Page 11 of The Blood Widow

“You don’t know how to cook? But you’re old?”

Her brother snickered.

I only looked like I was in my early—maybe late—twenties, I could see what she meant. She continued as her eyes assessed me. “My mommy was teaching me. Didn’t your mommy teach you?”

I didn’t react physically to her words, but on the inside I flinched away. She didn’t know that I never had parents, that lab techs made me with magic and maybe in a test tube, but the words still stung. Just like I did with every emotion around people, I pushed it down and pretended my heart was made of steel.

I bent at the waist to look her in the eyes as I spoke, “I wasn’t that lucky. I never had a mommy and daddy to teach me those things.”

“Will we ever see our parents again?” Ben took the opening for what it was and tore open my heart more, but I wouldn’t lie to them. Children that were sheltered from the truth didn’t survive in this world. These two would have it the worse because of what they were born as.

“I’m not completely sure. I managed to save a few more people, but I can’t be sure any of them were you parents. I do know they wanted you safe. They’d be happy to know you’re okay. We’ll find out tomorrow,” I said as I wiped the little girl’s cheek. “Now, eat and get more rest. You’re not a prisoner. If you want to leave this room you can, but there are several people inthis small house. Just press that button on the side of the bed and I’ll be here.”

I couldn’t take much more of the tears, so I left. Bell was way better at dealing with emotions. I couldn’t even deal with my own. I turned and slammed into a hard chest. Ezra’s stormy eyes stared down at me. I gulped before speaking. This tower of a man was a little intimidating to talk to.

“Can I help you?” I asked not looking away.

“Dominic never had parents either.”

His words caught me off guard. “Excuse me?”

“I’m just saying, don’t give up hope on finding a family of your own. A found family is sometimes better than the real thing.”

His words were meant to fill me with hope, but it just made me feel empty with dread. I would never get a found family.

I cleared my throat and pushed the dark emotions down. My few friends would be good enough. Exhaustion was making me more emotional than usual. That had to be it.

“Thank you for your kind words.” My tone was a little condescending because he was ease dropping on a private conversation, but I did appreciate his efforts to make me feel better.

He grunted and gestured for me to follow him. “Let’s eat. Dominic won’t let anyone touch the food until you’re at the table.”

I snorted. I could see why Cole was friends with these men. They were both just like him, serious but goofy. Maybe we could all be friends someday. I could always use allies. I would just need to keep my heart in check.

Chapter

Five

Dominic cooked up a feast in the short time I was with Pen and Ben. So, my stomach was full. Now I just needed to get clean.

I hopped in the shower after grabbing some clothes. They were a little tight in the stomach and hips in this body, though, so there was a lot of tugging and sucking in. Thank goodness I brought a stretchy outfit. The charm I wore made my appearance, this time, fluffier than my tone natural body, but I liked the softness. Being the Blood Widow meant I had to fight and escape all the time, so I had to stay fit. Maybe one day, I could relax and gain some softness in my life and body… Probably not, but a girl could dream.

I scrubbed myself and spent a long time massaging my hair. It was dirty blonde and short, so it was easier to handle than my long dark air. The hot water felt great over my tired form, and I was going to soak up all the relaxation because sleeping on the floor would make me feel like an old, rickety window that hadn't been opened in years.

As I got more comfortable and the heat seeped into me, putting me in a tranquil state of mind, I forgot where I was. My mind wandered to thoughts of how Dominic’s hands felt on me.Soothing but electric at the same time. Even though I hardly interacted with him, Ezra’s dominating presence made me feel safe. I didn’t feel like I needed to watch my back as closely. Even if he was on the rude side, there was something about him that calmed me. He must be an alpha. Cole had always supported me, so just being near him felt like I could do anything. It sucked that it was tainted with our past. These three made me feel more in the few hours that I spent here, then any man had ever. Maybe it was all Cole, but I didn’t think so.

It was probably that I was starving for some attention and affection. Losing Cole had left a gaping hole that couldn’t be filled. So, when my hand traveled down my body to my heated core, I wasn’t surprised. If I could just take the edge off, it wouldn’t be as difficult around them. I ached to be touched at just the thought of them. My finger swirled around my swollen nub as my mind wondered about what I could do if they were all here. They would be able to sense my need and…

Shit.

They were fucking supernaturals with keen senses. They would know exactly what I was doing in here if I let it go too far. With a whispered, “Fuck my life,” I turned on the cold water. My shriek wasn’t loud, but I covered my mouth to be on the safe side. I should be more careful. Showing any of them that I was interested would only end badly. Cole was a prime example of that. I’d have to stick to using vibrators in the privacy of my own home and random one-night stands with strangers to get myself off.

I reluctantly got out, dressed, and sprayed some air freshener to help mask my scent. I was glad the kid’s room had a half bathroom, so Pen and Ben could use it whenever. Because that would be even more awkward.

My phone jingled before I could leave the bathroom. I tensed at seeing Bell’s number on the screen. Hearing from her so close after a job wasn’t good.

My finger trembled slightly when I answered. I didn’t say anything, she knew I’d be freaking out.

“You did so good tonight, saving all those people…” her voice trailed off.

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