Before anyone can stop him, he runs right up to Gale and the two of them sniff each other. The pup’s tail wags enthusiastically, and he rears up, startling Gale, who snorts.
Elijah slows down, approaching warily.
“What’s wrong?” I ask, wondering if he’s worried about Gale.
“Your friend has the black and white tyrant king on his shoulder,” Elijah whispers in horror. “I’m afraid he’s going to start swooping me again. It’s not egg or baby season, though. But when did that dick ever not swoop when he has a chance?”
I snort a laugh. I guess it’s true. If Sully is the queen of Sunshine Cove, then Mat would be the king, and the king has decided his place is with Fox.
My skin crawls, and I look up the stairs and find the perturbing glare of the seagull in question, watching our every move.
“Danger! You can’t just be running off all the time,” Elijah says and brushes his golden hair out of his face. “What are you all doing out here? It’s freezing?”
“Escaping. I have school tomorrow,” Imogen says bitterly. “I’m not ready for school.”
Elijah chuckles. “It will be over before you know it.”
She grumbles as he turns to us. I give him a look that is pure desperation and glance at the girl and my horse. I know I’m notmeant to have favourites, but Elijah is my favourite of Sofia’s mates.
“We’re fetching Gale. He ran away with Imogen,” I explain.
Elijah’s eyes widen. “Oh, okay. Um. Well, I’m heading up to see Milton, do you want to come with me?” he asks the teen.
Imogen nods. “We can take Gale home?” she bounces on her toes, looking hopefully between me and Elijah.
“I won’t be long. I need to go shopping,” I say, glancing sideways at Fox, who beams at me as if he knows exactly what I need.
“Oh? What are you shopping for?” Elijah says as he reaches for Danger.
There is no hiding it. Not anymore. “My heat. We’re going shopping for my nest.” I feel nauseous just saying it.
Imogen squeals. “That is so exciting. I can’t wait to go shopping for mine!”
Elijah looks up, his eyes full of concern. He meets the gazes of my alphas one at a time, and I see something hard and dangerous in him.
“Cordie is family. If she gets hurt, the pack will come after you. Even you, Sebastian.”
“She will be treated like a queen,” Katsu assures him, “and if we do anything that causes her harm, you can be the first to rip me apart.”
Elijah seems to calm at that, but I’m reeling. I didn’t know…I mean, I had no idea that my best friends’ alphas would protect me, that they care enough.
“You are loved by this town, Cordelia. If you ever need help, you just need to say so.” He pats Gale and nods. “Have a good day, come on, Imogen. Let's see if there’s chocolate on the stove. I’ll drop some cookies off to you guys tonight.”
And then it’s just us.
Chapter 14
Fox
Istep in front of Katsu and Sebastian and give them my strongest scowl. Katsu smiles in amusement, already knowing what’s coming. He leans back in the sand, head cocked to the side, just staring at me, waiting.
“Go away.” Okay, maybe that comes out a bit too blunt.
“Excuse me?” Sebastian snaps.
The magpie on my shoulder warbles loudly. I wait and then shrug. “Are you good at shopping?”
Sebastian looks away, but I can see the terror in the way his lips tremble. “I can help.”
