Page 32 of Dreams of Magic

Kenzie

Sorcha, with her hand still on Marshall’s arm, said quietly, “It’s not that I don’t want you. I just need some time. Don’t give up on me, okay?”

Marshall’s face softened, and he gave Sorcha a small smile, “Take all the time you need. I’m not going anywhere.”

She didn’t smile exactly, but her lips tilted up a fraction, and she nodded. Then slowly, she removed her hand from his arm and stepped back and her face shut down again, “Do you need anything else from me?”

Marshall looked at her for a moment, like he was thinking about letting it go, but then he asked, “Do you have any idea why Alpha Tate would send men to attack us?”

Sorcha was already shaking her head when he finished, “No. I have no idea. I was never privy to any kind of information. It’s like a prison there.”

Marshall looked almost heartbroken. Kenzie wanted to walk over and comfort him but knew he wouldn’t welcome it right now.

“I’m sorry I didn’t do anything to stop them. I’ve heard rumors but no one would ever talk to us. We couldn’t get any proof to shut the pack down. Unfortunately, the council requires proof before any action can take place. But I should have done more.” He was tugging his hair again. If he didn’t stop, he was going to rip it out.

“Everyone is afraid to say anything. He threatens our families, so we won’t talk.” Sorcha said quietly.

Marshall looked at her thoughtfully, “You said your sister’s mate helped you escape. Is she still there?”

“Yes. She wouldn’t leave her mate, and he can’t leave because they would kill his family. Like I said, a prison.” She had a look of resignation, like she just accepted how horrible it was.

Kenzie wondered if Sorcha realized what she’d just said. If Sorcha’s sisters’ mate would not leave for fear of his family being killed, what would happen to Sorcha’s sister now that she had escaped?

Kenzie glanced between the two of them. They both looked ragged and worn out from this conversation.

Deciding that was enough for today, she would keep her thoughts to herself for now, “Well you are safe here now. We will see what we can do about Black Falls. But now, it’s almost time for the council to arrive and I think we all need a little break. Let’s go get some food and relax for a bit.”

Aiden walked closer to her, and placed a hand on her lower back, “That sounds like a great idea. You guys up for it? I’m sure Marilyn and Antonio have something delicious cooking.”

She watched Marshall as he glanced at Sorcha, who looked a little uncertain. She could tell he was waiting for her answer. Kenzie decided to help nudge her along, just a little bit.

“I promise you won’t regret it Sorcha. I hear Marilyn is an amazing cook. I also know for a fact she has a stash of tarts!” She told her in a conspiratorial whisper, that was intentionally loud enough for the guys to hear.

Aiden leaned over and whispered in her ear, “That is my stash of tarts you little minx.”

Kenzie looked up into his eyes with her best seductive look, “You don’t want to share them with us?”

Aiden’s mouth opened and closed a few times before any words came out, “Um sure. Of course, I don’t mind.”

Marshall coughed and she turned back to see him and Sorcha both trying not to laugh.

“Man, I think she already has your balls. Didn’t even last a day. Sis, you got him doing any tricks yet?” Oh, he thought he was so funny! She stuck her tongue out at him, “It’s a bit early for that, give me another day.”

When she looked back at Sorcha, she had a tiny smile on her face. Not wanting to bring attention to it, she simply said, “Come along then. I’m starving and those tarts are calling my name.”

Finally recovered, Aiden took her hand, “That was sneaky sweetheart. But don’t worry, I’ll get you back.” Then he slowly pulled her hand up to his lips and gently kissed her knuckles, sending goose bumps racing up her arm.

They made it down to the kitchen and, of course, Marilyn and Antonio were hard at work preparing what looked like a feast. There were stacks of hamburgers, pork chops, chicken breasts, hotdogs, and sausages, then every side she could possibly imagine. But the best part was all the desserts. Pies, pastries, cookies, tarts, cakes, and brownies all lined the counter.

“Oh my gosh! Marilyn, this all looks amazing!” If she was hungry before, it was nothing compared to how hungry she was looking at this food. Werewolves eat a lot, something about a faster metabolism and expending a boat load of energy most days, especially after a change.

She was even more ravenous than usual though. She silently wondered if it was because she healed Aiden, however she’d done it. She would think about that later.

Marilyn glanced at them over her shoulder, not even stopping what she was doing for a moment, “Thank you dear! Don’t touch any of it yet. If you’re hungry I made sandwiches, they’re in the fridge. Help yourselves. This is for dinner once the council gets here.”

Antonio chuckled, “What she is politely trying to say is, ya’ll better eat fast so you can scooch out of the way.”

Kenzie laughed, “We hear you loud and clear. We can go sit out on the deck while we eat. Thank you both for doing all of this.”

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