“Gratitude for the encouragement.” His brown eyes softened as they fell to me. “But I’m exactly where I wish to be. With my captain and the knights I consider brothers. And with you.”
My stomach did thatthing—the little dip that made me feel like I was going over the top of a roller coaster. “Are you sure it’s not just my muffins that keep you around?”
“The coffee is quite tasty as well.”
I snorted. “And the sweet buns, right? I was thinking of making some filled with red bean paste next time. Never made my own before, but I used to love eating—”
Callum kissed me.
As our mouths melded together, he took hold of my hips and gently pushed me against the bookcase. With a small moan, I rose up on my toes and wrapped my arms around his neck, being mindful of his wound.
A light rapping came at the door.
We barely had time to react before it opened. A hooded figure stepped through first, followed by my favorite redhead, Briar, and Maddox. It took my brain a moment to process. Probably because all the blood had been in my other head.
But then their scents tickled my nose, bringing some clarity.Allof their scents. A faint hint of peaches included.
“Looks like we’re interrupting.” Briar closed the door and locked it. “Apologies.”
“You won’t get an apology from me.” Rowan sneered at Callum. “What my little treasure sees in a rabbit, I’ll never know. I still say he belongs in a stew. Hopping off the nearest cliff would also be acceptable.”
The hooded figure turned to him, and there was a soft whack.
“Dammit, pup,” Rowan grumbled. “A cliff into thesea. Better? Unless rabbits can’t swim.”
Another whack.
“Lake?” I stepped forward, chest tight. He lowered his hood, exposing his fluffy ears. Tears welled in my eyes, and I rushed over, throwing my arms around him. “I missed you.”
“And I missed you.” He grazed his teeth up my throat and to my earlobe. “My human.”
“My wolf.”
“Now both of you are cryin’.” Rowan leaned against the closed door, arms crossed and his dark auburn hair pulled to the side in his signature gold cuff. “It’s only been one day. Bunch of sad toads.”
Lake regarded him, keeping his arms around me. “Says the one who’s been pacing for the past hour waiting for Maddox to come fetch us.”
“Only because you looked so pathetic.” Rowan dismissively waved his hand. “I was tired of seeing you pout.”
I clung on tighter to my wolf. “It’s dangerous for you to be here.”
“Hence the cloak,” Rowan said. “It hides his ears, and he tucked his evil tail into his trousers. Before he hit me with it anyway. I also used shadows to help mask him.”
“See? No reason to fret.” Lake cupped my cheek, tenderness in his purple eyes. “I’ll always find my way to you.”
There was a knock in my chest. “All I have to do is say your name.”
“And I’ll come running.” He pressed our foreheads together.
“Gross,” Rowan mumbled. “I should’ve left you in the cottage.”
Lake whacked him again, and I laughed.
“Captain.” Callum nodded to him. “Is all well?”
“Yes,” Maddox said, nearing me and Lake. His hand came to rest on my hip. “We thought it best to speak with you together. Seeing as to how this involves us all.”
“What do you mean?” I asked.
