Page 40 of Stella

“You’re okay?” He stroked a hand down my back.

“I’m amazing.” I let out a sigh.

“You want some food?”

I gripped his shoulder. “Not as much as I want you.”

“Okay, later.” Evan kissed the top of my head. Every time he showed me a bit of affection, I drank it up like a flower in a draught. Between Jerrick and Evan I would be ruined forever.

Evan spent the rest of the night bringing me food and wearing my libido out. I fell asleep in his arms, and in the morning I felt amazing.

Evan was in the middle of making waffles when someone knocked on the door.

I frowned. “Is Jerrick off work early?”

I’d texted Jerrick last night that he was welcome to come over, but he said he was going to get some extra work done to get ready for next week.

“I don’t think so.” Evan turned the bacon over.

I opened the door, to find Simon on the other side, looking devastating in a three-piece suit. It was tailored to fit.

“Hello.” He cleared his throat and smoothed his hands over his suit jacket. “I hope I’m not interrupting?”

I gestured at myself. “Does it look like Evan is currently thrusting inside me?”

His smoked caramel and marshmallow scent grew heavy and mixed with Evan’s beachwater musk. I resisted the urge to yank the cranky alpha against me.

“Breakfast.” Evan called. “Come on you two.”

I lead the way to the breakfast nook adjacent to the kitchen.

“I don’t want to interrupt,” Simon repeated.

“Nah, you’re fine.” Evan leaned in and stole a kiss from Simon. He went back to whistling and plating our food.

“Eat with us. You can’t say no to Evan.” I grinned. Evan’s good mood was infectious and seeing their causal affection with each other was adorable.

Simon sat down, and Evan brought the syrup and butter. I drowned my waffles in until they were soggy.

Evan raised an eyebrow. “You and Jerrick have the same sweet tooth.”

I took an exaggerated bite and smiled.

“Did that big merger you were working on go through okay?” Evan brushed his hand over mine. He stole little touches all morning, and it was all I could do not to burrow into him.

“Nothing we couldn’t handle.” Simon cut his waffle into small pieces, and then glanced at me. “Several business associates have already asked about Cosmic Bonds. News of Meredith being matched has spread.”

“I told her it would happen,” I snapped. “We’re struggling a bit with The Pack Institute opening up, but my family has been matchmaking for generations. We don’t need to dup anyone into coming there.”

Simon held his hands up. “Peace, Stella. I was trying to congratulate you.”

“Oh.” I frowned. I didn’t see how I could have taken that as a good job considering our last conversation, but I wouldn’t pick a fight. Not when I was in such a good mood. “Alright then.”

“It’s Meredith I came for.” Simon set his fork down. “I wouldn’t ask this of you if I wasn’t worried. I know you’re close to heat and if going out in public is too much, I’ll figure something out.”

“Is she okay?”

Simon nodded. “She is. She’s going to go through the rest of the matching process today. She’s more nervous than she wants me to know.”

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