Page 62 of Do You Even Hex, Bro?
“Tampons,” Sean clarifies.
"Yeah, no, I got that," I say dryly. "Look, I haven't even decided to stay yet. This is still trial basis, remember?"
Their faces fall in such perfect synchronization that I almost laugh. It is kind of funny that they all do things at the same time, like they share some kind of telepathic wolf pack bond that affects them all at once. For all I know, that’s exactly what it is.
I’m trying not to let it freak me out. It isn’t like they can help what they are any more than I can help being… well. A disfigured witch, as the vampires I first interviewed with so gently put it.
"Right," Killian says, straightening his shoulders. "Of course. Trial basis. No pressure."
An awkward silence falls. They all stare at me expectantly, like they're waiting for instructions or permission or... something.
I clear my throat. "I think I'll just settle in, then, if that's okay."
Sean jolts. “Oh. Right. Sorry. We should, uh… we should go,” he says, already inching toward the door.
"Are you hungry?" Killian asks me. "We can cook something. Or we can get takeout."
I blink, surprised. "You guys can cook?" I ask, having a hard time imagining these wolves doing anything but gulping down cheeseburgers and beer.
“Sean can,” Rowan clarifies. “I just add seasoning to things until they taste good, which is technically not cooking.”
“Sean puts sriracha sauce on cereal,” Micah points out without missing a beat.
"That was one time!" Sean protests.
"I'm actually kind of hungry," I admit before the bickering can spiral out of control again.
The wolves exchange one of their looks.
"Pizza?" Micah suggests.
"Pizza," Killian agrees.
"Wait,cansiphons eat pizza?" Sean asks, suddenly concerned.
I can't help it. I laugh. A real laugh, one that bubbles up from somewhere deep inside me that I thought had withered away years ago. “Yes. I can eat pizza.”
"Told you," Sean says triumphantly. "She's definitely mate material."
That sobers me instantly. "Don't... uh, don't get ahead of yourselves. I'm not promising anything."
"Right," Killian says quickly. "Pizza's just pizza. Any preferences? Toppings? Allergies?"
"I'm good with anything except pineapples and sardines," I tell them. "Surprise me."
Another look passes between them, and I can almost see the instant competition forming over who can order the best pizza to impress me.
These guys are ridiculous.
"We'll get the pizza situation handled," Killian assures me as if this is a really big fucking deal and not a pizza order. "You settle in. Take your time. House is yours. Make yourself at home."
They file out with obvious reluctance, each casting backward glances like they're afraid I'll disappear if they look away too long. Sean pauses in the doorway.
“Just yell if you need anything,” he says. “We’re wolves. We’ll hear you.”
I manage a tight smile. “I’ll be fine.”
When they're gone, I close the door after them and lean against it, pinching the bridge of my nose and finally letting out a breath I didn't realize I'd been holding. The quiet feels almost unnatural after their boisterous, intense energy.
