Page 33 of Kai's Hunger

She started to say something, to argue no doubt, but Wyatt put his hand over hers and she went quiet.

Creeg cleared his throat. “You should eat,” he advised Lily. “After breakfast, I’d like to check that wound in your head.”

My attention went to Lily’s forehead. It was red and appeared swollen. “Does it hurt?”

She reached up and gently touched it with her index finger. “A little tender. That’s to be expected though, right?”

Lily had directed the question to Creeg, but my worries intensified. I should’ve left her alone last night. Let her sleep. But I hadn’t been able to keep my hands off her. “It could be infected.”

“I can put some antibiotic ointment on it.” Creeg put his fork down, then glanced at me. “If you want I can take care of it now.”

I was about to jump on the offer, but Lily beat me to it. “It can wait. It’s not exactly life-threatening,” she teased, offering my brother a smile.

Fostine cursed and shot to her feet. “I feel sick to my stomach. Excuse me while I go throw up now.”

Wyatt called her name, but she only stalked from the room, leaving her breakfast plate half full. I wanted to go after her. Her sarcasm toward Lily was unnecessary and it was pissing off my protective side.

Lily cleared her throat. “I wondered if there was any progress with my van.”

Trakker nodded. “It’s still at the shop. He’ll give us an estimate later today.”

“Thank you for doing that.” She glanced at me and smiled. “I wonder if you could give me a lift into town. I need to replace my phone. It works, but the screen is shattered.”

Part of me balked at giving her access to the outside world, but I couldn’t keep her locked away. As appealing as the idea sounded. “Sure,” I replied, then caught Wyatt staring at me. “Unless you need me today.”

“No. Take care of Lily. We can handle things here.”

Wyatt would go searching for our father. And as enforcer I should be by his side. In normal circumstances, I’d insist on it. But that was before Lily. Miggs’ words the night before came back to bite me in the ass, and I shot my brother a glare. The smirk on his face made me itch to land a right jab.

Lily swiped a napkin over her lips, then sat back. “That really was delicious.”

Creeg beamed at her. “Thanks. Our mom taught all of us how to cook.”

“Oh? Does she live near here?”

Everyone fell silent and stared at Lily. I nudged her shoulder. When she was looking up at me, a smile lifting her lips, I explained in a low voice, “Our mother died several years ago. A virus.”

Her face paled and her smile disappeared. “Oh, no, I’m so sorry.” Her attention went back to Creeg. “I didn’t mean to—”

“It’s okay,” Creeg rushed to reassure her. “You couldn’t have known.”

Wyatt got to his feet and picked up his plate. “Trakker, Miggs, when you two are finished meet me in my office.”

Cage stood. “Hey, what about me?”

“We’ve discussed this. I won’t go over it again.” When Cage started to argue further, Wyatt gestured toward Lily. Cage caught the hint and fell silent, then shoved away from the table. He was muttering under his breath as he cleared away his dishes.

Creeg glanced at Lily. “I’ll meet you in the clinic when you’re done.”

I tapped Lily’s plate. “After you’re done with Creeg, we can go into town. There’s a great little café. They serve the best lattes.”

“That’s perfect.” She scanned the table and frowned. “Can I help with dishes?”

“It’s Cage’s turn.” And before she could argue, I said, “You already took his turn once.”

She rolled her eyes. “Fine, but I’m pulling my weight around here. Even if I have to clean toilets.”

Creeg laughed. “Yeah, I don’t think Kai’s going to allow that.”

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