Page 102 of Scarred Savages
I smile, pushing away the lingering unease. “Definitely. I think I’m getting addicted.”
“To the marshmallows or to us?” Axel murmurs in my ear, his lips brushing against my skin.
“Both,” I admit. “Definitely both.”
The night flows on, stories and laughter circling with the smoke. Oli entertains the group with tales of pack mishaps, most of which involve Damien in some humiliating situation. Hudson remains somewhat apart, seated at the edge of the firelight. Buthis eyes—I feel them on me throughout the evening, a weight I can’t decide if I want to shrug off or lean into.
“You’ve been good for them,” a female tenant says, nodding toward the pack members. “This is the first time I’ve seen those boys relaxed in months.”
“I’m just temporary,” I say automatically. “Just helping out for a while.”
She smiles knowingly. “Honey, the way those Alphas watch you, nothing about this arrangement is temporary.”
I flush, unsure how to respond. Before I can formulate a reply, another tenant joins the conversation.
“We’re all so happy the pack finally has a strong mate,” she says warmly. “And such a kind one, too. The little ones already adore you.”
My cheeks burn hotter. “I’m not—I mean, we’re not—” I stammer.
“No need to be modest, dear. We all see how they are with you,” she insists.
I don’t correct her. What would I say?
I was purchased to settle a debt?
As the fire burns down to embers and people begin drifting back to their cabins, I find myself lingering, staring into the glowing coals. The night has left me… confused.
I felt something close to belonging. These people, this place—it’s starting to feel like something I could call mine.
And the males… My eyes drift to where Oli is helping the little ones make one last s’more, to Ethan, deep in conversation with one of the older males, to Axel, who’s playing with some of the kids. Even Hudson, still watching me, feels more like… what? Home?
“Dangerous thoughts, Luna,” I whisper to myself. “Three years. Don’t forget that.”
But as I watch the embers pulse like beating hearts in the darkness, I wonder if I’ll want to leave at all by then.
29
Ethan
Her laughter resonates through the house again, causing me to lose my thoughts for the third time this morning.
I frown at the dried anise leaves I’ve just ground into powder; too fine, nearly dust. Useless for the tincture I’d planned. With a sigh, I push the mortar aside and reach for fresh leaves, only to pause as another burst of her laughter drifts through the open door of my sanctuary.
My fingers hover over a jar of yarrow. I should catalog our inventory, prepare remedies, or check in on the tenants. Instead, I’m straining to catch fragments of their conversation like a lovesick pup.
“This is foolish,” I mutter.
I rub my eyes and force myself to refocus.
This isn’t like me.
I don’t get distracted.
Yet I find myself walking toward the kitchen instead of the greenhouse. To get coffee, I tell myself. Not because I can smell vanilla and cinnamon or hear Luna’s voice mixing with Oli’s excited chatter.
“No, you have to fold it in gently, not beat it to death!” Oli’s voice carries that special tone he only uses with her, part exasperation, part absolute adoration.
I pause at the doorway, taking in the scene. The kitchen looks like a flour bomb exploded. White powder dusts every surface, and Luna and Oli are covered. A smudge crosses Luna’s cheek, highlighting the curve of her smile.
