Page 94 of Scarred Savages
Hudson clears his throat, his gaze unwavering from the head of the table. “Good morning, Luna.”
I pour coffee with hands that aren’t quite steady, feeling completely exposed.
“Did you sleep well?” Oli asks, with a mischievous glint in his eyes. His dimples deepen as his cheeks turn pink slightly.
I shoot him a glare that could melt steel. “Like the dead.”
“Interesting choice of words,” Damien mutters, his fork scraping against his plate unnecessarily. “Considering what was being murdered last night was everyone’s peace and quiet.”
The coffee sloshes over the rim of my mug, scalding my fingers. “Shit!”
“Need a hand with that?” Oli offers innocently. “Or would you prefer a handle?”
“I will end you,” I hiss, grabbing a paper towel to mop up the spill.
Axel saunters up, pulling a chair out for me, all chivalrous and shit. My heart does a stupid little flutter, and I immediately want to punch it into submission. He’s wearing low-slung jeans and nothing else, his scarred torso on full display. His blond hair is still damp from a shower, and he’s now tucked the mini axe into his belt loop.
The damn mini axe.
Everyone is still staring.
I plop down at the table and grab a piece of toast. “What?”
Axel’s smirk widens. “Seems like my axe left quite the impression on you, Wildcat. Think we should take that ride again sometime?”
I choke on my coffee.
That little shit.
“Axel,” Hudson warns.
Damien throws his napkin onto his plate. “I’ve lost my appetite.”
“Jealous much, Stone?” Axel smirks.
Damien scoffs, storming out, the back door slamming hard enough to rattle the windows.
“Well,” Oli says, his voice light. “That was dramatic.”
Axel snorts. His hand brushes my thigh under the table, and despite everything, my traitorous body responds. I edge away, which only makes his smile widen.
“So,” Hudson closes his iPad. “Let’s go on a run after breakfast. Might be good for everyone to work off some energy.”
“Can’t,” Axel says, stealing a piece of bacon from my plate even though there’s a whole platter in front of him. “Got patrol on the east boundary.”
“I already promised to help the Warrens with their garden,” Oli pipes up. At my confused look, he elaborates, “The bunny shifters down in the valley. They’re good folks. Make the best carrot cake you’ve ever tasted.”
I smile at Oli. “Remember to bring me a piece.”
“I usually find something else to do when they go for a run,” Oli finishes. “Unless I feel like being chased for sport. Which, despite what these idiots think, isn’t actually fun.”
Despite myself, I smile at the image.
“Which is why I’m sticking with my own kind today,” Oli says firmly.
“Your loss,” Hudson says, standing up. “Luna, would you like to join me? Might help you connect with your wolf.”
I shake my head, tension creeping back into my shoulders. “I don’t think so. I think I’ll… take a walk. Alone. Clear my head.”
