Page 36 of The Return
“And you’re a liar,” Matt said, his eyes wide. Then he clapped a hand over his mouth. “I’m sorry!”
Kinsey chuckled. “No, you’re right.” He stuffed the rest of the biscuit in his mouth. “They’re amazing.”
The only sounds then were the men adding butter to the biscuits, Matt drizzling a little jam on his, and them chewing. I glanced at Corey, who stood staring at me, then tilted his head toward the table.
“Oh, sorry. I was caught up in watching them graze.” I took a seat and grabbed my own things. I marveled at how comfortable this was, even with Matt and Kinsey in the house. Then I realized that Corey never answered me. “Don’t think plying me with food is going to make me forget, Core. What are you going to do when you meet the Council?”
He smirked. “Why, I’m gonna be the most delightful host,” he said, affecting a mock Southern accent.
“Stow it, Blanche. I think we both know better.”
“No, I promise, I’m going to be a great host. Stop worrying.”
That made me worry even more.
When we finished eating, Matt dutifully gathered the utensils and placed them in the dishwasher.
“I could have done that,” I told him.
“Oh, no. Alphas don’t—”
“This Alpha does,” I assured him. “Both me and my mate work hard, so we’ll be splitting the household duties.”
“I’m sorry,” Corey said. “Can you tell me when I invited you to live here?”
Yeah, that was true. I had always pictured Corey and I making a home. Maybe adopting some children at some point. “Well, I was kind of hoping that you’d—”
He leaned in and kissed me. “Of course you can stay here. Nothing would make me happier.”
His cheery tone made me insanely happy. God, where he was concerned, I was way too damn easy.
He clapped his hands together. “Okay, I think it’s time we head to the shop. Lots to do today.”
That niggling worry gnawed at me. “Corey, please don’t do anything rash.”
He reached up and put a hand over his heart. “Me? I would never.”
Which meant he was planning on it. I hoped I’d be ready for the fallout.
“Let’s go. Matt, are you good to drive?”
He smiled sheepishly. “As soon as I get dressed.”
“Well, go already!” Kinsey snapped.
Matt was outside in a dash, gathering up his clothes.
“Don’t yell at him,” Corey growled.
“I didn’t,” Kinsey insisted.
“You did, and I don’t like it. Everyone treats him like crap, and I won’t have it in this house or within earshot of me. No, in fact, it stops today. Do I make myself clear?”
Kinsey swallowed hard and tilted his head to the side, baring his neck. “Yes, Alpha Mate.”
When the hell did Corey grow up? My dad had said Corey wasn’t shy about expressing his opinion, but he’d never been one to actively challenge another person like he was doing right now. And against Kinsey? Damn. Corey wasn’t the same boy I knew. Then again, neither was I. We’d both changed in the years we were apart, and I had to remember that.
“I’m ready!” Matt said, striding into the room. He had on pressed black pants and a black jacket with gold buttons over a crisp white shirt and starched tie. On his head perched one of those stupid caps you see on chauffeurs in the movies.
