Page 174 of Bitten By the Fae
“Which part?” Zeph asked. “Accusing your family of hoarding magic, or the vanishing act?”
“Both,” I admitted on a huff. “He’s infur?—”
“Is that dragon steak?” Aflora’s attention was on the tray again, her blue eyes wide.
I followed her gaze to the dark gray meat surrounded by leaves. The other two plates just had sandwiches. I assumed one of those was meant for me, the other for Zeph. Shade was definitely not on our guest list, despite being able to get past my gargoyle. Which was a discussion I’d need to have with Sir Kristoff later because I hadn’t given approval for the Death Blood to enter at will.
“Yeah, with salad patty,” Zeph replied, palming the back of his neck. “Kols asked Sol for some meal suggestions since you’re not fond of our meals. This was what he recommended.”
“He also told us to get you some scurbuttle snacks,” I added. “After he left, Cyrus informed me that would be a bad idea and suggested I stick to dragon steak. He also recommended I not give you bacon.”
“Bacon?” she repeated.
“Yeah. I guess it’s like troll fat?”
Her eyes rounded in horror. “Why would you eat troll fat?”
“I wouldn’t.”
“Then why eat bacon?”
I shook my head. “It’s not the same, it’s just… Never mind. He recommended dragon steak. So.” I waved to the plate as if to say,There it is.
“I hope I cooked it right,” Zeph mused. “Reminded me of beef, so I grilled it the same way.”
That explained why it took him so long to prepare the food. “What kind of sandwiches did you make us?”
“Turkey and cheese,” he replied. “I added mayo to yours since you like it.” He grimaced with the comment, causing me to grin.
I covered my heart with my hand, my other arm still draped over Aflora’s shoulder. “You do love me, Z.”
He snorted but didn’t deny it.
“You made me dragon steak,” Aflora said, still focused on her plate. “Because Sol suggested it.”
Zeph glanced uneasily at her. “Yeah, he suggested it to Kols. Did I make it wrong?”
“And you added salad patty.”
“Yeah, that part just seemed appropriate based on what I know of Elemental Fae cuisine. Seems like a popular side? But I had to use magic because we don’t have a lot of those root vegetables here. So, uh, I hope it’s okay.”
She finally looked at him. “I thought we agreed on burning thwomp and fire gnat juice.”
My lips twitched at the mock condescension in her tone. Teasing had to be a good sign, right? Maybe it meant she was past the idea of rewiring our connection, or had at least put it on hold. Regardless, I’d take it.
“Yeah, sorry, all out of burning thwomps, I’m afraid,” Zeph replied, his tone contrite. “But if you don’t want the dragon steak, I’ll eat it, and you can have my turkey sandwich.”
He made to reach for her plate, and she batted his hand away. “Don’t you dare.”
Zeph smirked at her. “Oh, you want it now?”
“Did you poison it?” she countered.
He nodded. “Yep. Laced it with an agreeable charm so you’ll do everything I say for at least a week.”
“I actually think you might mean that,” she replied.
He grunted, grabbed her plate, and set it in her lap. “Eat, Aflora. Or I really will enchant you.”
