“Fine,” I groan. “At least tell me where I can find a nail and hammer.”
“Planning on torturing someone?”
“What? No.” I shake my head. “I’m just trying to hang a painting.”
He speeds off, but before I can get too pissed about it, he returns with a toolbox.
“I would’ve liked you better if you had said yes.”
“Well, I wouldn’t want that now, would I?” I flash him a mocking smile, and he rolls his eyes before zipping past me.
Once I’ve got the picture hung, I make myself some breakfast and take a long, hot shower. It’s weird having the house to myself, but I kind of like it. It’s nice to have some alone time, and as the hours tick by, I realize just how much I’ve needed a little time to myself.
I spent most of the day tucked away in my reading nook or working on a puzzle, except for when I took a two-hour nap and woke up thinking I was late for school. A terrible way to wake up, but always a sign that I got some good sleep.
Kole finally showed up in time for dinner, and the annoyance I’d had with him last night was forgotten the moment he walked through the front door. There’s still no sign of Thane, but Sophia should be here any minute, and the wait is giving me anxiety. Ever since I found out Thane plans on sleeping with her, just the mention of her name has my blood boiling. I shouldn’t even care, and really, I don’t, but the stupid bond keeps flaring up every time I think about the two of them together. It’s like I don’t even have control of my thoughts and feelings sometimes.
Kole calls checkmate just as we hear a knock at the front door. Before I’m even fully up from the floor, I hear her angelic voice fill the foyer. Part of me wants to just slip up to my room and act like she’s not even here, but that would be rude. Plus, if I’m being honest with myself, I’m more than a little curious to see what she’s like.
“Grey, this is Sophia,” Kole introduces, waving me over when I try to sneak a peek from the living room.
I knew she would be beautiful, but even my imagination had been lacking. I mean, she’s practically a damn supermodel with her long legs and luminous, deep brown skin. Her tightly coiled black curls bounce around her face as she makes her way over to greet me.
“So nice to meet you,” she says with a bright smile and an outstretched hand decorated with chunky gold rings.
“Likewise,” I offer, taking her hand in mine.
Her grip is tight, though I don’t think she means for it to be. In fact, I get the impression she’s got a naturally powerful disposition, judging by the way she’s practically oozing strength and confidence. Suddenly, I feel small and insignificant. Just a weak human girl compared to the werewolf warrior standing before me. It would make sense that she’s Thane’s type.
Hell, she’s probably everyone’s type.
“So, where is Mr. Alpha anyway?”
“He’ll be here soon,” Kole tells her, motioning us to the living room. “You know how it is.”
She laughs like he said something funny. “I certainly do.”
“How have things been?” Kole asks. “It’s been a minute since we’ve seen you.”
Sophia shrugs, plopping herself down on the couch like she’s right at home, and it makes me wonder if that’s just the kind of person she is, or if she’s been here before.
“Oh, it’s been…” She pauses, looking at me out of the corner of her eye. “Challenging.”
Kole nods with a knowing look. “Thane filled me in. I’m sorry.”
“Thanks,” she replies with a sad smile.
Whatever is going on, it’s clear no one wants to let me in on it, though I can’t imagine why. It’s not like I’m going to have an opinion or tell anyone about classified information.
Sophia nods to the chessboard sitting on the coffee table between us. “Did I interrupt your game?”
“No,” I sigh. “Kole just beat me for the twentieth time.”
She laughs, and it’s the kind of laugh that warms an entire room. “Well, don’t be too hard on yourself. He’s got years of practice on you.”
The sound of the front door opening draws our attention.
“We’re in here!” Kole shouts from where he’s sitting in his leather chair.
