Page 126 of Never Kiss a Fae
“Claire made breakfast,” Vox whispered, his nose scrunched up in clear disgust.
Cyrus came around the counter to study the pan. “That’s repulsive, Claire.”
“Then it’s a good thing I didn’t make it for you,” I snapped, my amusement melting into immediate annoyance. “Actually, if none—”
Sol tapped the bar, cracking the solid granite. “I want to try it.”
Vox swung around on his stool and gaped at his best friend.
“What?” the Earth Fae said, looking a smidge chagrined. “It’s food. I like food.”
Cyrus snorted. “Such a simple-minded creature. I’ll pass.”
“Considering I didn’t make you any, that’s perfectly fine.” I grabbed a plate and cut a piece of the omelet off for Sol, then slid it across the counter to where he waited with a napkin.
He stared at it and shrugged. “Cool.” Then picked it up with his hands to take a bite.
“Uh, you’re supposed to use a fork…” I pinched my lips to the side, unsure of where they were located, but Sol seemed to be doing fine without a utensil.
In a blink, half the portion was gone. “It’s fucked up, but oddly good.” He held it out for Vox to take a bite.
And much to my surprise, he did, his wariness disappearing into one of wonder. “Huh. I never would have put those ingredients together.” He glanced at me. “Okay, Claire. I’ll have a plate.”
Pride prickled my chest as I cut him a slice and handed it to him—with a fork.
Except, like Sol, he ignored it.
The last two pieces were for me and Titus, leaving Cyrus alone. Where the jackass belonged. Not that he seemed to care as he prepared himself some sort of green, leafy shake. “Now that isrepulsive,” I muttered, watching him feed a variety of plants into the blender.
“Then it’s a good thing I didn’t make it for you,” he parroted, narrowing his eyes.
I snorted, picking up the two plates I’d just prepared for myself and Titus. “Charming, as always.”
“Oh, you’ve hardly gotten to know my charm yet, little queen.” His gaze dipped to my cleavage and lower. “I suggest you wear something more appropriate for class.”
“Thanks, Dad,” I replied in a sugary tone.
Vox and Sol observed the exchange, their expressions ones of dread and shock. I smiled at them, noting their clean plates. “See? Eggs and cheese can be good, right?”
“Not my first choice,” Vox admitted softly. “But not nearly as horrible as I anticipated.”
Sol lifted one of those big shoulders. “I don’t know. I liked it. Better than cafeteria food.”
Cyrus snorted. “Not a resounding compliment, in my opinion.” He backed me into the counter behind me, then reached around for a straw, his gaze holding mine the entire time. “If domestication is your preference, I’ll have some of my mother’s recipes sent over so you can do your job properly.”
If my hands weren’t full of food, I might have slapped him again. “Move,” I demanded.
He cocked his head to the side. “Say ‘please,’ little queen.”
I smiled, another idea coming to mind as I sent a blast of energy into his chest, knocking him into the counter where Vox and Sol sat with open mouths. “Please,” I said, my voice sickly sweet.
Cyrus didn’t appear annoyed or angry, just amused. “Careful, Claire, or I’ll have to tell Exos you were flirting with me.”
I scoffed at that. “Assuming you’re alive when we find him.”
Vox gasped, while Sol chuckled.
“Yeah, okay. I like her,” the big guy murmured. “This’ll do.” He pushed away from the counter. “Don’t forget onions for tomorrow, Vox. I want to try the human’s version of an egg pie again, but to her requirements. So find that con stuff, or whatever you called it.”
