"Synchronized timing or coincidence?" he deadpans.
"Bit of both," Tyler says, grinning.
Julian moves to the temperature controls and adjusts them slightly. "Actually, statistically, first heats managed alone with that degree of autonomy are quite rare. Approximately eightpercent of omegas choose that route. Fewer maintain awareness throughout."
Calder's voice, dry: "Stop cataloging her."
"I'm complimenting her."
Despite everything, the exhaustion, the aftermath, the weight of processing, I laugh.
The sound surprises everyone.
Then Tyler grins wider. Julian's mouth quirks. Calder's shoulders ease slightly, warmth entering his expression.
“I brought some wild sorrel too.” Julian pulls a tiny transparent bag filled with dark green leaves from his pocket and holds it up for all to see. “It can often be confused with the leaves of other less-edible plants, but I’m pleased to confirm that I got it right on my second attempt.”
“What happened on your first attempt?” Tyler asks.
“It left a rather nasty taste on my tongue.”
I laugh again. I feel it building up inside me, mild hysteria fueled by relief mixed up with a healthy dose of pride and contentment. I’ve never felt it before, and I’m not sure even Grandma could grow something that would produce the same results.
“I’m more concerned that you’re walking around with a packet of leaves in your possession,” Calder deadpans, and we all stare at it.
“Well,” Julian says, “it could hardly be mistaken for something illegal.”
“You sound certain about that.” Tyler cocks his head to one side.
It takes a few beats for the inference to sink in and then Julian’s cheeks turn pink while the rest of us laugh.
“I’ve seen pictures of illegal substances in books,” Julian says. “Of course I have. Who hasn’t?”
“Me.” Calder’s expression is completely neutral.
“Nor me.” Tyler raises a hand like he’s in a classroom.
Julian looks at me for backup, and I suck my lips in and shake my head.
“You’re all lying,” he says, straight-faced. “And I shall remember not to rely on you all to be character witnesses should I ever appear in court.”
“Dude, as the chances of you committing a crime are less than zero,” Tyler says, “I think you’re safe.”
“Less than zero would be a negative, which would mean the crime would happen to me.” Julian purses his lips, pensive. “Or?—”
“We were only joking,” I go to him, take the packet of sorrel leaves, and pop one into my mouth. The apple tartness explodes almost immediately. “This is the best gift ever.”
Julian’s smile is so wide I can see his back teeth.
“The bar is set,” Calder says.
“May the best alpha win.” Tyler winks at me.
14
ELOWEN
Morning light breaksclear and cold through the window.
