I nod in agreement and this small responsibility lifts off my chest.
Eleven
Anna
The kitchen is alive with the sound of sizzling pans and the aroma of garlic and onions wafting through the air. I sit at the kitchen island, my notes from today’s classes that I missed spread out before me, trying to concentrate on what I’ve learned. Rion is a whirlwind of motion in front of the stove, his lean, muscular body gliding gracefully between pots and cutting boards as he prepares dinner for everyone.
Blaze comes in and sees me studying. He makes me a coffee from my coffee machine, adds sugar and sets it in front of me.
“I know it’s lucky for your studies,” Blaze says.
I nod and take a sip, trying to ignore the warmth spreading through me. I have to remember I’m mad at him.
He looks like he’s about to try to talk to me again but must read the look on my face easily since he backs out of the room.
“Why do I attract men who lie?” I ask.
Rion winces. “Ouch.”
“Sorry, that’s not fair. I’ve forgiven you.” I grab his hand and squeeze. “I’m just upset with Blaze.”
“No, it’s fair. All of your mates have hurt you, lied, or failed you. That’s certainly something to be upset about.”
I take a deep breath. It is ridiculous how much my mates have put me through. We are trying to build bonds that will last a lifetime. Aly’s mates were better with her at the beginning.
But… I still wouldn’t trade my guys for hers.
“To be fair, not Felix,” I whisper.
“Yes, yes, Felix is perfect.” Rion rolls his eyes.
I smile at that and try to hide it by staring at my textbook.
We sit in silence while Rion cooks until I need a break.
“Are you still loving cooking?” I ask, looking up from my studies to watch him work. His green eyes meet mine with a genuine smile, his long blond hair falling to one side of his face.
“More than ever,” Rion replies, stirring something in a pan. “It feels like my calling, Anna. I can’t quite explain it, but there’s something about creating a meal that brings people together. It’s just…magical.”
In a world with real-life magic, that means a lot.
He spoons a small sample of sauce onto a plate and holds it out for me to taste. I hesitate for a moment before taking the bite and studying his expression. Rion’s nervousness is evident. Cooking is a newfound passion for him and he’s always seeking validation.
The flavors explode on my tongue, a perfectly balanced mix of savory and sweet that makes my mouth water for more. I can’t help but let out an involuntary moan.
“Wow,” I breathe, meeting his gaze once again. “That’s incredible, Rion.”
His face lights up with pride, and I can see the tension leave his shoulders.
“Thank you, Anna,” he says softly, returning to his culinary masterpiece. “I’m glad you enjoyed it.”
A warm, savory aroma envelops the kitchen as Rion goes back to the stove and meticulously flips a sizzling filet in the pan. The sound of it crackling beneath his practiced hand is strangely soothing.
I’m so glad he’s back in my life and we are sharing moments like this.
“How’s school going?”
I glance down at the stack of textbooks and notes strewn across the island. “Honestly, Rion, I think it sounds stupid that with everything going on in our lives I’m studying, but now that I’m back, I can’t stop. If I don’t finish, it’ll haunt me forever.”
