Page 51 of The Hunt
“Sounds like you’re getting to know Fenris pretty well. Are you spending a lot of time with him?”
“I am. Not intentionally. I think he just likes spending time with me because it’s a break from his herd.”
She made an agreeing sound.
We talked for a few more minutes about her and Oanen’s travels, and I could hear the complete adoration in her voice whenever she mentioned him. I smiled, happy for my friend and a little jealous. That was what I wanted. Real love. Real affection. Not something induced from some weird compulsion.
After hanging up, I got ready for the day and sent off two texts. One to my mom to let her know I was on my way and the other to Lauv, asking for an update regarding the location spell for Ashlyn. Both responded immediately.
Lauv: We did one last night but ran into some complications. You wouldn’t happen to have a personal item of Ashlyn’s, would you? Hair, toothbrush, worn underwear.
Mom: Dad has everything ready and waiting. Hope you’re hungry.
I made a face. After Lauv’s request, I wasn’t even remotely hungry. Rather than respond to Mom, I sent off a quick reply to Lauv.
Me: I’ll see if I can find something. How soon do you need it?
Lauv: The new spell won’t be ready until tomorrow. Meet in the pool bathroom before class?
Me: Okay.
The soft murmur of Mr. Quill’s voice drifted from the study as I made my way downstairs. It was answered by a very familiar tone. Adira. Keeping my steps light so she wouldn’t hear me, I hurried into the kitchen, waved to a startled Mrs. Quill, and escaped to my car.
Mom was waiting for me at the door by the time I parked in their driveway. She wore a beaming smile and an embarrassingly see-through nightgown.
“Wouldn’t you be more comfortable with a robe on?” I asked, getting out of the car.
“And cover up this beautiful creation your father picked out for me? Never.”
As I followed her inside, I made a mental note to speak with Dad about his choices on the days they expected me for breakfast. How was I supposed to eat waffles while pretending Mom wasn’t practically naked next to me?
“Baby girl, I’m so glad you’re here,” Dad said from the kitchen. “I made something new. Chilled crepes with strawberries and cream and shaved chocolate.”
He already had two plates in his hand and met us at the table.
“Thank you, Dad. It looks delicious.” I looked up at him with a smile and noted a flash of worry in his gaze.
“You look beautiful this morning.”
A ball of shame formed in my stomach at his flat tone and the way he immediately walked away.
“There is something different about you today,” Mom said, gaining my attention. “Like there’s an extra spark in your eyes.” Her wide smile conveyed her pride. “The dryad was just the thing for you, I think. I wonder if I could coax a few of them to the club.”
A flush burned its way onto my cheeks.
“Mom, please don’t.”
“Of course. I’m sorry. You’re perfectly capable of choosing how and when you feed.” She reached out and patted my hand.
Dad returned with his plate and joined us. His concerned gaze locked with mine, and I blushed further. What did he think Mom meant when she said feed? Was he starting to understand that she and I were the same?
Needing a distraction, I took my first bite of breakfast. It was really good but was nowhere close in flavor to the cakes I’d eaten in my dream.
“This is amazing, Dad. And pretty. How long have you been up working on this?”
“I made sure he slept until six,” Mom said. “He knows I won’t allow him to perform his morning worship if he wakes too early.”
Bile crept into my throat as Dad stared adoringly at Mom. I knew what kind of worship she meant.
