“No, it’s today.”
“Then step aside so I can work."Ancelin playfully swatted at him."I'm making breakfast for everyone.Vida, would you mind helping?"
"Certainly, dear."Vida circled the island and took the skillet from Ancelin's hands."It's good to see you feeling well enough to cook today."
"Krevan, fetch me some yeast.I want to bake bread later," Ancelin said.
"As you wish," he replied, departing immediately on his errand.The others watched her with what seemed like newfound respect.She decided to push further.
"I'll visit the clinic when I'm ready, Krevan.You can inform the doctor.I have several things I want to accomplish first before heading to Coti."
"Ancelin," Krevan said, his tone cautionary.
"Yes?"Ancelin met his gaze, those metallic irises gleaming back at her."Your eyes turn silver whenever you're worked up.Nobody else's do that.Why?"
"Only you have that effect on me," he said with a half-smile before ducking out to contact the doctor on the SatView.
"He can make them turn, you know.”
“Really?”Ancelin turned to look at Vida.
“Yes,” Vida nodded.“Let me help with breakfast," she offered."I'll handle the eggs if you cook the ham steaks."Working side by side, they had the meal ready in short order.When Ancelin delivered Krevan's plate with a quick peck on his cheek, his arm snaked around her waist, pulling her firmly onto his lap.
"Testing me, little one?"His voice dropped to a dangerous purr."It's working."She twisted in his hold, but his arms became iron bands around her."You're staying right here until I say otherwise.Unless you'd care to beg for your freedom."
"If that's how it is."Ancelin settled against him, snatched up his fork, and took a bite of his breakfast."Then I'll help myself.You're quite the cozy seat."Her eyes found Vida's across the table, who covered her mouth to hide her amusement.
"Wait—I'm starving and that's my breakfast."Krevan nipped at her shoulder with the edge of his teeth."Though you'd make a more satisfying meal."
"There's your plate," Ancelin pointed to the counter with her fork.
Vida glided over with a dish trailing steam."Here's another," she said, placing it on the table.
"Thank you, Mother.My mate seems determined to test me today."
Ancelin ate in silence while Krevan, after swapping their plates, held her against him until he finished."We should head to Coti soon for the clinic appointment.No time for dessert now."In one smooth movement, he lifted her and carried her upstairs, nudging their bedroom door closed with his heel."Are you feeling adventurous today, little one?"
"What exactly do you have in mind?"
"Bold," Krevan repeated, his eyes glinting."Powerful.Are you?"
“No, I feel loved and lucky today.”Ancelin flung herself into his arms.They rolled onto the bed and quickly disrobed.They made passionate love.Their voices rose as they climaxed.Ancelin felt energized by his boost of venom and the euphoric feeling of their joint ecstasy.“I’m ready to go to Coti now.I’ve done what I needed to take care of,” Ancelin announced as Krevan withdrew from her.
“Have you?That’s what you wanted to take care of?”
“Yes, of course.I love to take care of you.I thought I’d neglected you for some time and wanted to make up for it.I feel better today than I have felt for a long time and missed making love to you,” Ancelin said and kissed him again.
"I'm in a better mood now.Though if we'd been intimate yesterday, I might not have been so hard on the men," Krevan said with a low chuckle.
"I hardly think that's my responsibility," Ancelin replied.
"Fair enough," Krevan conceded with a smile.After dressing, they made their way downstairs.
Outside, the other men were already clearing the vehicles with remarkable efficiency, their Triaxen abilities making quick work of the snow-buried transports.The military-grade vehicles, built to navigate the harshest terrain, stood ready for departure.Krevan's parents settled into their vehicle while groups of four soldiers distributed themselves among the remaining transports.Two guards remained posted at the house.Though the winds had finally ceased, the deep snow still hampered their progress toward town.
When they arrived, an eerie stillness hung over the settlement.The normally bustling streets held only scattered vehicles, one parked near Krammer's store.After pulling to a stop, Krevan remained motionless behind the wheel, his eyes scanning the surroundings.The convoy halted behind them.
"We should wait and observe for a moment," he said quietly."No one seems to be moving about."
