“Poor guy needs a vacation.” I rested my head against his. “Once all of this is over… the ball and resolving the whole mercenary thing, we should all go somewhere together. Have a picnic.”
Lake turned his face into my neck. “My human wants a picnic?”
“Yep.” I smiled at his playfulness. “We can travel south where it’s warmer and stay in a little beach house. A secluded cove away from other people so you can go outside without fear of being seen. We can swim, eat, and soak up the sun.”
No stress about war or doom flags. Just all of us being together.
“That sounds nice.” He breathed out and relaxed more against me. “The mountains would also be beautiful. Somewhere near a lake and surrounded by lush trees, fields of flowers, and rolling hills. We can go hiking and then take a dip in the water. Sit outside around a firepit in the evening and talk about the day. Perhaps Duke and the others can come as well.”
His wistful tone struck my chest, plucking at my heartstrings. For so much of his life, Lake had been alone. Now, he had friends and people who loved him.
“Exalos has nice mountains,” I said. “Maybe we can go there.”
I felt him smile against my neck. “I’d like that.”
It would also give me a chance to visit William and see how the café was coming along. Maybe visit with Xavier as well. He had loved my mom. Still did. I’d learned a lot about her because of him.
The sky flickered bright beyond the window, the lightning skipping between the dark clouds. Thunder rumbled a handful of seconds later. The storm was moving slowly toward us. As another flicker lit up the sky, the wooded area behind the cottage flooded with light.
And within the trees? I could’ve sworn I saw something dark crouched near a bush.
I dove closer to the window. “Did you see that?”
Lake stepped up beside me, gaze on the glass and his fluffy wolf ears pointed upward. An odd expression crossed his face, a mix of worry and awe.
“Lake?”
His purple eyes shifted to me. “It’s the Fenrir pup.”
“Oreo? He’s out there?” I shot toward the back door, only to be caught around the arm and gently tugged away from it. I spun on my heels to look at my protective male. “He won’t hurt me, Lake.”
Indecision marred his features. “It’s too dangerous. He’s not simply a wolf pup, Evan. He’s a demon.”
“A demon who saved me, remember?” Desperation laced in my voice. “I’d be dead if not for him. Please, Lake. I just want to make sure he’s okay.”
His hold eased on my arm. “Very well. If it’s so important to you… I wish to come with you. To see him.”
“Okay.” I smiled. “There’s some steak scraps left over from dinner. We should bring him a plate. Wait. Do demons eat cooked meat? Or do they prefer raw?”
Hopefully not people-flavored meat.
Lake crinkled his nose. “Your guess is as good as mine. However, given the gnawed-on bits of my tomato plant, I know he at least likes vegetables.”
I snorted. “Still mad at him for that?”
“No.” He mirrored my smile. “The Fenrir ensured you made it home to us. He can eat as many tomatoes as he wishes. Let’s take him a plate before the storm hits.”
After making a plate, Lake and I snuck out the back door. Sneaking because Maddox and Callum would never let me go outside to visit with a demon, no matter how adorable that demon might’ve been. Briar either. He was just as protective as they were, though I bet he’d secretly want to see Oreo, too, and give him head pats.
More thunder sounded, closer now. With luck, the rain would hold off for another few minutes.
“Is he still out here?” I asked, nearly toppling over as a gust of wind swept around us. “I can’t see him.”
“Aye. He’s by the shrub ahead of us.” Lake kept his arm around me, probably both as a form of protection but also to keep me from blowing over. “He’s baring his teeth at me.”
Oreo had done the same to me at first. But once he’d realized I wasn’t a threat, he’d rolled to his back and wanted belly rubs. He would see that Lake wasn’t a threat either. My wolf had a gentle nature and would never hurt a living thing unless forced to. Hell, he even sang to his garden when he thought one of the crops might be sad.
Lake slowed in his step as we reached the tree line. “I’ll stand here for a moment. He’s scared.”
