“The orchard seems happy.” Lake rested his cheek on the side of my hair. “Thus, the apples taste sweeter.”
“They’re happy?” I smiled.
“I believe they are. I speak to them every morning.”
“I love that you speak to them. It’s too sweet.”
My wolf cared so deeply for everything around him.
“All living things can feel, Evan. Plants. Grass. Trees.” He gently turned me to face him and brushed my bangs aside, a soft gleam in his purple eyes. “Which is why we must treat them with kindness and show our gratitude when they bestow gifts upon us.”
Lake’s father had taught him that. He’d also taught him the lullaby that eased my anxious mind on restless nights. How someone could look at Lake and see danger was beyond me. His heart was so damn pure.
After taking a small breather in the parlor and reading a few more chapters of my smutty romance novel, Lake and I prepared boar and potato stew for dinner. The aroma of baking bread filled the cottage, luring a feisty redhead over to the oven. Rowan peeked inside and smiled. The boy definitely loved his carbs.
“Where have you been all afternoon?” I asked him. “You weren’t asleep. I checked your room.”
“I was… around.” He flashed my favorite tooth and tweaked my ass cheek on his way to the barstool. “I told Draven and Reign about your invitation to dinner. Reign’s excited to try your food.”
“And Draven?”
“Pretty sure he still thinks you’ll poison him.”
I sighed. “Are you working again tonight?”
He nodded. “Draven and Reign are meeting me here after dinner.”
The sun had mostly set, leaving the kingdom hanging between night and day. I checked the stew and added just a touch more seasoning before returning the lid to the pot.
The heavy beating of hooves came from outside. Minutes later, Briar and Maddox joined us in the kitchen. The sight of them soothed nerves I hadn’t even been aware of. Not sure if it was our fated mate connection or just me being a sappy muffin, but I breathed easier when around them. Knowing they were safe.
“Come here, you.” Maddox pulled me into his arms and feathered kisses in my hair. It was playful and tickled.
“Miss me that much, huh?” I reached up to lock my hands behind his neck.
“Always.” He pressed his lips to my temple, then kissed down my cheek.
Over dinner, the five of us sat together at the table and talked as we ate. And I tried not to get too emotional. With Rowan’s work schedule, it had been a while since we’d been able to sit together like this for a meal.
“Anything exciting happen at the castle?” I asked between bites. Lake and I made a great team. A powerful duo in the kitchen.
“Quincy fell from his horse.” Maddox spooned more stew into his bowl. He’d basically inhaled the first serving, a sign that he’d worked up quite the appetite that day. “Provided entertainment for the rest of us.”
“Be nice to Quincy.” I fought a laugh at the visual. “He and I are two peas in a pod. The clumsy squad.”
“I crafted more protection charms and focused on my research.” Briar exchanged a look with Maddox. “Then, I helped Thane create an elixir using Herbert’s toxin.”
“I’m sorry.” I paused with the spoon inches from my mouth. “You didwhat?”
Briar laughed. “Herbert’s species, while highly dangerous, are marvels in the medical field. Their toxin can be used to craft strong pain-fighting elixirs. The process holds many risks, considering the aggressive nature of the beetle, therefore very few people attempt it while the insect lives. Thane has built trust with Herbert and is able to extract his toxin without either of them being harmed. He’s quite extraordinary.”
The last was said like a proud father.
“Both of you need a kick in the ass.” Rowan sopped up some stew with a wedge of bread and shoved it in his mouth, speaking as he chewed. “Stop treating Evan like a child. You damn well know you did more than craft elixirs today, Specs.”
Briar averted his gaze.
“What do you mean?” I asked.
