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“Yeah, there’s none of those around here,” he said. “We’re all traumatized, Aria.”
Shaking my head, I grabbed what was left of Sariel’s drink and chugged it.
Neither of us moved for a refill, content to just hang out while we sobered up a bit.
“We’ll have to get you out more once this is all over,” I quipped back. “Teach you how not to be a buzzkill and all that.”
The two of us just enjoyed one another’s company for a while, waiting for Sariel to get back.
By the time he did, Auren had already gone home, and I was nearly asleep in our bed.
Welcome back.
Sariel didn't respond, instead just tugging me into his arms to sleep. I went without argument, drifting off.
The next morning, he was gone before I woke up, and Reese was at my door, wringing her hands.
“I’m sorry about last night. I didn’t realize it was going to turn into that,” she apologized, but I waved her off, shaking my head.
“Listen,noneof us knew it would turn out like that. I’m glad you and him are comfortable enough that you asked. Auren needs more friends.”
She looked relieved as we headed towards the kitchen for breakfast. I felt for the bond, wondering where my mate had wandered off to, but all he gave me was a soothing sensation. I hoped he was okay after last night.
“Do you think he’s mad at me?”
I caught myself squinting at her, and her cheeks slowly started to pinken. “It’s not like that! He’s just….”
Her face twisted as she tried to come up with the right words. “So, initially, I just felt really bad for him, you know? Nobody talked to him except for the twins and Zuzanna, and then every time Sariel was even mentioned, he got this kicked-puppy energy all around him. The guy needed someone to be his friend, and none of the others were jumping to do it.”
I nodded along, waiting for her to continue as she glared a hole into the pavement.
“Anyway, Auren is weird. Sometimes he’s hilarious and friendly, and then sometimes I think he’s mentally pricing my organs for the black market.”
The laugh that belted out of me startled us both, but she joined me swiftly.
“I think Auren is fine about last night, actually. It’s Sariel I’m worried about,” I said. Admitting it made me feel a bit guilty, but Reese just nodded in understanding.
We pushed open the door to the cafeteria together.
“I noticed they’ve been spending more time together. God, I hope I didn’t mess that up for them. I was just being drunk and nosy,” she groaned, and I shrugged, making my way toward the front to grab a tray.
Breakfast was always something light around here; all I could figure was that Auren had decided any splurging should happen at dinnertime when everyone was exhausted and in need of a good meal to sleep. It made sense since somewhere around here, there was a chicken coop and a small garden that some of the older members of our community tended. I’d even seen a goat at one point, though she’d disappeared after that glimpse to wherever they kept the farm animals.
Kiran caught us as we headed to our regular table. “Eat with me?”
Reese redirected without hesitation, plopping down across from the moderately kinder twin with a smile. I did the same.
“Do you happen to know why your mate started harassing my brother first thing this morning, Miss Aria?” he asked bluntly. He was nibbling at a plate of eggs and toast, and the expectant look we got made me wince.
“We had a rough night of bonding with our fearless Leader, so he’s probably hoping to burn off some aggression.”
Kiran nodded like he expected that answer, making a face of disgust as he sipped at his orange juice.
“Atlan is happy to humor him; I was just a bit concerned. He seemed… distressed. I guess I understand it. I would be upset in his shoes, too.”
Today, his glamor was flawless, with no wavering or trembling. His blond hair and red eyes were almost hypnotic; when he met my gaze, I found I couldn’t look away. A too-wide grin spread across his sharp features, and I tried to make myself look anywhere else but—
“Your wolf is a feisty thing, huh?” he commented. “Have you let her run through the woods yet?”
