Page 25 of Taken By the Alpha Priest

“Yeah,” Peaches mutters, sounding unsure. “Sure. Should I just…keep her blindfolded when I’m leadin’ her around?”

My stomach tightens, and I hold my breath, waiting for his response.

“It doesn’t matter,” Reyes finally says, his voice quieter now, almost tired. “She’s going to be here for a few weeks. Not going to force her to stumble around blind the whole time.”

Peaches hesitates, then nods. “Oh. Okay. Yeah. So, uh…I’ll see you for dinner later?”

Reyes doesn’t answer. Instead, he gives me a slight push toward her, and I stumble forward, catching myself just before I crash into Peaches. She grabs me by the elbows, steadying me as I let out a frustrated grunt.

Without thinking, I yank the blindfold off and toss it onto the floor–then I stomp on it for good measure. Who even has ties these days anyway? “He’s such an asshole,” I snap, not even bothering to lower my voice.

Peaches freezes, her eyes going wide as she glances over my shoulder.

“He’s still right there,” she whispers.

I turn slowly, my jaw tightening as I meet Reyes’ gaze. He stands in the doorway, arms crossed over his chest, his brow drawn into a scowl that could cut glass. The tension between us simmers, a taut string ready to snap.

“Bye,” I say, waving my fingers at him.

He doesn’t say a word. His eyes linger on mine for a beat too long, then he turns and pulls the door shut behind him.

I turn to Peaches, whose jaw is practically on the floor. “So, I guess that didn’t go well?” she asks.

I take a sharp breath, crossing my arms. “Nope. He had a lot of explaining to do, and—surprise—he sucked at it. And honestly? You’re not off the hook either.”

Peaches flinches, her shoulders hunching. “I’m so sorry, Tilda. I only knew he bit you because I could…uh, scent him on you, and?—”

“Scent him on me?” I echo, incredulous.

Her face flushes, and she waves her hands in a frantic attempt to explain. “Sorry! I keep forgetting you’re not lycan. That probably sounds…weird. Sorry.”

“You’ve said that, like, three times now,” I say dryly.

Peaches squeezes the bridge of her nose, muttering under her breath. “It’s not—it’s just—ugh. It’s not a weird thing. I mean, okay, it is, but not in the way you’re thinking.”

I raise an eyebrow. “You’re really not helping.”

“Ugh!” Peaches groans, dragging a hand down her face. “I am so not the right person to explain this. I’m bad with words. Will or Magnolia would be way better at this…”

I should probably ease up on her; she’s the first person here who hasn’t looked at me like I’m a ticking time bomb. I take a slow breath, forcing my shoulders to relax, and bite my lip to keep from snapping again. As I try to center myself, my gaze drifts around the room.

It’s way more lived-in than Reyes’ spartan quarters. Little odds and ends–old world artifacts, souvenirs, tchotchkes–are tucked into wooden shelves lining the walls, and there’s even a cozy sofa with a pastel crocheted granny square blanket draped over it.

It’s sweet, really. Very Peaches.

“Okay,” I say, softening my tone. “Can you at least try to explain? This is all new to me. Everything I know about lycanthropy is from the Heavenly Host, and—well, let’s just say I’m starting to think they weren’t exactly thorough.”

Peaches snorts, rolling her eyes. “Oh, they definitely didn’t tell you the whole story. But hey…” She hesitates, glancing at me with a sheepish smile. “I still haven’t gotten you any clean clothes. Wanna get changed first, and then we can talk?”

Her kindness takes the edge off my frustration, and I find myself returning her smile despite everything. “Yeah,” I say. “That would be great. Thanks.”

* * *

Ten minutes later,I sink into the sofa while Peaches perches cross-legged on the bed. She’s managed to scrounge up a pair of shorts for me—they’re a little loose since she’s shorter and curvier, but at least they fit well enough. The oversized T-shirt she handed over swallows my frame, hanging off my shoulders.

“Not much of a fashion statement,” I mumble, tugging at the shirt. “But I’ll take it.”

Peaches smirks. “Hey, I said I’d find you clothes, not style you.”

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