Drake perks up, grateful for the shift. "Already on the counter. We're running low on fruit, snacks, a few basics."
"You'll take them both."
"Us?" I say.
Marie startles. "Me?"
"You need to see the neighborhood," Ragon says, looking at Marie. "And the two of you need to prove you can exist in a public space without drawing blood."
Drake grins. "Field trip."
"I don't want a chaperoned playdate."
"Too bad," Ragon says. His mouth curves, humor less. "I'm testing the 'no bloodshed' rule. Drake supervises."
"You realize I could take her in a fight."
Marie's head jerks toward me, eyes wide.
Eli makes a low sound that might be a strangled laugh.
Ragon's gaze cools. "You will not talk like that. Not even as a joke."
"Wasn't a joke."
He crosses the distance between us again and this time he doesn't touch my chin, doesn't lean down. He just takes one step inside my space, scent intensifying, voice dropping.
"Verena. You will be civil. You will be as kind as I know can be. You will be silent if you can't. Do you understand?"
The command wraps around my ribs like warm steel. My pulse kicks. My mouth opens on a retort and nothing comes out.
"Yes, Alpha."
"Say it without pouting," he adds, because he's an ass.
Despite everything, a weak laugh wants to burst out. I clamp my teeth on it.
"Yes, Alpha," I repeat, steadier.
He watches me for another second, then nods. "Good. Drake—keep them both in sight. No wandering off."
Drake nods, suddenly more serious. "Got it."
***
The outside air is cool and damp. The world smells different out here—cut grass, car exhaust, somebody's laundry detergent from next door. Underneath it all, the faint echo of our home clings to my skin.
Marie falls into step beside me, too careful to walk in front, too anxious to lag behind. Drake brings up the rear, keys jangling as he locks the door behind us.
We pile into the car—Drake driving, Marie in the passenger seat, me in the back like a sullen teenager.
For a few seconds, we sit in silence, the hum of the motor filling the space.
"So," Drake says, too cheerful. "Everyone ready for the most exciting grocery run of their lives?"
"Thrilled," I mutter from the back seat.
Marie twists to glance at me, then quickly faces forward again.
