Page 30 of Death and Donuts

“We tend to eat more meat than humans,” he said, echoing what Cross had said.

“But is there a food or traditional recipe that wolves would go out of their way to get? Or something that would be a treat that’s only made on holidays? I’m trying to come up with recipes that would entice otherworlders into my bakery.”

“The only taste we crave is that of our mate,” he said. “But we eat everything humans do. What people don’t always understand is how good our sense of smell is. We can determine who made the food. Many of us enjoy food more if it’s made by a woman. Does that help?”

“A lot, actually. Thank you.”

He smiled and was about to say something when his phone rang. He excused himself and moved to the other room to answer. I wasn’t trying to listen while I made breakfast and a fresh pot of coffee, but I heard enough to know it was otherworlder business.

When Doc finally returned to the kitchen, I had plated the french toast and bacon and handed it over to him along with a cup of fresh coffee.

“Was that call about the dwarves?” I asked him, my curiosity getting the better of me.

Doc shoved a forkful of toast into his mouth and groaned. “So good.” He finished chewing and answered me. “Yes. We’re trying to stay in the loop as much as possible, especially since it has to do with the dwarf monarchy.”

“Is there a problem?”

“Not necessarily.”

I waited for more, and he chuckled. “I think I see why you and Vena get along so well. You’re just as curious as she is. It’s not my place to share otherworlder information, though. Be sure to ask Shepard about it when he picks you up later. I’m sure he’ll tell you everything.”

Doc’s phone buzzed, and he set his fork aside to begin texting.

It didn’t matter, though. He’d already distracted me from otherworlder drama with the mention of my date with Shepard. A flurry of butterflies zipped around my stomach as I turned around and tried to focus on baking.

It did the trick, and when I removed everything from the oven a few hours later and glanced at the time, I realized Shepard would be there soon.

Rushing out of the kitchen, I flung open my closet and grabbed a pretty top, a cute skirt, and a matching panty and bra set that would make Vena proud. I closed myself in the bathroom to get ready.

By the time I finished a light application of makeup, I heard Shepard talking in a low tone that seemed to cut through walls, doors, and straight into my ovaries.

What was I doing? Get your head straight,I scolded myself.

I smoothed my hands over my sleeveless top and left my room. Vena would have approved of the amount of leg I was showing—and likely some under-cheek if I bent over. Not that I planned to bend over today.

My face flushed at the thought.

The conversation stopped, and Shepard’s gaze found me as soon as I entered the room. I watched him inhale deeply and caught the glint of gold in his eyes as he smiled.

“You look amazing, Everly.”

“Thank you. Was I interrupting?”

“No. Not at all. Are you ready?”

He held his hand out to me, and like a fairy drawn to silver, I moved forward until his warm fingers were curled around mine.

It wasn’t until I was in Shepard’s passenger seat that I realized I’d left Doc in our house.

“Oh, Doc?”

“Don’t worry about him,” Shepard said, leaning across the seat to grab my seatbelt.

The move put his neck close to my mouth. I wasn’t a biter, but the thought of just a nibble tempted the hell out of me. So much so that my exhale escaped in a shaky whoosh.

A low rumble filled the interior.

“Everly, is there any chance I could steal a quick kiss?” he asked without moving.

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