Page 67 of New Blood

“Good morning, Violet,” Danielle said automatically.

“I can help Priscilla with breakfast,” Violet offered.

Surprise rolled over her. Violet hated kitchen work. She’d never once offered to help with anything in the kitchen. And why should she? She was in charge of the finances for the pack. Her time was better spent handling accounting than cooking. Besides, Danielle doubted that she knew the first thing about preparing food. Was Violet offering to help because she wanted to get into her good books, now that she was Jude’s mate?

“That’s really not necessary,” Danielle replied. “I have time.”

Violet smiled. “Just let me pitch in. And maybe later you could help me with something?”

So it was a tit for tat. What did Violet want?

“What is it?”

“I have to take my car to the dealership later, and I need somebody to ride back with after I drop it off.”

Relieved that it wasn’t a big ask, she replied, “Of course, I can pick you up. What’s wrong with the car? I thought Heath fixed it last week.”

Violet shrugged. “Neither Heath nor I can figure it out. It’s something with the electronics. That’s the thing with expensive German cars: they have so many electronics in them that you have to run a full diagnostic just to fix a tiny light. Or in this case, the air conditioning system.”

“I know. What time are you dropping it off in San Rafael?”

“At ten. Does that work for you? Otherwise I could call an Uber—”

“That’s not necessary. I’ll pick you up.”

“Thanks so much. I really appreciate it.” Then she turned to Priscilla. “So what can I help you with?”

Danielle cast a look at Priscilla, who was just as surprised as she was that Violet was offering to help. She wiped her hands on her apron.

“The bacon needs to be grilled. But you’d better wear an apron, or you’ll get grease spots all over your clothes.”

While Priscilla opened a cupboard, removed an apron, and helped Violet put it on, Danielle heard a sound at the open door. She turned her head and saw Jude standing there looking even more handsome in the daylight than last night. He gestured for her to join him, and she walked to him. Quickly, he pulled her away from the door into the hallway and pressed his lips to hers, kissing her. She responded to his kiss with the same intensity, leaving them both breathless within seconds.

Jude severed the kiss and pressed his forehead to hers. “Damn, baby, you make me hungry.”

She chuckled. “Breakfast will be ready soon.”

“I wasn’t talking about food, though I won’t say no to some bacon and eggs. Gotta replenish my energy to keep up with my insatiable mate,” he murmured, his hot breath ghosting over her face.

“You think I’m insatiable?”

He laughed softly.

“Jude?”

Austin’s voice made her turn her head in his direction.

“Morning, Danielle. Sorry to interrupt, but Jude and I have got to go over a few things.” He looked apologetic.

“On my way,” Jude replied and gave her a peck on the lips before releasing her from his embrace and turning toward Austin.

38

After a brief talk with Austin and a hearty breakfast, Jude called a meeting with his entire Werewolf Alliance team, including Parker and Grant, who’d both slept only a few hours. Wendell, too, looked tired as if he’d had a long night with too little sleep. They were assembled in the office, leaning on the walls, sitting on the few available chairs, or leaning against the desk. They’d congratulated him on his union with Danielle and seemed genuinely happy for him, but every member of his team was concerned about how this would change the dynamics within the pack.

“I know it’ll be difficult until everybody has accepted this new situation,” Jude said calmly.

“So what’s the plan?” Francisco asked. “What are you gonna do about the Alliance?”