Page 81 of Marked

Clever Maria, Caleb sent through the bond.Ensuring our mate stays for dinner.

If you can keep your hands to yourself that long, Derek shot at Marcus.

Marcus ignored his brothers’ jabs, too focused on how perfectly their mate fit into the family dynamic already. The way Kai unconsciously leaned toward him while Maria fussed, how naturally he bantered despite his obvious nervousness, how beautifully he blushed under their collective attention… His wolf preened at their mate’s responsiveness.

The family dining room was a warm chaos of activity as everyone settled in. Jorge was arranging an impressive spread of dishes while Miguel helped Maria with the intricate place settings—the good china today, Marcus noted with amusement. Anna slipped in quietly, armed with a feather duster and poorly concealed curiosity.

Caleb and Derek executed their plan with military precision, smoothly maneuvering to flank Kai before Marcus could claim a spot beside their mate. Marcus bit back a growl at their smug expressions.

Too slow, big brother, Caleb taunted through the bond.

Consider it payback for that car scene, Derek added, pulling out Kai’s chair with exaggerated courtesy.

Marcus settled for the seat directly across from Kai, which at least gave him an unobstructed view of their mate’s beautiful face. Shadow, Storm, and Scout arranged themselves strategically around Kai’s chair, much to Jorge’s vocal disapproval about “wolves in his dining room.”

“Anna, mi amor, it’s your lunch break,” Maria reminded her as the maid attacked a nearby vase with suspicious thoroughness, her eyes constantly darting to Kai’s disheveled appearance.

“Already ate,” Anna replied breezily, though her careful positioning gave her a perfect view of the table.

“Join us, Anna,” Caleb said warmly, always the most sociable of the brothers. “That vase can’t possibly need more dusting.”

“Oh, I couldn’t possibly— I’m staff—” Anna protested, but Miguel was already moving to pull out a chair.

“Nonsense,” Marcus said smoothly. “You’re practically family already.” His knowing look between Anna and Miguel made them both blush. The brothers had noticed Miguel’s recent suspicious visits to the jewelry stores in Bellingham during his supply runs.

Miguel’s ears turned red, but he couldn’t hide his pleased smile as he guided Anna to the chair.

“The lamb moussaka is one of my specialties,” Jorge announced proudly, placing the bubbling dish in the center of the table. The layered casserole was a masterpiece—perfectly spiced meat nestled between tender slices of eggplant, topped with a golden-brown béchamel that Jorge had spent twenty minutes getting exactly right.

Stop staring at his mouth, Derek growled as Kai took his first bite, his expression of pure bliss making all three wolves shift restlessly.

You’re one to talk, Caleb shot back.I saw you watching his throat when he swallowed.

“This is amazing,” Kai moaned appreciatively, completely oblivious to the effect he was having on the brothers.

Jorge beamed at the praise while Maria heaped more onto Kai’s plate, muttering in Spanish about him being too skinny. The spread was impressive—Greek salad bursting with color, warm pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and several other dishes that had Kai’s eyes widening.

“You must tell us about the interview,” Maria said, passing a basket of fresh bread. “That Jane, she can be…” She waved her hand expressively. “How do you say… particular about her books.”

“Actually,” Kai said, accepting the bread from Derek’s outstretched hand with a shy smile that made Derek’s wolfpreen, “she was surprisingly chill. Though she did make me perform what I can only describe as competitive speed-shelving while quotingThe Great Gatsby. I think I won her over when I accidentally started ranting about how Nick Carraway was an unreliable narrator. Turns out it’s her favorite literary debate.”

“Gracias a Dios!”(Thank God!) Maria crossed herself. “See? I told you the suit would work magic. And look at you, getting the job right away! Though…” Her eyes narrowed at Kai’s slim frame. “We must feed you more. You are too skinny. Here, more moussaka.”

“Maria, if you keep feeding me like this, I’ll have to steal more of Caleb’s clothes,” Kai quipped, then immediately blushed as he realized what he’d said.

I volunteer all my clothes, Caleb sent through the bond immediately.

Shut up, Derek growled, though his eyes had darkened at the thought.

Marcus watched his brothers’ mental sparring with amusement until Anna’s voice broke through the tension.

“You look like you stepped out of a manhwa,” Anna blurted out, then blushed furiously when all eyes turned to her. “Sorry! I just meant… you know, like those Korean comics where the cute protagonist suddenly gets a makeover and everyone—” She cut herself off, mortified.

Miguel was hiding a grin behind his napkin while Maria beamed at Anna’s observation.

“Our Kai does clean up nicely,” Maria agreed, making Kai’s blush deepen. “Though he needs more feeding up. Here, more moussaka.” She heaped another generous portion onto his plate, displaying that characteristic Spanish mother tendency to express love through endless servings of food.

Marcus didn’t miss Maria’s possessive ‘our’—their Spanish aunt had already claimed Kai as family after barely two days. Hiswolf rumbled in approval at how naturally their mate was being integrated into the pack, especially since Maria was usually so protective of their inner circle after the attacks nine years ago. Though really, he thought with amusement, anyone who sat at Maria’s table was destined to be mothered and overfed—it was as much a part of her as her thick Spanish accent and her iron will wrapped in grandmotherly affection.

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