Page 57 of Do You Even Hex, Bro?
I just told a wolf pack they’resweet.
And I… meant it?
"More books where that came from," Killian says, flashing me a grin that’s all fang. "You're welcome to check out the library in the pack house."
"Gods know no one else is using it," Micah mutters, not quite under his breath.
I take a deep breath, considering my options.
I could stay with Villeneuve, but for how long? I don’t exactly know him, either, and as kind as he’s been, there’s an edge to him that makes him just as much of a wildcard as the wolf pack. And eventually, I'll need a permanent solution. I could go to Cadence, and I’m sure that’s what she’ll insist on when I call her tonight, but that means putting her in danger when Kyle inevitably gets his arm fixed and tracks me down.
Or I could try these wolves,wolvesof all things, who are offering exactly what I need with surprisingly few strings attached. I’ve gotten pretty damn good at reading people since being burned in every way possible by Kyle and his coven, and these four men might be wolves, but they’re honest wolves.
Brutally honest wolves with no filters. I don’t think they could lie if their lives depended on it. Sean certainly can’t.
It would be temporary, I tell myself. Just until I break the coven bond. Just until I figure out my next move.
"I have conditions," I say finally.
They all perk up simultaneously like I just held up a fucking steak.
"Anything," Killian promises instantly.
“I’ll come to your house on a trial basis,” I explain. “To see if this could work. No commitment beyond that until I'm ready—and I might never be. If at any point I want to leave, I can. No questions asked, no attempts to stop me. I come and go as I please.”
“Like a cat,” Sean offers, grinning.
“Exactlylike a cat.”
"Agreed," Killian says, speaking for all of them.
"I keep my own room. Private space. With a lock and wards."
"We can do that," Rowan says, nodding.
“I need to focus on breaking the coven bond first,” I say, sighing. “That's the priority. Everything else—” I wave a hand vaguely, “—can wait.”
"We'll help you break it," Micah says eagerly.
"Yeah, we'll help you break it real hard," Sean says, eyeing me appreciatively as if I don’t look like a freak. Maybe they really didn’t see as much as I thought. That’s literally the only explanation for why they’re acting like this.
I sigh. "Touching. And what do you need from me in return?"
The wolves exchange glances.
“We get you in our house,” Killian says, as if it should be obvious. “But it would be great if we can register you as our Bonded with the university. If you decide to stay with us, obviously.”
"Okay," I say before I can talk myself out of it. "I'll try it. On a provisional basis."
Sean lets out a whoop of joy that makes me jump out of my skin, leaping to his feet hard enough to shake the freaking room. Micah flashes the brightest, whitest grin I’ve ever seen, sharp canines poking out over his full lower lip. Rowan's usual stoic expression softens, then he’s grinning, too. And Killian’s entire body sags in the chair so much, he looks like he might actually pass out from relief and adrenaline.
"You won't regret this," Killian promises.
I already have regrets, but none of them are strong enough to change my mind. "I need to tell Villeneuve," I say, standing up.
"Of course," Killian agrees, rising with me. "We'll wait here."
As I move toward the door, I feel their eyes on me. Not threatening, not predatory, but watchful. Protective. I don’t know what to do with that. I’m not usually the focus of positive attention. I’m used to the objectifying gaze Kyle cast on me as his prized siphon, and I’m used to the revolted stares my scars draw when my glamour slips.
