Did I really think I could avoid them any longer? They’re strategic geniuses. Trained to infiltrate enemy lines.
"Been awhile since we had a meal together, thought we'd catch up," Knox rumbles, his deep voice rolling over my skin like thunder. It lands low in my belly and triggers something primal. I feel like a rabbit being surrounded by hungry wolves, and every one of them is licking their chops.
My eyes dart to the front door. "Uh... Well, there's only room for one more, so I think the host should take it. I'll go to the mess hall and—"
"Nonsense!" Everlyn cuts in brightly as she steers me into the empty seat with a little too much enthusiasm. Her hands clamp down on my shoulders, holding me there like I’m a toddler being plopped into time-out. "Silly me. I invited them for a welcome dinner and onlyafterdid I realize I can't stay, there's a patient I need to check on."
There is no patient, you hussy!I want to scream but settle for shooting her a murderous glare.
She meets it with wide-eyed innocence and not a single drop of shame.
Does she seriously think I want this?
For her to ambush me with my maybe-lovers, almost-mates, and definitely-broken Pack?
I don't know what she expected me to do, but acting like a socially constipated felon probably wasn't on her list of options.
She must not feel too guilty, because she shoots me a very obvious wink and says a hurried farewell.
I grit my teeth.
I'm going to kill her.
Everlyn is my friend, but if I survive this, I will get my revenge. Slowly. With the silent fury of a sleep-deprived Omega backed into a corner.
The front door shuts with a deafening thud.
I gulp.
The wind howling outside makes the silence feel louder. My heart is beating so hard, I know they can hear it with their enhanced senses.
Blaze breaks the spell.
He skips the cutlery and grabs a fistful of roast boar, and rips into it savagely.
"Manners, Blaze," Shade snaps, shooting him a glare. "Use the rut-damn knife and fork."
Blaze flips him the bird and rips another chunk free with his teeth. Juices run down his chin, his fingers glistening with fat, and he doesn’t give a single frack about it.
His eyes stay locked on me the entire time, almost as if he’s imagining it’s my flesh he’s tearing.
I want to burrow deep into a nest and only resurface when my life isn’t such a flaming trash-heap. I don't have a nest to burrow into, so I keep my head down and eat the meal even though it tastes like ash.
The others follow my lead, cutlery clinking against the plates punctuated by the sounds of Blaze's noisy chewing.
Viper remains suspiciously silent. Not a stray thought from him enters my mind, but I can feel his nerves and hopeful energy jittering in my chest, and it feeds into my anxiety.
I pick at the edge of my meat, chewing in slow, thoughtful bites like I’m in control of anything in this room. I’m not.
They’re waiting.
Watching.
I know the tactic. Knox taught it to me himself. Wait long enough, and the silence does the dirty work for you.
It’s working. I know that it’s a trap, but the pressure of their eyes and the words unspoken is unbearable.
I have to say something to break the tension. Except, I don’t have a clue where to start.
