Page 6 of Dimitri

Me: We can talk later. It’s fine, just a lot going on.

Sebastian would understand. He’d left the firm for a very similar reason. He’d wanted something different, and he was tired of the long hours and the constant push to be the absolute best. Our father was a wonderful man, and he loved each of us and absolutely adored our papa. But when it came to the firm, Benedict Ainsworth was a ruthless bulldog and was known for absolute perfection. We had a list of potential clients we had to turn away on a daily basis, and that added to the stress.

Since it was so incredibly cold outside, I put a long wool coat on, as well as smooth leather gloves. A wool scarf finished out my look, and I was off to Treasure Ridge. One moment, I was standing in the cabin; the next, I was standing in front of thecouncil’s little store. I had every intention of going into the store to look around and see if anything had changed since I’d been there last, but the scent coming from the smaller bakery next door was too enticing to resist. I loved a good pastry, and I was certain the scent I was smelling was not something to pass up.

I left the storefront for the bakery, and when I entered, the amazing smells from outside only intensified. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and smiled as I let it out. Yes, that was pure bliss right there.

“What brought you in?”

I opened my eyes and looked at the younger female behind the counter. I’d, of course, met her the first time I’d been here. She was the daughter of the couple who ran the place, but I couldn’t recall her name.

“I’m not sure. Something smells wonderful though. Is there something baking?”

She laughed. “There’s always something baking, unless we’re gone for the day. Is there anything in particular you’re looking for?”

I stepped away from the door and toward the counter to look at the glass cases. There were so many things. “I’m not sure. I don’t recall so many things in the cases the last time I was here.” I glanced up and found her tilting her head at me. “Something you need to ask?”

“No. I just don’t recall seeing you. You’re not a regular.”

I shook my head. “No. I’m not with the council. My brother is an enforcer; I’m just here visiting him and his One.”

“Ah, that’s it. Well, from your accent, if you want something that reminds you of home, I’d recommend the other cabinet.”

I must have made a face because she giggled. “No. What do you have that is more from this region? Not that I’ll say no to anything. I have a fondness for sweets, and I’ll eat them all.”

“Well, we, of course, have donuts—always. But in this area, we have a thing for s’mores. We just put out a fresh batch of s’mores muffins, and the cookies are cooling.”

“S’mores?”

“Yes. Graham crackers, chocolate, and melted toasted marshmallows.” She reached into the case and pulled out a muffin that looked…messy. “Here, try this.” She set it on a plate and cut it into several smaller-sized pieces. She then placed one on another plate and handed it to me.

I glanced at it, then at her. I wasn’t too sure about this thing. Not only was it quite messy-looking, but toasted marshmallows? She seemed to notice my hesitation.

“Not so sure?”

“How does one eat it?”

The young lady rolled her eyes. “I should have known with the way you’re dressed.” She held out a plastic fork, and I stared at it.

“I beg your pardon?” She snorted as she waved the fork at me. “Are you always this rude to customers?” That earned me another eye roll and another wave of the plastic utensil.

“You don’t scent of blood, nor do you have teeth like one, so that means you’re either a warlock or fae. I’m saying warlock because there are very few fae that I’ve seen.”

“What does me being a warlock have to do with anything?”

She snorted once more, but we were interrupted by the door dinging as someone entered. Before I could even turn, my body started reacting. I froze, immediately knowing what the tingling sensation coursing through my body meant. There was absolutely no way. I’d been to Treasure Ridge several times since Sebastian had joined the council. How had I somehow missed my One being here?

I turned just as the man, thank the fates, stepped up beside me. Immediately, I was mesmerized by dark brown eyes. He wastaller than I was, which was something I hadn’t been expecting either. Then it hit me: my One was an alpha.

I sighed. “Well, I assumed it had to be one of us.” It wasn’t that I was upset with the fact that I was going to be the carrier. I simply hadn’t expected that, to be honest. I wasn’t sure why, other than the fact that I normally filled the other role in the bedroom.

“This is a problem?”

That accent absolutely did not fit that man. I shook my head. I handed the plate back to the young lady behind the counter. After she took it, I turned and simply left. I needed to talk to someone. As soon as I was outside, I popped myself over to Sebastian’s and knocked on the door.

He opened it seconds later with a smile on his face. It slowly dimmed, though, as he stared at me. “What’s wrong?”

I shook my head again. “I met my One,” I told him. Sebastian’s eyes widened. He looked around, then pulled me into the house.

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