Page 31 of The Alpha's Fated Bond

She grins, her mouth full of food. “Now, why would I do that?”

I shake my head. “I’ve never seen somebody eat so much. It’s a miracle you’re so thin.”

“Genetics,” Lily beams at me. “I’ve got good genes. Now, stop worrying and try to have some fun.”

I have to admit that it is kind of nice to be out of the room. The village is not as dismal as I had believed from Alex’s description. It’s a bustling hub of activity. There are a number of shops and other businesses operating here. It is only the number of people in this village that are limited. I would say that there are probably less than a thousand shifters in this place. Compared to the sprawling sizes of most packs, which can consist of anywhere from ten to twenty thousand shifters, Alex’s pack is tiny.

I see no sign of Hilda, though, which is a relief. Even if Alex considers her a sibling, the fact that she does not reciprocate the feeling makes me even more adamant about not having that woman around him. Patrick’s conversation with me has not been forgotten. I don’t have a very positive view of Hilda, but I can tell that Alex would not appreciate my sentiments. Therefore, I’m keeping my thoughts to myself.

Alex hasn’t left my side for even a minute today. As the afternoon hits, he asks me, “Are you hungry?”

I shoot a meaningful lock in Lily’s direction. She still has crumbs on her face.

“I think I could eat,” I say darkly.

Lily tries to look innocently shock, as if she didn’t completely devour both my breakfast and the free food that we received earlier. I still don’t understand where she’s putting it all. She has such a tiny body.

“Oh, are we getting lunch?” The young witch looks cheerful at the prospect.

“Yes,” Alex says as he opens the door of a bakery and ushers us inside. “But not for you.”

“Why not?” she complains. “I’m starving!”

“In which universe?” I retort.

Lily gives me an unashamed look. “I’m a growing girl.”

“I’m pretty sure you’ve eaten enough for ten people so far today!”

She doesn’t look insulted at all and simply grins. “I’m a growing girl with a growing appetite. I need food. I think I’ll faint if I don’t eat. In fact, I feel lightheaded already. I’m seeing spots.”

I have to chuckle at her antics. Lily has the ability to distract me from my worries with the way she behaves. It’s kind of sad that once this whole thing with Alex’s pack is sorted out, we’re going to have to part ways.

“Nathan is going to pick you up here,” Alex tells her. “You can have lunch with him and the guys. Sophia and I are going for a picnic.”

“A picnic?” Lily can’t seem to decide whether to look outraged or betrayed. “Without me?”

“Don’t blame me.” I lift my hands in a placating gesture. “It wasn’t my idea. This is the first I’m hearing of this, as well.”

“Why can’t I come on the picnic?”

“Because I want some private time with Sophia,” Alex replies bluntly.

“You can have private time in the bedroom!” Lily pulls no punches. “I’ve never been on a picnic before. What with me being an orphan, unloved—”

“We’re all orphans here, Lily,” Alex interrupts her dryly. “Playing that card won’t work with us.”

She makes a face of annoyance. “Drat. I keep forgetting that.”

“I’m sure you’ll have a nice time with Nathan,” I assure her, wondering if Alex needs to discuss something with me without her hearing. “And if you really want to come with us—”

“Try it and see what happens,” Alex growls at her.

Lily glowers at him before turning her head away, nose in the air. “Whatever. I have better things to do with my time anyway. Nathan better cook something nice for me.”

“You know, for a witch that we rescued, you sure have an entitled attitude,” Alex begins.

“We had a deal, remember?” Lily scoffs. “You have to feed me. That’s part of the bargain.”

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