set it in front of her, then turned back.

“Do you want some coffee or tea?” he asked.

She poked the food with her fork, her nose twitching in appreciation, her mouth salivating. “No more fucking tea for me, thanks.”

He chuckled, and she squirmed on her seat. She wouldn’t give in to his trap. He was lulling her in with a sense of familiarity, making her think he was domesticated.

She knew better. He was a wild Growler, a monster, and she had to keep her walls up.

If she didn’t, she’d end up hurt. Or dead like her mother.

She scarfed down her food and ignored him. It was simple but delicious. Chopped potatoes, scrambled eggs, and diced meat. Even when he sat beside her, knees touching, she moved to avoid touching him.

“Do you like it?” he asked between bites, his voice subdued.

She looked up and around. “Like what?”

He pointed with his fork. “The food. I have to keep my mate well fed and happy.”

“I’m not your mate. But yes, it’s delicious. Thank you,” she said, wiping her mouth and taking her empty plate to the sink.

“You’re delicious too,” he said, his eyes glowing. She didn’t want to talk or think about it, but he’d just set her cheeks afire with the memory of his head between her legs. It made her want another round with him, and she couldn’t have that.

She washed the plate and snorted. “We need to make plans.”

She looked at the clock, frowning as she thought.

“To go to the Growlers?”

She took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. With a purse of her lips, she finished washing the plate. “Yes, how long will it take to get there? What will we do when we get to the camp?”

His hand slid his empty plate in the water, and she froze, her breath stuttering in her chest. He was right behind her again, but this time, she knew what his body felt like pressed against hers.

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