Page 82 of Primal Bonds

“Thank you,” Evie and Kyler said at the same time, but before they could take their seats, footsteps pounded down the stairs. The front door banged open and suddenly the kitchen was filled with lean, heavily muscled males.

The newcomers sorted themselves into Sam plus two other men, their faces grim with tiredness. They revived at seeing Jace, though, unashamedly hugging him and asking how he was doing.

When he turned to Evie and Kyler, the shuttered look was gone. “Meet the rest of my den. You already know Sam, and these other two are Horace and Zuri.” To his den mates, he said, “This is Evie and her brother Kyler.”

“Morning.” Sam was already pulling Evie into a hug. “You slept good?”

“Yeah.” She couldn’t help glancing at Jace. Sam’s brow shot up, but he didn’t say anything. Instead, he cast a hungry eye at the omelets and all but licked his lips.

Jace waved a hand at the table. “Help yourself. I’ll make some more.”

“Thanks, man.” Sam bumped fists with Kyler and took a seat. A moment later he was tucking into his breakfast.

Next was Horace. He had dreadlocks, deep brown skin and an easy smile, and Evie liked him immediately. “Welcome to the den,” he said and gave her a kiss on the lips that had Jace growling.

“Enough already. Give the woman some space.”

Horace winked at her, and then shook Kyler’s hand. “Hey, bro, wassup?”

“Not much,” he replied, and the two of them fell into a conversation while Horace set to work making another pot of coffee.

That left Zuri. As he stuck out his hand, Evie couldn’t help widening her eyes. He was gorgeous, the kind of man women went stupid over—tall and broad shouldered with a shaved head, a narrow black mustache and a soul patch beneath his full lower lip.

“So you’re Evie.”

She gave him her hand. “That’s me.” Instead of shaking it, he brought it to his lips for a kiss—but the whole time his dark eyes scrutinized her coolly.

“Zuri’s one of Adric’s lieutenants,” Jace said from the stove where he was frying some more ham.

That figured. The man had an edge to him. She gave him a polite smile and resolved to stay out of his way.

“Ric said you couldn’t track down Corban,” Jace said.

The other lieutenant scowled. “Bastard’s gone to ground. We’re not even sure he’s still in Baltimore.”

“Ric thinks he is. Sit down and eat. You need fuel.”

Zuri squeezed his nape. “Might as well—the trail’s cold for now.”

The men helped themselves to the omelets on the table while Evie handed around steaming cups of coffee and Kyler manned the toaster. It was obvious Jace’s den mates were tired and upset that they hadn’t been able to find Corban. But except for Zuri, they went out of their way to be nice to her and Kyler, acting as if nothing would make them happier than having the two of them as guests for the next month. And even Zuri wasn’t rude, just quiet.

Jace took a seat at the head of table with Evie and Kyler on either side and passed her the platter with fresh omelets. Evie took a bite—and closed her eyes in bliss. The man could cook. The omelet was amazing, a perfect blend of flavors.

She opened her eyes to find Jace’s gaze on her mouth, his irises a smoldering jade.

She gave a tentative smile. “It’s really good.”

He leaned closer to murmur, “It’s a pleasure to feed you.”

Her heart leapt. She’d been afraid she’d ruined things between them, but it seemed he was ready to play again. A glance at the men told her they were focused on their own food, so she slid the fork between her lips—very slowly. When she was done chewing, she licked her tongue up the tines.

Jace’s eyes narrowed on her lips. “When I get you back to bed…,” he muttered in a voice for her ears only.

Her stomach flexed in anticipation. Their gazes locked, and sound receded as they stared at each other.

Kyler made a gagging sound. “Right here. Trying to eat.”

“Shut up, squirt.” Evie batted a fae light at him. He slapped it away and there was a blue flash.

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