Kirk sniffs. “You reek of jealousy.” He breaks of a bit of bread, and pitches it, hitting Bo directly in the forehead.
I giggle as the others chuckle.
“That’s how you want to play it?” Bo returns the favor.
“Enough with the food waste,” Cadoc cautions.
“Is that what you plan to do? Browbeat us into submission?” Bo sets the bowl down on the counter.
I tense as his animosity shifts the mood in the room.
Cadoc turns away from the gas stove, black spatula still in hand. “I will keep the order by any means necessary. How smooth that goes is up to each of us.”
He stares Bo down until the younger wolf looks away.
Part of me enjoys seeing the cocky man put in his place. Kirk shifts in his chair, looking uncomfortable. His eyes flicker to amber when his wolf briefly comes to the surface and retreats.
“Respect will be the foundation we build from. Without that, we can’t have much else,” Cadoc says.
“Respect is earned,” I wrinkle my nose.
“It’s a common courtesy,” Kirk replies.
“Between strangers, which we aren’t. Pretending we don’t have complicated pasts would be a mistake,” I toy with the soft material of the dress.
“And you call the shots then, Princess?” Bo asks with a sneer.
“Since I’m the reason we’re all here, I expect to have a lot of say in this arrangement,” I refuse to back down. Hands on the edge of the table, I lean forward taking up more space.
Cadoc nods his agreement.
“And you love that, don’t you?” Bo’s features twist, his normally angelic face becomes something angry and savage, almost demonic. “The misfit finally gets her comeuppance.”
I blow him a kiss and he snarls.
Cadoc growls. The knife in Fell’s hand clatters onto the thick cutting board in front of him. He spins to face Bo.
“Do not call her that.” Fell’s eyes glow and my heart swells at the protective gesture.
“You are not my alpha.” Bo’s says mockingly.
“I am her mate, and I won’t allow anyone to disrespect her.” Fell steps closer and Bo growls, barring his teeth.
“Take a walk, Jensen,” Cadoc barks. The alpha commands turns his voice hoarse, and tingles across my skin.
Bo stiffens and steps back robotically. Turning on his heel, he crosses the white tile floor to the back door.
“Well, that was unpleasant,” Kirk mumbles.
I snicker. “Understatement.”
“Fighting will only make this process more difficult.” Cadoc turns back to the stove.
“Communication is the only way we’ll navigate this cluster fuck.” I massage my temples to stave off an impending headache.
“And honesty,” Fell adds.
I snort. “That’s rich coming from you.”
“There’s a lot of feelings flying around. Being open about them seems wise,” Kirk tries to keep the peace.
“Ylva–”
I hold up my hand. “Not now, Fell. I’m hungry, exhausted, and trying not to spiral into a massive dumpster fire of a human.”
Fell presses his lips together and goes quiet.
“After we eat, I think a few minutes of one-on-one before we retire for the night would be wise,” Cadoc says.
I groan. It’s the last thing I want to do. Kirk moves closer. The healer has a tranquil vibe. I don’t mind him in my personal space.
I soak up the heat rolling off his body along with the momentary peace. The smell of spaghetti sauce and garlic bread blends as the meal comes together.
Cadoc dishes everything into serving bowls. Bo returns wearing a sullen expression and washes his hands.
“Better?” Cadoc asks. Bo gives a curt nod.
“Good. Take this to the bar, and I’ll grab the plates and silverware,” Cadoc directs him
