Page 86 of Marked

“You’ve known me for two days,” I pointed out, even as I took a bite that made me want to weep with joy. “Is this level of celebration normal?”

“Pah!” Maria waved off my protest. “Family is family, whether it’s two days or two decades. Now, try the pollo al ajillo before Jorge claims his version is better.”

“My version IS better,” Jorge muttered, but he was smiling as he passed me a plate of garlicky chicken that practically glowed with olive oil and herbs.

The food was incredible—each dish better than the last. But I couldn’t shake the weird emptiness of that chair or the memory of how Derek had looked before running into the woods. The way Marcus and Caleb kept exchanging glances when they thought I wasn’t looking didn’t help either.

“The cordero al horno.” Anna sighed happily, breaking into my thoughts. “Maria, you’ve outdone yourself.”

“She’s right,” Miguel agreed, sneaking a kiss to Anna’s cheek that made her blush. “Though maybe not as good as last Christmas?”

“Last Christmas?” I asked, grateful for the distraction.

“Ah, wait until you see Christmas here!” Maria’s eyes lit up. “The whole manor transforms. Lights everywhere, the smell of pine and cinnamon…”

“And Maria and Jorge’s legendary cookie war,” Caleb added with a grin.

“It wasn’t a war,” Jorge sniffed. “Mymantecadosclearly won.”

“In your dreams,” Maria shot back. “Mypolvoroneshad everyone begging for seconds!”

I laughed at their bickering, letting the warmth of this strange little family wash over me. It was bizarre how comfortable it felt, how natural. Even Marcus’ quiet presence and Caleb’s playful commentary felt… right.

But my eyes kept drifting to that empty chair, and my neck still tingled where Derek’s stubble had scraped against it in the woods. Why did his absence feel like a physical ache? And why did Marcus and Caleb keep watching me like they were waiting for something?

The dogs didn’t help my unease. Shadow and Scout had positioned themselves around my chair as usual, but Storm’s absence—like his master’s—left a noticeable void. The two remaining dogs kept exchanging glances at the empty space where their packmate should be, and I couldn’t help but relate to their unsettled energy. Something felt wrong about having dinner without either of them here, and I found myself missing both Derek’s brooding presence and Storm’s watchful gaze.

I caught myself mid-thought. Wait, missing him? Since when did I miss Derek Stone? I barely knew the guy. Sure, he’d kissed me senseless in the woods, but…

I stabbed a piece of lamb with perhaps more force than necessary. This whole situation was getting way too complicated.

“More seafood stew, cariño?” Maria was already ladling another generous portion onto my plate before I could answer. “You’re too skinny. How does a boy your age get so skinny? What did they feed you at that university?”

“Mostly ramen and regret,” I quipped, earning a horrified gasp from Maria and an amused snort from Caleb.

“Virgen Santísima!” Maria crossed herself. “No wonder you need feeding up. Jorge! Bring the rest of the bread!”

“The rest of the—” I started to protest, but Marcus’ hand on my arm stopped me. His touch sent a wave of heat through my body that had nothing to do with the spices in the food.

“Best to just accept it,” he murmured, his voice low enough that only I could hear. “Maria’s taken you under her wing now. Resistance is futile.”

“Like being adopted by an army of grandmothers?” I whispered back and was rewarded with one of Marcus’ smiles. The kind that transformed his whole face and made my heart do embarrassing gymnastics in my chest.

Caleb leaned in from my other side, his shoulder brushing mine. “Wait until she starts sending you home with Tupperware. I swear she has a secret stash somewhere.”

“Three cabinets full,” Miguel confirmed with a grin. “And that’s just the ones I know about.”

“As if you don’t like it!” Maria scolded her son. “You love having extra food in your room!”

The banter continued around me, warm and familiar despite having known these people for such a short time. But I couldn’t help glancing at that empty chair again.

A sudden crash of thunder made me jump, and I realized it had started raining—hard. The sound of it drumming against themanor’s windows only highlighted Derek’s absence. Was he still out there? In this weather?

“He’ll be fine,” Marcus said quietly, reading my concern. His hand grasped mine under the table, squeezing gently. “Derek’s handled worse than a little rain.”

On my other side, Caleb pressed his leg against mine in silent support. The warmth of them both should have felt overwhelming, but instead it was… comforting. Even as part of me wondered why they seemed to know exactly what I was thinking.

“Now!” Maria’s voice cut through my thoughts. “Who’s ready for dessert?”

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