“You’re a dreadful liar, Ev.”
“I find it endearing. Our Evan cares so deeply for all of us. Just as we care for him.” Briar smiled as he applied a salve to Callum’s neck and rebandaged it. “There. That should do for now. You may return to work but refrain from anything too strenuous for at least another day.”
“Thank you,” Callum said, lifting a hand to his bandage. “Not only for tending to my wounds but for… well, everything.”
Briar’s expression softened. “You’re part of our family now. As such, I expect you at the cottage this evening.”
They shared a smile. Which didnotmake me almost cry again. Nope.
Boots thumped outside the door before it slowly opened. Duke peeked into the room, followed by Baden. They were worse than children.
I laughed. “Okay, I’m coming.”
With my heart lighter than it’d been in quite some time, I kissed Briar and Callum before tugging on my boots and heading toward the mess hall.
***
Nothing beat a good pot of chili for dinner.
I hunted for my favorite large pot, mouth already watering at the thought of the hearty chunks of seasoned beef, peppers, black beans, and blend of zingy flavors. A touch spicy but not too much.
Eating chili wasn’t the only thing that had me smiling and bouncing around the kitchen. I was happy. Two days had passed since Briar cleared Callum to return to his duties, and he was almost back to normal. He’d also stayed the past few nights with us at the cottage.
Our only problem was the sleeping situation. Maddox had suggested again that Callum sleep on the rug, and I’d swatted at him. The big meanie.
Lake came through the back door holding a wicker basket. A warm wind blew in behind him, ruffling the strands of his silvery hair. He placed the basket on the counter. “Green bell peppers for tonight’s dinner.”
“Thank you.” I stepped into his arms. “How’s the garden?”
“Thriving for the most part.” His ears drooped. “Apart from the tomato plant.”
“What’s wrong with it?”
“It’s sad, I think.” He rested his cheek on the side of my head, releasing a heavy breath. “Several of the tomatoes havebeen torn from the vine and gnawed on. An animal, by the look of it. Which I understand. They need to eat as well. Yet, the plant’s spirit was low. So, I spent time with it before coming inside. Talking. Cleaning up the vine. Singing a bit. I hope it helps.”
Lake was too precious for this world.
“I’m sure it did.” I tipped my head back and nuzzled his cheek.
He helped me chop the vegetables before we threw it all into a pot to cook. I then whipped up batter for cornbread, adding jalapeño for an extra kick. Our redhead eventually joined us in the kitchen.
“Are you meeting Draven and Reign tonight?” I stirred the chili.
“Not tonight.” An odd expression crossed Rowan’s face before quickly transitioning to a smirk. One that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “You have me all to yourself. What will you do with me?”
“Swat you with this spoon, if you don’t tell me what’s wrong.”
“Nothing’s wrong.” He rested his hip against the counter and flicked his hand. “Put your little weapon away.”
Despite his easygoing attitude, my nerves refused to settle. Something felt off. Like he was keeping something from me. Or maybe I was still just freaked out about the red spider lily and letting my paranoia get the best of me.
A thought then occurred to me. Maybe the lily had been for Callum. An omen about his attack. But then, why had it showed itself to me and not to him?
Curious and curiouser.
The clunk of boots came from the front parlor, followed by boisterous voices and the clink of weapons. Lake’s wolf ears shot upward.
“Sounds like they brought the entire Order with them,” Rowan muttered. “If they’re too loud, I’m gonna stab them.”
