Page 8 of The Evening Wolves

An outraged “What?” came from the dining room, and a moment later, Nico appeared in the opening. A smudge of green frosting ran across one cheekbone, and to judge from the giggling, Evie and Lana had, at some point, become fully invested in the frosting creation process.

“It’s cute,” Auggie said, “but it’s not really your color.”

“Huh?” Nico thumbed away the frosting and wrinkled his nose. Then he pointed at Emery. “What are you thinking? This is an awesome opportunity for Colt.”

Behind him, Colt hovered, defiance and pleading mingling in his features.

“Jesus Christ,” Emery said.

“No, no, no,” Nico said. “This is an all-expenses paid trip.”

“It’s not a vacation,” Emery said.

“No,” Colt shot back, but his voice was low. “It’s just something that would look amazing on a college application.”

“Excuse me?” Emery asked. “Do you have something to say?”

Colt shrank back, glowering, and Nico said, “He’s right. This would be fantastic on a college application. On top of that, it’s a service opportunity, and it’s a really good one.”

“It’s a day in St. Louis, Nico. Working in a shelter. He’s not curing cancer.”

“You never cured cancer,” came Colt’s quiet volley.

When Emery looked past Nico, Colt took another step back.

“This is exactly what I was talking about. I understand that you’re protective, but—”

“It’s not exactly the same, Nico. It’s quite different, as a matter of fact. I’m Colt’s father. It’s my opinion that this trip isn’t a good idea. What if they get stranded? They’re coming back Christmas Eve; he’d miss Christmas.”

“And it’s my opinion that it is a good idea,” Colt muttered. “And we’re not going to get stranded.”

“We’ve already had this conversation, Colt. Nico’s not going to change my mind.”

“Ash’s parents said he could go!”

“It’s a great opportunity, Emery—”

“Ash’s parents are not your parents. Nico, you are not his parent. John and I have discussed this, and the matter is closed.”

“I don’t care!” But the pitchiness of his voice, and the thickness of the words gave him away. “I’m not even going to college anyway!”

Colt’s heavy steps carried him out of sight, and a moment later, treads groaned, and his bedroom door slammed shut upstairs.

Nico lips were parted, his arms folded, his gaze not quite meeting Emery’s.

“Thank you so much.”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to—”

The doorbell rang, and John said, “Do you want to get that?”

“I do not.”

John sighed and headed toward the front of the house. Nico was still standing there, shifting his weight, not looking at anyone.

“I think the cookies are cool enough to frost,” Theo said quietly.

“I can help.” Auggie slipped past Emery to grab the tray, and on his way to the dining room, he chivvied Nico ahead of him. As they left the kitchen, he said in a low voice, “He’s not mad at you, not really. Everyone knows you’re just trying to help.”

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