Page 42 of The Broken Aztec Princesses

He grunted in response, handing me the tablet. “Let’s get downstairs and I’ll grab us breakfast.”

“Wait, I need your email,” I said.

After I sent him the image, we started heading down to the office.

Cade’s room opened and he almost bumped into me. I backed away, and he grabbed me by the shoulders instinctively. His eyes widened as he realized what he’d done and he let me go, backing away when Chris growled and placed himself between us.

“Shit, Violet. I’m sorry. I didn’t see you. I didn’t mean to touch you,” Cade apologized.

“It’s okay,” I said. Cade wasn’t making me panic, so I grabbed Chris’ arm and moved to his side. “I trust you. My wolf and I didn’t panic.”

It’s never happened that quickly, only with family and Chris. Maybe I was getting better, or maybe we always saw him as family.

“Really?” Cade looked excited, came over and hugged me.

“Still not overly touchy-feely,” I said awkwardly.

“Right. Sorry. I’m just excited,” he said, backing up.

I giggled and Chris relaxed next to me by a tiny fraction. We walked down the stairs together. Chris was in front of me as usual, with Cade coming up behind. As we approach the spot where we were to part ways, a woman came bounding up to us. I took a step back, panic rising at her approach. Seeing my panic, Chris stepped in front of me protectively, and I saw the woman stop when she heard his growl.

“Ada, what do you need?” Cade asked, coming around us.

His tone sounded harsh and clipped. It was clear he didn’t like her and that just made the panic mount. Chris took a step back, close enough for me to grab onto the back of his shirt. It helped my panic ebb a little.

“I was wondering if you’d sit with me for breakfast, Alpha,” Ada answered, her sugary sweet voice making me want to gag. She glared at me as if she could hear what I was thinking, making me tense before adding, “You haven’t spent any time with the pack since we arrived.”

“We’re all working, Ada.”

“Of course, Alpha. I just miss you.”

“I’m having breakfast with Violet and Chris. Thanks for the offer, though,”

“But—”

“I said no, Ada. I’ve told you once already. Don’t make me tell you again.”

The woman glared at me again, spun and left, leaving an apologetic Cade staring the way she left, shaking his head.

“Sorry, Violet. Why don’t you and Chris go to your office and I’ll bring the plates?”

“I can grab them, Alpha Cade,” Chris volunteered.

“I’ve got it Chris, and just call me Cade.”

We walked to the office. Chris left the door open, but stayed standing in front of it. I heard footsteps, and judging by the way Chris didn’t tense, I figured it was Cade, however before Cade could get here, I heard my sister’s voice.

“Cade, can we talk?”

“Sorry, Luna Bellarose, I’ve been invited for breakfast.”

“Wha—”

Chris moved from the door and Cade walked in with a platter of food.

“Here we go. Chris, I hope I brought enough food for ya, big guy.”

“Violet?” Bells poked her head inside in confusion.

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