Page 74 of Marked

Caleb pulled out his phone, typing quickly. His eyes widened slightly at the search results.

Don’t ask,his wolf advised, hastily closing the browser.Just… don’t.

And why does she keep saying ‘uke’?Derek’s wolf added, genuinely puzzled.

Trust me, you don’t want to know,Caleb’s wolf said, still disturbed by his Google search.

Jorge busied himself with clearing plates, though his shoulders shook with barely suppressed laughter. “I should start the moussaka,” he announced.

Maria turned to Anna, hands on her hips. “Since you’re here working instead of resting, the upstairs needs attention, sí?”

“But I haven’t finished—” Anna protested, reluctantly tearing her gaze away from where Kai was unconsciously leaning slightly toward Marcus while reaching for the cream.

“Now, por favor,” Maria added pointedly, shooing the younger woman toward the door. “Those rooms won’t dust themselves.”

She’s still muttering,Caleb’s wolf noted.Something about ‘found family tropes’?

Kai glanced down at his borrowed clothes and winced. “Hey, Marcus, any chance we could swing by my cottage first? As muchas I’m rocking the ‘just rolled out of bed’ look, I don’t think it screams ‘hire me’ so much as ‘help me find my coffee.’”

“Do you have anything more… suitable?” Marcus asked carefully. “A suit perhaps?”

“On my student budget?” Kai snorted. “Unless you count the suit of armor made from instant ramen packages, I’m afraid my formal wear consists of slightly less wrinkled t-shirts and jeans that haven’t met my art supplies yet.”

“Oh, pequeño!” Maria exclaimed, her face lighting up. “We still have all the brothers’ old suits from before they shot up like trees. Everything’s stored away in perfect condition.” She turned to Jorge with excitement. “Remember when they were just boys?”

“Of course.” Jorge nodded, smiling at the memory. “Three demanding young men, each insisting on their own closet space. Dios mío! They were so particular about their clothes. But now…” He gestured at Kai with a knowing smile. “Perfect size for our pequeño here.”

“That’s… that would be really helpful actually,” Kai admitted, looking grateful.

“I know exactly what we need!” Maria declared, already bustling toward the door. “Let me check the storage room. We’ll have you looking proper in no time, cariño.”

“My navy suit from eighth grade,” Caleb called after her, unable to hide his pleased smile. “It should be perfect since I was closest to Kai’s size back then.”

“The black one would—” Derek started.

“Caleb’s right,” Marcus cut in smoothly, though it clearly pained him to admit it. “His old suits would fit best.”

Maria nodded her head fondly as she left, muttering something that sounded suspiciously like “Virgen Santísima” under her breath.

At least it will smell like pack,Marcus’ wolf consoled himself.

Better than Miguel’s clothes,Derek’s wolf agreed grudgingly.

Finally, something goes my way,Caleb’s wolf preened.

From the kitchen came the sound of Anna dropping something, followed by “…just like chapter three when—” before Maria firmly closed the door.

Chapter 16

Istared at my reflection in the antique full-length mirror, barely recognizing myself. Caleb’s old navy suit from eighth grade fit like it had been tailored just for me—which was either a miracle or slightly concerning, considering the Stone brothers were apparently giants even as teenagers. The jacket hugged my shoulders perfectly, tapering to emphasize my waist, while the pants hit exactly at my ankles. I tried not to think too hard about what it said about me that I perfectly fit in clothes meant for thirteen-year-old Stone.

Maria had found a crisp white shirt to go underneath, and after some creative folding to hide the fact it was probably worth more than my student loans, I actually looked… presentable. Professional, even. Like someone who might get hired at a fancy bookstore instead of just lurking in their manga section.

“Perfect!” Maria declared, adjusting my collar for the fifth time. “Ay, pequeño, you look so handsome!”

I tugged at the sleeves, unused to wearing anything this nice. “Are you sure it’s not too—”

“If you say fancy, I will pinch your cheeks,” Maria threatened.

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