Page 26 of Sustaining
Before she can say another word, Chaos’ big hand palms the box in one quick swipe.
“If you insist.”
The greedy little creature.
I dust off my hands once more, smirking over at my mother as I join Chaos on the other side of the counter. He’s already opening the box before he even opens the door for me.
“Thanks, Mom.” I wave at her, and her flour-coated fingers give a slow little wave back.
Chaos pauses and slips out first.
“Make sure his friends get some,” she hisses on a conspiratorial whisper. “There’s twelve in there, but I’m afraid they won’t make it the mile hike into the wood.”
The smirk I smother peeks through. I nod to her before pulling the door closed and I can’t honestly say I’ll try, because we’re three feet out the door, and shifter has already shoved a whole one into his mouth.
Damn, how big is his mouth anyway? And why is it making me think dirty thoughts?
I peer up at his smile as he chews happily.
“Your mother is a saint, Arlow.” One hand cradles the box, and the other scoops another fluffy snack out. “We really do have to get the hell out of here, because my dragon isn’t going to be able to take flight again if I eat like this every day,” says the shifter as he shovels more carbs down his throat.
Zero self-restraint, this one.
Which is a good thing. With Chaos, what you see is what you get. He doesn’t censor a single thing in his curious mind. I love that about him.
But seriously, what does it take to pry his attention off that fucking food?
He almost takes another monstrous bite when I push the food right out of his hand. It hits the ground with a weird sort of heavy emphasis for such a small snack. Shock parts my lips as well as his. I meant to just push his hand aside, but apparently, I’ve accidentally broken some sort of food law in Chaos’ mind.
A complaint is on his lips, but I’m faster. I cover his words with my mouth, forcing him to stop in his tracks and nearly drop his precious bakery box to the street. His lips tilt with a smile against mine as his hand presses low on my back. The sensuous way his tongue rolls against mine has me wishing he really would ditch the snacks and just eat me instead. The sweet taste of him fills my senses, and I have to put real thought into pulling back from him.
For a moment he holds me, melding my chest against his while securing his Bellamix’s Bakery box high above my head like they’re in danger from my close proximity.
His head tilts to mine, his beard faintly tickling my skin. When he stares intently into my eyes, I’m sure he’s about to say the most romantic thing.
“I’m not one to hold grudges, but you owe me half a beignet, Low.” His mouth presses to mine with a sweet kiss that I don’t return as I narrow my eyes on his. “I’ll just add it to your tab. I’m sure we can work some form of repayment out.”
And then he releases me. Striding off down the cobbled street, shoving another tasty treat into his obnoxious mouth as he goes.
The dragon taint.
Ten
From Bad to Worse
Rime and Sinisterget exactly one beignet apiece by the time Chaos strolls into the forest to them. I wonder if it pained him to save those two. Neither of them knows that the box was full just fifteen minutes ago, and honestly, I don’t think they’d really care either. Chaos outweighs both of them with solid muscle. Rime and Sinister have a similar, slighter build, but neither man really get as excited about the food the way Chaos did. I’m glad he was there to distract my mother this morning.
I wasted maybe an hour there instead of out at the sweat sauna, and during that hour, Rime and Sinister have destroyed what little forest is left in this area. The naked planes of Rime’s chest are pale in the sunlight. I glance around at the empty forest as the ice shifter stands completely nude eating his breakfast. I’m not complaining, but if Brenton strolled by, this would definitely be an odd sight to see.
And now I know without a doubt they’ve been using their dragons to do all the heavy lifting. I wonder how they do it. Are they swiping the trees down with their tails? Snapping them in half with…their teeth? Either is plausible.
“We’re just finishing up here. We can come down to the steam room with you this morning.” Sinister turns his wrist and dices through a log with ease like it’s a simple tomato.
Crimson eyes meet mine, and suddenly I’m thinking about them all slick and sweaty, and really, I don’t think that should be my go-to response so I try downplay my filthy thoughts at least a little.
What is wrong with me?
“Yeah. If you want.” I shrug carelessly. More sexy images assault my mind.
