Page 42 of Marked

“Just a dream,” I whispered to myself, but even as I said it, I knew I was lying. Because for just a moment, in that space between sleeping and waking, I could have sworn I saw three pairs of eyes watching me from the darkness beyond the glass: amber, electric blue, and burning red.

I didn’t sleep much after that.

Chapter 9

STONE BROTHERS

Caleb couldn’t wipe the stupid grin off his face as he drove home, the memory of Kai’s scent still clinging to his leather jacket. His wolf was practically preening, satisfied with how the evening had gone yet still whining for more. The taste of Kai’s skin from that brief cheek kiss lingered on his lips, sweet and addictive.

“Down, boy,” he muttered to his wolf, though his own heart wasn’t really in the reprimand. Not when he could still picture how Kai’s eyes had widened at the first bite of moussaka, that little moan of pleasure that had tested every ounce of Caleb’s control. His wolf had nearly lost it right there in Athena’s restaurant, wanting nothing more than to drag their mate into his lap and—

“Focus on the road,” he growled to himself, though the wolf part of him was far more interested in replaying every detail of their dinner. Like how Kai’s sarcastic “compensating for something?” comment about his car had made both man and wolf want to prove exactly how unnecessary any compensation would be. Or the way Kai had unconsciously leaned into histouch whenever Caleb got close, his body recognizing its mate even if his mind didn’t understand yet.

The best part had been catching Kai watching him when he thought Caleb wouldn’t notice. Those quick, furtive glances that sent Kai’s heart racing—a sound that had his wolf howling with satisfaction. Their little mate was attracted to them, even if he was fighting it.

His phone buzzed with Kai’s response to his text, and Caleb had to force himself not to pull over right there to read it. His brothers would never let him live it down if he crashed his precious car because he was too eager to read a “thanks, you too” message.

Speaking of his brothers… Caleb’s grin turned wicked as he thought about how jealous they’d be. Sure, Marcus had gotten lunch with Kai, but Caleb had gotten dinner. And that almost-kiss by the fountain? The way Kai’s pulse had jumped when Caleb leaned in? The delicious scent of arousal mixed with confusion? That was going in his personal memory vault forever.

His wolf growled in satisfaction at the thought. They’d marked their territory tonight, made it clear to their mate that they were interested. Now they just had to be patient, let Kai come to terms with the attraction before they revealed the bigger truths.

But patience had never been Caleb’s strong suit, and his wolf was already plotting their next “accidental” encounter.

The Stone mansion was lit up like a Christmas tree when Caleb pulled in. Of course his brothers were waiting up. Even their wolf-dogs had given up the wait, presumably retired to their masters’ wings for the night—all except Scout, who was probably still sulking about being left behind.

So much for sneaking in.

He found them in the living room, exactly where he’d left them hours ago. Marcus stood by the window, radiatingdisapproval, while Derek sprawled in an armchair, trying and failing to look casual.

“You’re late,” Marcus stated flatly.

“What happened to ‘home by eight’?” Derek added, nostrils flaring as he caught Kai’s scent on Caleb’s jacket.

“Nine,” Marcus corrected.

“Eight thirty,” Derek countered.

“Pretty sure it was ten by the time you two were done arguing.” Caleb dropped onto the couch, unable to contain his grin.

Jorge appeared with a fresh pot of coffee and what looked like his fifth batch of stress-baked cookies. “I heard the car. Thought you might need refreshments for the interrogation.”

“Thanks, Jorge.” Caleb grabbed a cookie. “These are amazing, but you should try branching into Greek pastries. You should have seen Kai’s face when he tried Athena’s moussaka. And then he practically melted when he tasted her baklava. The sounds he made—”

A warning growl from each brother cut him off.

“What?” Caleb’s innocent expression fooled no one. “I’m just saying, our mate has excellent taste. You should have seen him with the moussaka. The way his eyes closed when he took that first bite, how he—”

“Caleb.” Marcus’ voice could have frozen hell.

“I’ll research Greek recipes,” Jorge muttered, beating a hasty retreat. “Less stressful than alpha drama.”

Derek leaned forward, eyes flashing amber. “You smell like him. All over.”

“Do I?” Caleb made a show of sniffing his jacket. “Must be from when he was pressed against me by the fountain. Or maybe from the almost-kiss on his porch. Or—”

The coffee table cracked under Derek’s grip.

“You kissed him?” Marcus’ eyes blazed crimson.

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