I know it's getting closer to the deadline, and he's freaking out because I still haven't announced my decision. But after the conversation I had with Micah and Rowan, I think he can sense what that decision will be.
Killian thinks the file Villeneuve had on them is proof he’s some kind of mastermind stalker. But honestly? If I had four territorial alpha wolves fucking with me for years, I’d keep a dossier too.
The pack sees a villain because he’s a rival predator on their turf. I just see a meticulous academic covering his ass against my chaotic boyfriends.
"Brain fuel delivery!" Sean announces, materializing beside me with a plate that defies all known laws of culinary logic.
I look down at the offering. Cheese cubes. Pepperoni slices. What appears to be a pickle spear wrapped in cream cheese. And is that... a Pop-Tart?
"What is this?" I ask, poking at the pickle… thing.
"Genius," he says proudly, settling into the chair beside me. "You've been stress-reading for hours. Gotta keep those brain cells fed."
"With pickles and Pop-Tarts."
"The sweet-salty-tangy combo is scientifically proven to enhance cognitive function." He says this with such conviction that I almost believe him. Almost.
"Where did you read that?"
"I didn't. I made it up just now." He grins, completely shameless. "But it sounds right, doesn't it?"
Despite everything, I laugh. "You're ridiculous."
"You say that like it's a bad thing." He pushes the plate closer. "Try the pickle. Trust me."
I pick up the cream-cheese-wrapped monstrosity, bracing for disaster. One bite, and?—
Fuck.
It's actually good.
"See?" Sean beams like this is the proudest he's ever been. "Told you. My culinary instincts are unmatched."
"This is genuinely disturbing," I admit, taking another bite. "How is this working?"
"Because I'm a genius. We've established this."
I eat in silence for a moment, Sean watching me with that puppy-dog intensity that should be annoying but somehow isn't. Through our bond, I feel his genuine concern beneath the playful exterior. He's worried about me.
They all are.
"Killian's been gone a while," I say finally.
Sean's expression shifts, just slightly. "Yeah. He's... determined."
"To find an alternative to Villeneuve."
"Yep."
"Even though there isn't one."
Sean fidgets with a cheese cube, rolling it between his fingers. "Look, I know Killian can be a stubborn asshole. That goes for all of us. But he's just trying to protect you."
"I know." I set down the half-eaten pickle thing. "But I'm not sure what he thinks he's protecting me from."
"Villeneuve's a scary fucker who probably sleeps in a coffin and picks his teeth with human bones," Sean says matter-of-factly. "That's what."
I sigh. "You don't know that."
