Page 36 of Dark Bonds

It isn’t their fault.

I grab a smoothie because even now, food sometimes hurts to eat, and sometimes I look over my shoulder to see if anyone is around to steal it from me.

There’s no one.

“Get it,” I encourage her.

Tori grabs two. “Grab me that BBQ packet, would you?” she asks.

Reaching for the packets, I remark, “Where do you put it?”

“We have to consume enough calories to shift,” she says casually as she adds fries to her tray.

Calories.

I stare at my tray and the lone smoothie.

Is that why I couldn’t call my shadows when I was with Valerie? Or now?

I glance down at my body, a frown on my face. I only threw on sweats and a hoodie. They give a false appearance of health, but I know underneath all my layers, I’m not much more than skin and bone.

I grab fries, determined to change that. I have no excuse not to eat the food in front of me.

We pay and find a seat.

As I’m sliding in across from her, I see their shadows before I see them, and then I feel their weight on the bench seat.

“Hello, ladies,” Leo greets us, sitting down next to me with a warm grin on his face. “Frankie, I got you something to perk you up.” He hands me a cup of coffee, steam wafting up invitingly. “I thought you might need a little extra jolt to espresso your feelings today.”

I roll my eyes but can’t suppress a smile. “You’ve really bean thinking about that one, huh?”

Leo laughs, the sound rich and genuine. “What can I say? I’m trying to keep our conversations brewtiful.”

“Nice one.” I smirk, taking a sip of the coffee. It’s perfect, just how I like it. “Thanks, Leo. I needed this.”

“Anything for you, Frankie,” he says, his eyes twinkling with mischief. I’m pretty sure he isn’t talking about the coffee. “Matteo, don’t you think Frankie looks a latte better with a smile?”

Matteo, who sits down next to Leo, nods, his dark eyes focused on me. “Definitely,” he agrees, his voice deep and steady. “You look good, Frankie.” There’s a hint of concern in his gaze, as if he’s trying to see beyond my façade, yet when he looks at me, I see his dark eyes roll over my body, reminding me of his touch.

“Thanks, Matteo,” I say, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks. His words are simple, but coming from him, they feel like a warm blanket on a cold day.

Fuck, I missed them.

Matteo takes a seat next to Tori, his presence solid and reassuring. Unlike Leo, who fills the space with his energy, Matteo’s quiet strength is his polar opposite. He doesn’t need to say much to make an impact.

Except when he has you under him.

“So what’s the plan for the rest of the day?” Leo asks, leaning back in his seat and stretching his long legs under the table.

“I was thinking of hitting the library,” I say, trying to sound casual. “I have some research to catch up on.”

“Oh, come on, it’s move-in day,” Leo teases with a groan. “Maybe we can convince you to take a break later? There’s a winter rugby match this evening. Could be fun.”

“I don’t know…” I hesitate, feeling exposed. “It’s just… being around so many people still feels overwhelming sometimes,” I admit, surprised by my own honesty. Leo and Matteo exchange a glance, their eyes filled with understanding.

“Come on, Frankie. Remember what I said earlier,” Tori says slowly and gives me a strange look.

That’s right, she told me to watch the game with my shifter eyes.

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