Page 175 of Retribution
“Shit. I’m sorry if I woke you up,” Isolde says, chagrined.
“We’re all light sleepers,” Kane says, unbothered.
They spent the night since it was so late when we got back, but Duncan mentioned that they’re going home in the next couple of days. The guys think Adira may go into labor soon and want to prepare.
They were going to go home earlier, but Adira vetoed the idea. Omegas should rule the world, and if they can’t do that, they’re the last word that matters in a pack. At least, that’s how I believe it should work.
Isolde certainly keeps us on our toes.
“No one here is a stranger to nightmares either,” Adira says gently. “They may linger.”
“Ophelia is responsible for all of my nightmares,” Isolde grumbles. “She’s like a bad jump scare. One that is finally getting put down.”
Adira glances at Quinn when she says that, and I have a feeling there may be a conversation there.
“Are you hungry?” Duncan asks, trying to dispel the awkward pause.
“Actually, I am. My stomach is very much awake and cranky,” Isolde says.
“When did you last eat?” Linus asks, easing away from Quinn’s side.
“Ah, how long have I been gone?” Isolde asks, glancing at the baby to check to see if she’s asleep yet. I think she’s trying to hide from all the stares, because there are a lot of people in the kitchen. “I lost track of the days, but outside of a piece of bread here and there, I haven’t had anything to eat.”
“Then I think we should start easy,” Duncan suggests.
Linus nods and heads to the fridge to start pulling out fruits and I’m confused by what he’s doing.
“Smoothies are filling and shouldn’t make you sick,” Adira explains. “We’re a little too familiar with food aversions and easing people back in after not eating.”
“I had a rough time afterward,” Quinn mutters. “I think a small pancake might be good too, right?”
There’s a flurry of activity as Callum serves Isolde a small pancake and Jed places maple syrup and honey next to it.
“Wow,” Isolde says, watching everyone.
“We’re a lot,” Morris says, sighing. “Most of us do know what it’s like to have our autonomy stripped, Isolde. Rock and Ophelia worked hand in hand to destroy lives.”
“Rock scared the shit out of me,” Isolde says. “Ophelia used to threaten to leave me with his pack in order to punish me. Most omegas didn’t survive the time they spent with him.”
Jed looks sick as he shakes his head. “My father kept us in line by threatening to sell us,” he says. “I’m the oldest, I’m responsible for keeping my brothers safe, you know? I did a lot of fucked up things to make that happen. If he told me to dance, I would, until I realized how heinous my actions were.”
Adira squeezes his hand and Jed hugs her to his side. I have a feeling that Rock and his pack fucked over a lot of people with their intimidation tactics.
“I had no idea the old man had any other kids,” Damon mutters. “She’s like maybe nineteen? Ophelia has been hiding her for a long time.”
“I had never seen her before,” Isolde says, looking at her plate.
“Let me help,” I suggest, moving over to begin cutting up her food.
“Shit, I suck,” Jed sighs. “The baby looks so happy with you.”
“She woke me up from my nightmare,” Isolde says. “I couldn’t shake myself from it.”
“It’s clear you’re her mama,” Quinn says. “Blood isn’t always as thick as the world makes people believe. Don’t let anyone let you think otherwise.”
Isolde smiles at her before giving me her attention and obediently opening her mouth as I feed her a bite of her pancake.
I took a chance and used a little honey to sweeten it with.
