“That’s a good start.” We’d rebuild the rest over time after I saw what social events looked like and what their favorite foods were. “I’m going to assume you like lemonade?”
Because he had three different powdered mixes in the pantry…and each one was cheaper and more terrible tasting than the last.
“Yeah. I wouldn’t know what to do with something too sweet.” His chuckle had me rolling my eyes. “What about you?”
Brat.
My first thought was inappropriate given the situation because telling him meaty and delicious would only go to his head…and his ego which seemed big enough already.
“A bit of sweetness goes a long way.” He could take that however he wanted but it got more chuckles as I finished mixing the lemonade and found a tray to bring everything out onto the deck. “We need to work on the quality of lemonade you’re buying.”
Braun shrugged and gave me a grin as I set the tray down on the table. “I can recognize quality when I see it, but unfortunately, all those were bought by different people trying to help.”
We needed to work on how other pack members were going to help moving forward.
“I’ll handle the grocery shopping.” It’d be easier that way even if it would be a big job. “I might need to borrow the truck I saw out front for a larger trip next week, but my car should work for tomorrow. I need to make some lists before I do a big trip.”
Still looking very pleased with himself, probably for not having to do his own shopping, Braun smirked. “I didn’t realize math teachers were quite this organized.”
Really?
“I think people who relate to math are fairly organized in general.” It seemed to go with the territory to me. “I bet Emeric will be the same. He seems smart.”
“And lucky.” Shaking his head, Braun took a drink as he looked out into the forest where Emeric had raced off toward.“I really don’t know how he made it all the way here. The fates must have someone watching over him.”
Not fully understanding the reference, I pictured a very frustrated guardian angel chasing after Emeric. “He is special, that’s for sure.”
I just hoped whoever was watching out for him wasn’t going to drop the ball now that he was safe with us. Just because we had him didn’t mean the past wouldn’t catch up sooner or later. If shifter stories got anything right, it would be that a bad guy never just disappeared at the beginning of the book.
They always showed up when the characters least expected him.
Chapter 8
Braun
“You’re gonna leave?” Emeric glanced over at me like I was supposed to fix the mess the Alpha Mate was making, but it didn’t take him long before he remembered Dorian was human. That didn’t help him to know what to do as he turned back to our math teacher, though. “You’re gonna leave us?”
Dorian would’ve had a chance if Emeric’s shock had been manufactured to manipulate him. Teachers seemed like they’d have a good radar for bullshit, but Emeric’s surprise at Dorian’s announcement that it was time for him to head out had been genuine. I wasn’t sure where his obvious thoughts on how to fix the situation would fit in, though.
Emeric was creative and it seemed like he’d stumped our new math teacher. “You…we…we don’t have groceries. He can’t feed any extra mouths in the morning.”
Okay, not bad.
The way Dorian peeked over at me to see my reaction said he wasn’t sure what to do with the unexpected protest. I wasn’t going to be any help, though, because I simply shrugged. “I usually just drink coffee in the morning before I go out and do an early patrol of the area. My first meal is lunch most days.”
Oh, Dorian didn’t like that.
His eyes would’ve flashed if he’d been any kind of shifter.
“That’s not healthy at all.” Standing straighter and running a hand through his hair, he looked like I’d just told him I go around kicking kittens for fun. “Even if shifting is magical in nature it has to burn a lot of calories. I saw how much food you both ate today. That’s not good for you at all. Good grief.”
I wasn’t sure how my eating habits could be that offensive, but Emeric was smart enough not to let the opportunity go to waste. “Am I allowed to have coffee for breakfast? I think donuts are supposed to go with that. I’ll go look and see if you have any.”
Now that was an idea.
He was brilliant.
“Look in that bread box on the counter. Sometimes pastries magically appear in there. I’m not sure who’s doing it but we’re due for something good any day now.” My snack fairy didn’t bring anything healthy but that was why I liked them so much.
