Page 8 of Secrets and S'mores
My brain whispers that I’m about to be ambushed and imprisoned. It’s not logical, but last time I was here, our packs clashed and I was taken away with my hands zip-tied. It’s not the kind of thing a girl forgets.
The training building has been refurbished. There are no signs of the destruction we wrought.
The image of Onyx leaning up against the training center’s metal wall, making jokes while his hands cover the wound just below his ribs, blood seeping between his fingers, plays behind my eyes. He might be as crazy as I am.
“Ember!” Hazel hollers, striding toward me with Slate at her side. Her smile is welcoming as they reach me, and luckily she doesn’t attempt to hug me.
“Alphas,” I respond respectfully. My chin dips, though my eyes never leave their faces.
“I hope you have a nice stay with us. We are going to have you stay with our pack’s Delta. His name is Fisher and his mate, Clove, is our pack’s baker.”
No faces come to mind at the names. “Sounds fine.”
“Alright, let’s head over there and get you settled.” She leads us north, past the training building until I enter a meadow blooming with wildflowers. It’s gorgeous.
Bracken Creek has been rebuilt. A new cafe sits in the same spot as the old diner we burned down.
Pack members wander around, going between their duties. A few curious gazes follow us, but I see none of the disgust I expect. Surely they know who I am. My family was responsible for invading their homeand severely injuring many of their packmates. Eventually, their hatred will come out, and then I’ll know exactly where I stand.
With an even breath, I straighten my spine and stride forward with all the faux confidence I can muster.
The Delta’s cabin stands two stories with large windows. Split-log steps lead up to the double front door.
A tall woman opens it. A few silver hairs streak her reddish brown hair, pulled into a no-nonsense bun. Lines crease around her eyes as she smiles at me.
Her partner looms behind her. His strong jaw and straight nose feel familiar. Before I can place him, another figure steps into view. Dirty, dark blonde hair swept back into a small ponytail, deep blue eyes that make my stomach clench, a mouth that curves in a mocking smirk.
Are you fucking kidding me?
“Ember, this is Clove and Fisher,” Hazel says. “And you remember Onyx.”
“Nice to meet you,” I say, refusing to look at the man who had his hands all over me just days ago.
Clove’s warm smile is genuine and I find myself drawn to her, but her mate’s expression is colder, holding the suspicion I expect from this pack. Without wavering, I step forward. His judgment is fair and deserved and I won’t let it get to me.
“We’ll see you at dinner tonight.” Slate says, stepping back and taking Hazel with him.
The Alpha female looks between her mate and me. “The pack eats together. Onyx can bring you down to the diner in time.” Her shoulders rise and drop, her polite smile relaxing. “I think tonight includes some bread Clove baked?”
“Tonight is fried chicken, so Crickett requested buttermilk biscuits. I finished them about an hour ago,” Onyx’s mother explains. That explains the nutty flour scent Onyx has.
I draw in a slow breath before I realize I’m seeking out his smell. No way, not going to happen!
“Can’t wait. See you all then,” Hazel says, swinging her hand clasped in Slate’s. He ducks his head in a goodbye nod.
“Here, Onyx, take her bag,” Clove instructs.
Instinctively, I clutch the duffle tighter. “I can handle it.”
“Just let me be a good host,” Onyx argues. With a glare, I allow him to pry the bag from my grip. The brush of his fingers triggers a shiver and I tense my shoulders to stop it from traveling down my body.
Clove leads the way into their cabin. “We eat breakfast in the kitchen, and then bedrooms are down this hallway.”
“You have a beautiful home,” I say.
The kitchen is clad in blonde wood and pale marble countertops. Open shelving reveals jars of baking supplies. Tubs of chocolate chips and dried fruit. Powders I can’t identify, ranging from dark brown to snowy white.
“This is our daughter’s room. Briar is staying with friends for a few days, so you’ll have privacy.” Clove stops at a doorway. A smattering of pink stickers decorate the open door.
