Page 54 of Do You Even Hex, Bro?
"That's fine," Killian says quickly, shooting another warning glance at the blond wolf. "But we hope you know you don't need to wear it if you don't want to. Especially if it takes energy."
I blink, surprised they've put that much together. "It does take energy," I admit. "But it's fine for now. Just not sustainable long-term without... an energy source."
"We can provide all the energy you need," the one with glasses says eagerly, leaning forward. Then he flushes. "Not for that specifically. Not unless you want it for that. But for anything."
“We can provide foranythingyou need,” the dark-haired one with the slight accent adds solemnly. He seems likeslightlyless of a himbo than the others. “And not just energy.”
I have no fucking idea how to respond to that.
"We're getting ahead of ourselves," Killian cuts in, dragging a hand through his hair. He takes a deep breath and startsagain. "I think formal introductions are in order. I'm Killian Underwood, leader of the Underwood pack and president of Lupe Tau fraternity."
He gestures to the others in turn. "This is Rowan Miftah, our strategist and resident brainiac." The dark-haired, solemn one nods. "Micah Fitzgerald, QB of the football team, but don't let that fool you. He's kind of a nerd." The one with glasses gives an awkward wave. "And Sean Bennett, our..." He hesitates.
"Resident hottie," Sean supplies with a grin and a wink that's probably gotten him out of trouble his entire life.
"I was going to say 'resident dumbass,'" Killian corrects dryly.
Despite myself, I find a small smile tugging at my lips. “I’m Regina Cook,” I say, feeling absurdly formal. “Hi.”
"We know," Sean says, then catches himself. "I mean, we heard Villeneuve say it last night, and we kind of tried to look you up. Not in a creepy way! Just because we needed to understand about siphons and stuff."
I sigh. "About that," I say, directing my attention to Killian, who seems the most composed of the group. "Last night you said I was your mate. Did you really mean that?"
Four heads nod in unison.
"How can you be so sure?" I press. "You don't even know me."
Killian leans forward, his ice-blue eyes intense. "It's instinctual. Your scent, your energy... everything about you calls to our wolves. It's like—" He struggles for words.
"Like finding a missing piece you didn't know was missing," Rowan supplies softly.
"Like smelling home for the first time," Micah and Sean say at once.
“And there are fresh baked cookies,” Sean adds.
“I smell likecookies?” I ask doubtfully, arching an eyebrow.
“No,” Rowan says immediately. “Ancient forest after rainfall. Earth in its purest form.”
"Old magic and emerald green," Killian agrees, his eyes never leaving mine.
"Lightning-struck oak," Micah says with a smile.
"Magic and thunderstorms," Sean adds, grinning.
“That's... not what I expected,” I admit.
"What did you expect?" Micah asks, genuinely curious.
I fidget with the hem of my blouse. "I don't know. Something more food like, I guess. You’re wolves."
"We're shifters, not monsters," Killian says, his voice surprisingly gentle. "We don't see you as prey, Regina. We see you as our equal. Our complement."
"Yeah, we only want to eat you in the fun way," Sean chimes in, earning another glare from his packmates. "What? I'm just being honest."
A dry laugh bursts out of me before I can stop it. They can’t be serious. How could they wantthatafter seeing me without my glamour? Wanting to claim me is one thing, but…that?
"Tell me about the spell," I say, clearing my throat and changing direction. "Last night, you mentioned something about a witch helping you find your Bonded?"
