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Their practiced composure shattered the moment Kai walked in, all three massive wolf-dogs padding protectively around him. Shadow led the way, having apparently appointed himself Kai’s personal guardian during the night. Storm and Scout flankedtheir mate, looking entirely too pleased with themselves for dogs who were supposed to be guarding, not cuddling.

Miguel’s old clothes clung to Kai in ways that should be illegal before breakfast. The jeans, clearly from Miguel’s younger days, hugged every curve. The borrowed shirt slipped teasingly off one shoulder, and he’d tucked in the hem, highlighting his slender waist. His hair was still mussed from sleep, giving him an adorably rumpled look that had their wolves whining. The sight of their mate, sleep-warm and surrounded by their pack guardians, sent their wolves into overdrive.

He let them sleep in his room,Caleb’s wolf practically purred.

Look how protective Shadow is already,Marcus’ wolf noted with satisfaction.

Storm barely lets anyone that close,Derek’s wolf added proudly, watching his dog brush against Kai’s leg.

Scout, the smallest but most mischievous of the three, was practically prancing around Kai’s feet, clearly showing off for his new favorite person.

“Did you guys let them stay with me all night?” Kai asked, reaching down to scratch Scout’s ears. The movement made his borrowed shirt slip farther, revealing the elegant line of his collarbone. “They were perfect gentlemen, by the way. Very protective.”

Marcus nearly choked on his coffee, while Derek’s hand tightened on his tablet until the screen cracked. The image of their mate sleeping peacefully, guarded by their wolves, combined with his current disheveled appearance, was almost too much for their control.

Down,Marcus ordered his own wolf, even as he noticed Derek’s muscles tensing visibly. Their enforcer brother was having the hardest time controlling his wolf around their mate.

But he tucked in the shirt,Derek’s wolf whined, loud enough for all of them to hear through their pack bond.Look at that—

We can ALL see that,Caleb’s wolf interrupted, amused.Derek’s about to leap the table in three… two…

I am perfectly in control,Derek’s wolf protested, even as Derek’s fingers dug into the solid oak table, leaving visible marks in the ancient wood.

Sure you are,Caleb’s wolf snickered.That’s why you’re leaving claw marks in the furniture. Marcus, I think our dear brother needs another one of your ‘control yourself’ lectures.

“Good morning.” Kai yawned, completely oblivious to the effect he was having. He reached up to brush back his sleep-mussed hair, the shirt slipping farther to reveal more smooth skin.

A collective growl rumbled through their wolves’ connection, low enough that Kai didn’t notice but making the crystal glasses vibrate slightly.

“Virgen Santísima!” Maria materialized, somehow managing to herd three alpha wolves into their seats through sheer force of will. “Sit! All of you!”

The dining table could easily seat twelve, but somehow all three brothers managed to converge on the same end. Shadow, Storm, and Scout padded in behind their masters, taking up strategic positions around the table.

I’m taking his left side,Marcus’ wolf declared, already moving to pull out the chair.

You sat there yesterday,both other wolves protested as Caleb smoothly claimed the right seat, leaving Derek to settle directly across from Kai again.

I’m the eldest,Marcus’ wolf replied smugly as Kai slipped into the chair between them.

Shadow settled at Marcus’ feet, managing to look regal even while lying down. Storm positioned himself behind Derek’s chair, alert and watchful, while Scout sprawled practically ontop of Kai’s feet near Caleb, tail thumping happily against the hardwood floor.

Traitor,Derek’s wolf grumbled at Scout’s obvious favoritism.

Not my fault I’m the cutest,Scout seemed to reply through their pack bond, pressing closer to Kai’s legs.

Jorge appeared with a steaming carafe of coffee, the rich hazelnut aroma filling the air. “Coffee, pequeño?” he asked, already pouring a cup for Kai.

“Yes, please,” Kai smiled, the sleep-soft expression making all three wolves’ hearts stutter. “With sugar, if you don’t mind.”

Derek immediately seized the opportunity, sliding the sugar bowl to his side of the table. “Here,” he offered innocently, ignoring his brothers’ knowing looks.

Kai leaned forward to reach it, the borrowed shirt slipping farther off his shoulder as he stretched across the table. “Thanks,” he murmured, completely oblivious to the effect the movement had on the brothers.

Real subtle, brother,Caleb’s wolf snickered, even as Caleb casually draped his arm over the back of Kai’s chair.Using sugar to get a better view.

Says the one marking his chair,Derek’s wolf shot back, thoroughly enjoying his strategic advantage.

Maria bustled in with a platter of fresh pastries, her sharp eyes catching Caleb’s not-so-subtle arm placement. “More coffee, pequeño?” she asked Kai, deliberately bumping Caleb’s arm as she reached for his empty cup.

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