“Oh, such a surprise,” I say, making sure to smile softly at Donna. “But it’s not really important. Cooking is justoneof the qualities a good mate needs to have.”
Inwardly, Alora is cackling. I am not too big on cooking either, though I can do some basic dishes, but obviously Donna has some very archaic views on mates, which she can’t quite live up to either.
Hypocrites.
Donna throws daggers at her husband.
Maybe I can push them a bit more. “You must be very handy, Harry,” I say. “I saw some of the wooden figurines in the pack house. Did you make them?”
Donna shoots him a glare. “He isn’t crafty at all.”
“I made them,” Forest tells me what I already know. He and Martin showed them to me earlier that day.
“No way! You are really talented,” I say, impressed, and smile brightly at him. He takes my hand, squeezing it and placing a kiss on it.
The two maids who have been serving us the food smile at me when they walk by. I make sure to engrain their faces and names in my memory. They are Donna’s personal maids, and I guess they might have a story or two to tell.
The remainder of the evening is frosty, which is mostly due to Donna and Harry freezing each other out.
When Forest and I retire to our own suite, much earlier than expected, because Harry was pouting and Donna felt a headache coming, we both grab a glass of wine and sit down on his small balcony. “Promise me, you will never be my enemy,” he jokes.
“Just don’t be on my bad list,” I tease.
Forest chuckles. “I have never seen someone shoot my parents down so fast. I was scared they would bombard you with questions or humiliate me, but they were too busy with their own squabble.”
“To narcissists,” I say, “their own pride is always more important than anything else. Plus, a narcissist might appear smart and well-spoken, but many of them are not interested in those around them. I don’t think they even want to know anything about me. They are just annoyed that I am here.”
Forest nods thoughtfully. “They might try some cheap tricks. Promise me, you will be careful, Rose.”
“I will.” I take a sip from my glass. “I had fun today,” I admit. “It’s been a while.”
Forest looks at me, his gaze surprisingly gentle. “We will make sure that there are many more fun days for you to come.”
eighteen
Around the Pack
*ROSEA*
The next day, it’s me who gets up early, while Forest sleeps in for a little longer. I can’t help but smile when I notice his broad body sprawled out over the bed, yet despite his size, he made sure he left me enough space so that I could sleep peacefully.
It’s been forever since a man respected my safe space and my boundaries.
Good to know that there are still decent people out there.
He looks innocent in his sleep, and handsome, and I have to fight the urge to brush a strand of hair from his face.
Before I leave, I make sure to notify Griffin. The last thing I want is to get myself into unnecessary danger. Although hepromised us he would guard me, I am still surprised when I see him waiting for me in front of the pack house.
“Good morning, Luna,” he says with a grin. “You look surprised to see me.”
“I just realized you actually stuck to your word.”
“Did you doubt me that much?” he asks.
I tilt my head. “That’s not it, but I don’t know you.”
“Man, you are assertive,” he says. “Forest might need someone like you with him. He is way too kind.”
