Alix greets him with a punch to the face.
35
SERENA
The sound of her fist meeting Zadyn’s jaw is enough to make me cringe and to send him stumbling back into the table. I shoot to my feet as goblets of wine teeter over, soaking the tablecloths and linens.
My fingers start sparking at my sides.
Zadyn lets out a laugh, brushing the caramel hair out of his face as he straightens. “I probably deserved that.”
“Probably?” The female cocks her hip, giving him a vicious once-over.
“Definitely.”
Eaton bursts into a loud guffaw, holding his gut and stomping his foot under the table. The two males beside Alix break into handsome smiles and clap Zadyn on the back. My shoulders slowly relax, and I unspool my clenched fists.
“Brave male to show your face back here. I admire your balls,” says the bigger one, his voice a deep rumble, like thunder itself.
“I thought it was time,” Zadyn answers warmly.
The younger of the two leans in. “I wouldn’t get too close. She’s still got her hunting knife on her.”
Zadyn ruffles the boy’s shaggy blonde hair before slipping back into his seat.
“It’s a long story,” he says to me.
“Apparently so.”
We’re briefly introduced to Eaton’s siblings as they plop down across from us. I try not to stare, but my curiosity has me sneaking glances every so often.
The princes make light conversation, catching up with Zadyn, while the princess stabs at her food like a psycho killer, eyes burning holes into her plate. I can’t help but guess she’s picturing Zadyn’s face on that meat as she rips it apart.
Mar and I exchange a knowing look and decide to keep our mouths shut for now.
Dinner stretches on far longer than I want it to. I’m exhausted, and my thighs are screaming from hours of riding. That bed with the fur throws is calling my name.
Finally, Eaton stands, tossing down his napkin and turning to us.
“Come on. I’m taking you all out.”
“No, no, no.” Zadyn shakes his head. “We didn’t come here to party.”
“Yes, you did. Don’t lie to me, Zadyn, I know you. Up you go.” Eaton hauls him up and walks over to his siblings, popping his head between his brothers’ shoulders.
“Care to join?”
They turn, their mouths full and fingers greasy from tearing apart their dinner with their bare hands. “Where are you going?”
“Black Rabbit.”
“Hah!” Alix’s bark has each of our heads snapping toward her. “Typical.”
She pops a green bean into her mouth. To her credit, she is a more delicate eater than her brothers.
“You’re welcome to join, as always, but I know how you hate fun,” Eaton quips. She slides her brother a death stare. For a moment, I wonder if she’s going to punch him too.
“Thank you for the warm invitation, brother, but I’d rather stick pins in my eyes.”
