Page 22 of Pretty Little Kitty

“What is that smell and how do I get some of it?” Jared glanced around, pressing a hand to his stomach. “I can’t remember the last time I ate.”

Kia had felt panicked too, but Jared’s crisis helped to redirect his own fears. Now the two of them were heading toward the tavern’s back door.

“Let me get that for you.” Suero held the door open for him, winking as Kia passed under his arm. He’d done that on purpose, creating a bridge with his body instead of stepping aside.

Kia loved it. Maybe they could finally return to the easy connection they’d once had before trust had been broken.

Xavier.

The thought of his uncle dimmed his mood, but the mouthwatering aroma of food lifted his spirits. He hadn’t finished his mac & cheese earlier and was starving again.

As they walked past doors lining the hallway, he asked, “Where do those lead?”

“Bedrooms for pack members to use,” Suero replied, wrapping an arm around Kia’s waist and nibbling on his neck as they continued to walk. Making out on Jared’s trunk had been wild and thrilling, especially since he’d never done anything so brazen before.

He suspected more firsts were coming.

Suero kissed the side of Kia’s neck and murmured, “Let’s get you fed before you collapse.”

With a breathless sigh almost like a purr, Kia followed Suero, Jared right behind them.

As they entered the tavern, the world seemed to pause. The music played on, but conversations halted. Dozens of men turned, eyes fixed on the two cheetahs among wolves. For a terrifying moment, he imagined a record scratch in his mind.

His cat’s ears flattened as Kia held his breath.

Gradually, noise returned. Forks clinked, chatter resumed, though many eyes lingered.

“Friendly bunch,” he muttered.

Jared glanced around briefly before raising a hand. “Chicken wings and fries, please. Extra crispy, extra ranch... and, um, a soda with crushed ice if you’ve got it.” He smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes.

Behind the bar, Cesar gave him a deadpan stare. “Sit.”

“Yes, sir.” Jared dropped onto a stool, drumming his fingers. “So, when can I get that food?”

“I need to talk to Matias. You good at the bar?” Suero asked.

“Go do whatever you need to do.” Kia settled a few seats away from his cousin, pulling out his buzzing phone.

Xavier. Crap.

He stared at the screen before flipping it over like the phone had personally insulted him.

No chance in hell he was answering it. Not while he was surrounded by wolves and deciding between a drink or an emotional support kitten.

Twenty minutes later, Suero slid onto the stool beside him, their shoulders brushing.

Kia liked the warmth of Suero’s large frame and how good the man smelled—a hint of smoke with a sharp outdoorsy fragrance. He wanted to roll naked in that scent.

“You okay?” Suero asked softly, tapping the back of Kia’s hand with a finger. The simple gesture sent flutters through his stomach.

“Define okay.” Kia playfully gripped the man’s finger to stay connected. “I’m in a bar full of wolves, my uncle’s about to unleash fury, and my cousin’s ordering food like he’s on vacation.”

“Pretty sure he is.” Suero smirked.

Brows furrowed, Kia said, “You always this calm during public execution vibes?”

“Nah.” Each syllable slid across the space between them, sinking in like a whispered secret. “Only when I’m sitting next to the guy I want to be my mate.”

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