Page 44 of Dead Wolf Falling (Bad Moon Academy 2)

Chapter 10

RAVEN

Brayden and I work together to make sure everyone is served before we get our own plates. We join the guys once we’re done, sitting next to each other like old pals. Carter eyes the two of us and chews some of the roasted rabbit and apples. Adler waits until we’re seated to start eating, but Everett is almost done with his helping.

“This is surprisingly good,” Everett says around a mouthful of potatoes.

Grinning at him, I take my first bite, making a curious noise when the flavors burst across my tongue. The meat is similar to chicken in taste and texture, and the apples add a bit of sweetness to the non-traditional meal.

“Wow.” I take a drink of water.

Brayden nudges me with his elbow and a smug smile spreads across his face. “Never doubt a chef.”

“Bray’s always been a good cook.” Draco pops a piece of apple into his mouth. “You should try his chocolate pie.” The twins share a reminiscing look.

“I like pie,” Adler says. He’s sitting next to Carter, looking a bit out of place among the shifters.

“Well, then, number five, I’ll make you some when we get out of this mess.” Brayden moves the longer pieces of his black hair off his forehead with a little head flick.

“Number five?” Adler asks, glancing at me in confusion.

“Brayden,” I warn, but he ignores me.

“Oh. . . you know, you’re the fifth part of our harem.” He stabs a piece of meat and points his fork at Adler. “Normally it’s another wolf, but given the circumstances and your chosen form, I don’t think our luna minds including you. Right, Raven?”

My cheeks burn under Adler’s amber gaze, so I glance away and bite my cheek. Joanhadclaimed Adler, it’s true, but he doesn’t know anything about what being with a luna means. I don’t even know if he wants to be with me, and now Brayden’s forced the issue.

Carter clears his throat, drawing my attention. He’s rubbing the bridge of his nose, and his forehead wrinkles in annoyance. “What Brayden so ineloquently said is: you’re one of us.”

“Raven.”

Steeling myself for the inevitable rejection, because what sane man would want to be a part of a harem, I meet his gaze. I mean, these guys are one thing, but Adler? He’s different. He’s not a pack animal; while he can shift, changelings are nothing like shifters.

His eyes soften at the edges, and he stretches his arm across the table, placing his hand in front of my plate as though he’s waiting for me to take it. Curious as to what this means, I place my palm against his and hold my breath.

Burning amber eyes bore into mine. He runs his free hand over his scruff before resting it on top of mine. “I humbly accept this strange but fascinating offer.”

Oh, thank the moons.Joan releases a hard pant.He had me worried for a minute. Now we can plan the claiming ritual.

Claiming ritual?

Oh yeah, a bit of blood and loads of peen.

A bit of what now?

Joan snorts.You’ll be fine.

Adler squeezes my hand, and I forget all about Joan. “I hardly remember what it’s like to have a family. Lou is the closest I ever came to having a mother.” He drops his gaze and shakes his head. “It’ll be nice to belong.”

Joan moans.All the dicks are ours! Moons, can you imagine how it’ll feel. Each one distinctly different and ravishing you? I’m a little jealous I don’t get to bone the wolves, but I can live vicariously through you.

“Oh, gross.”

“I’m sorry.” Adler begins to pull away, and I panic, worried I’ve offended him. I yank his hand toward me.

“No, sorry. Joan is being disgusting.”

She chuffs.Excuse me? Wolves mating is no different than you mostly hairless apes fucking.

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