Page 36 of These Dangerous Fates

The counters are covered in a white powder, and a lumpy tan mixture coats the inside of a cracked measuring glass. He mumbles something I can’t understand, and I look at him with a raised brow.

“Pancakes,” he says. If vampires could blush, Malakai would be blushing. It’s adorable.

I look over the mess he’s made on the counter and stove top and purse my lips. “Riiight. Is there any more pancake mix?”

Malakai hands me the box. “Are you sure you’re up to it?”

Sterling, who followed me to the counter, tries to push me back to the chair with his body. I hold in my wince as I bend down and kiss the top of his head.

“I’m fine. And I’m hungry.” I rub my belly for added effect. “And no offense, I don’t think anything you cook will be edible.”

“Thank everything holy,” Cade breathes, turning his gaze to the heavens. “It would be completely inedible.”

“Bite me.” Malakai throws the spatula at Cade, who smoothly catches it out of the air.

“I believe that is your job.” Cade winks at Malakai. “One you are quite good at, too, from what I’ve heard.”

“Umm, yes, well,” I say, clearing my throat. “Pancakes.”

I try to ignore the way my stomach flip-flops when Malakai brushes against me as we work at the counter. Small talk flows freely and quietly between us. No mention of Sam, my dad, or this ridiculous contest. It’s light and drama free, and for the first time in a while, my mind is relaxed. I’m in the moment and enjoying every second of it.

The batter is everywhere by the time we’re done. There’s even some on my face, which Malakai licks off. I freeze as his tongue slides up my cheek, all wet and warm. Tingles shoot down my spine and settle in my pussy. I squeeze my legs together and take deep breaths, trying to clear my mind. Now is not the time for that.

His chuckle is dark and seductive, and I can’t help but look at him. The red circling his irises is more prominent than when he started the obstacle course. His thick black lashes cast shadows that make his eyes look darker than they are. The paleness of his skin is offset by his black hair, and I reach out to brush a stray lock off his forehead without thinking about it.

As close as we’re standing, it’s not hard to miss the breath hitch in his chest as my fingers graze his temple. I always thought vampires would be cold, but his skin is only slightly cooler than mine. My fingers trail down the side of his face until my hand is cupping his cheek, and his eyes close as he leans into my touch. I swallow. It was easier than I thought it would be to touch him. There is no fear, only the slightest bit of nerves flutter in my belly, and I’m not sure if it’s because I’m scared, excited, or turned on.

A low growl breaks us out of the moment. Malakai pulls away and winks at me. Disappointment settles over me and my fingers itch to touch him again. Instead, I shake my head and bend over to pat Sterling’s head.

Together, Malakai and I made decently edible pancakes, and with the stack loaded onto two plates, we join Cade at the rickety table. Sterling plants his massive paws on the edge and the wood groans alarmingly under his weight. He stretches his neck over my plate and, with his teeth, snags three pancakes from Cade’s before settling once again at my feet.

Cade stares at his plate, now minus three pancakes, and grumbles. A giggle bubbles up my throat, but I swallow it down. With a sigh, Cade rolls his eyes, and we both dig into our breakfast like starving animals.

“Are you hungry?” I ask Malakai. The red in his eyes has grown, and I know enough about vampires to know that is a sign of hunger.

Cade stiffens next to me, and Sterling presses himself against my leg.

Malakai carefully blanks his face. “Not for food, no.”

I roll my eyes. “Well, yeah. I know that. Do you need to feed?” I notice the small muscles of his hands and forearms tense on the table.

He closes his eyes and breathes deeply for a moment. “I’ll be fine for a few more days.”

I want to ask him who he feeds from, but that seems like a deeply personal question. Instead, I nod and push my plate away. “I think I’m going to lie down. Cooking took a lot out of me.”

Sterling follows me to the bedroom and hops up on the bed with me. When he curls against me, I bury my face in his fur like I wanted to before. I cling to him, partly because I want to, and partly because if I don’t, I’m afraid I’ll fall off the bed.

“You’re so soft,” I whisper as I run my hand over his side, petting him. “I have so many questions for you.”

He nuzzles my neck before his tongue flops out of his mouth and he licks up the side of my face, the same cheek Malakai licked. I giggle at the feeling of his rough tongue and wrap my arms around his neck. There is something comforting about having a giant, warm, soft wolf in bed with you.

He puts off enough heat that I don’t need the sheets. Instead, I let my eyes drift shut, knowing I’m safe for now, curled up with my wolf.

Ellis

The next day, the guys decide to head back to Thorne estate. I’m relieved to be back here. Somehow, the place is comforting to me. Maybe it’s all the security, or maybe it’s because my time here has been a sort of awakening for me. Whatever the reason, I feel more like myself than I have in years. So much so, I’m able to lounge on the couch in the library and read a book.

“What are you reading?” Sterling’s voice echoes through the library.

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