Bo waves him off. “I’m not a fan of rules.”
“It wasn’t a request,” Cadoc reply holds a dark warning.
His energy fills the room, thickening the air. Bo grows quiet.
As the eldest with the most power, Cadoc is clearly taking control as head of our clan. The others could challenge him for the position, but it’d be a fruitless endeavor with Cadocs’ prowess and age.
Climbing the stairs, he walks me to the breakfast nook and sits he sits me on a tall expresso-colored stool.
“You stay put. Kirk, watch over her?”
“I’m on it,” Kirk takes a seat beside me.
“You two.” Cadoc motions to Fell and Bo. “Help me prepare dinner.”
Bo groans. “Why me?” He walks ahead into the kitchen fit for a chef. Bo’s green tunic stands out against his paler skin, making his dark hair stand out more.
Fell pauses. “You okay?” he asks.
“I’m fine.” I don’t want his concern. He had years to care.
“I’ll be the judge of that.” Kirk lifts my arm and places two fingers on my pulse point on my wrist, effectively silencing me.
He knows I’ll throw the reading off If I speak. I roll my eyes as Fell lingers, hovering over me like he still has the right.
“Food won’t prepare itself, Fell,” Cadoc calls.
“Coming.” Fell moves away and I relax, admiring the shiny stainless-steel appliances and expensive kitchen gadgets.
The garlic press Cadoc is using looks like it could fund a week’s worth of meals in the college mess hall. The open concept helps us all remain connected, which I crave, despite the awkwardness.
My wolf’s missed being among our kind, and she is excited by the prospects of mates, even if we didn’t get to choose them for ourselves.
“Your pulse is good.” Kirk releases me. I immediately miss his warmth. “Do you feel dizzy?”
“No.” I frown.
“Any nausea or pain?” Kirk’s dark gaze is intense and full of emotions, I can’t read as he focuses all his attention on me.
“No.” I exhale, suddenly drained. The night is catching up with me. Shoulders slumping, I close my eyes.
“Ylva?” Kirk’s voice is concerned.
“Don’t worry. I just realized how exhausted I am.”
He chuckles. I close my eyes. I focus on the sound of chopping.
“That’s normal, given everything you’ve been through,” Kirk says.
“Where did this house come from?” I’m eager for a distraction from my hunger.
“It’s always been here. Alpha has gifted it to influential families in the past, but it’s been empty for some time.”
“Did you know about this?” I open my eyes and study his handsome face.
“No. I’m the last person the Alpha would’ve shared his plans with,” Kirk says with wry humor. It’s an odd statement for the man who was once responsible for our leader’s health.
“Why?” Fascinated by his stiffness I press forward.
“We didn’t part on the best terms,” Kirk says. What’s that supposed to mean?
“I know we’re all shocked by this match, but we need to adapt,” Cadoc interrupts my digging.
The scent of garlic and onion fills the air. Mouthwatering, I admire the boy’s ability to work as a unit.
Fell cuts the bread while Bo blends herbs and butter to create a spread. Cadoc adds ground beef to the pan and my stomach rumbles its approval.
“How do you suggest we do that?” Bo looks around. “None of us are friendly.”
“I’ve worked with Cadoc plenty of times over the years.” Kirk shrugs.
“Yeah, 'cause you’re both like pushing two-hundred years old.” Bo waves his butter knife at Kirk and Cadoc.
“I’m only one hundred and fifty.” Kirk protests. “Cadoc is the old man. He’s one-hundred and ninety”
“And aging gracefully,” Cadoc gives a mock bow.
“Good thing for you two geezers.” Bo jerks his face toward at Kirk and Cadoc.
