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I nodded. “Sure.”
“You’re going to like what’s for dinner tonight,” our head chef, Enzo, called out as I walked by. He was sitting on a stool at the counter. Papers were piled around him, and his assistants were meal planning. Chef Enzo and his staff of three traveled with the Wayfarers wherever we went. When a full stomach was the difference between being in control and not, food was a big deal. Weres took mealtime seriously, and cooking for a pack was a full-time job.
Curious, I had to ask. “What’s for dinner?”
“Spaghetti pie.”
I wrapped my arms around him and gave him a big, sloppy kiss on the cheek. “My mother’s going to be so mad. I love it!” She was way too snobby to eat something that messy.
He laughed. “It’s also your favorite.”
“Yeah. But ask me why it’s my favorite.” I gave him a wink.
Enzo chuckled, and I made my way through the kitchen toward Ciara.
She was the only female Were I knew who was allowed to live on her own. Even though Ciara lived with us, she wasn’t a member of our pack. Something bad had happened to her, and ever since, she wanted nothing to do with packs. At all. For a male, that wouldn’t be a problem, but Weres obsessively protected their females, no matter what we wanted. Very rarely, there was an exception to the rule. She was that exception.
It had always struck me as odd that she was allowed to be alone, or unprotected, as my brothers would call it. When I was little, I’d gotten curious and asked her why. I’d have given anything for that kind of freedom.
All Ciara had said was that her freedom had a high price—one she’d never wish on anyone. The way she’d said it, with a pained look in her eyes and a quiver in her voice, had made me afraid to ask more, so I never brought it up again.
Staying with us, Ciara got the freedom she craved but had the protection of the pack. She might not have pack bonds hovering over her all day, but she was looked after.
We moved through the kitchen’s back door toward the offices. Ciara was technically our household manager, but when I started having issues with my mother, she’d stepped into nannying. It wasn’t official. It started out with me pestering her, and her being kind enough to indulge me. Eventually, she’d agreed to travel with the pack and help watch me. Now that I was at school, she was back to just managing the Colorado estate.
Ciara’s office had an L-shaped desk built into the wall. Books and pictures scattered the shelves. Most of the pictures had me in them. The best part of her office was that it smelled like her. Her scent was always tinged with a bit of lavender, and just being around her felt calming. Maybe it was the scent, but it was also just Ciara.
She sat in her chair and motioned to the soft leather armchair next to her desk.
I sat. “What’s going on? Why have you been so distant?”
“Are you in need of help?”
That caught me by surprise. Why would I need help? “No. I’m okay.”
Ciara shook her head. “Did Donovan hurt you? Because if he did, you don’t have to stand for it. I can help you. I’ll—”
“No.” I held up a hand to stop her. “No. Donovan would never hurt me.” The jerkface had even been pulling his punches.
Did I just hear you call me a jerkface?
Why did he manage to tune into my head at the most inopportune times? Shut it. This is a private conversation.
Understood. I was just checking on you. Seeing if you wanted a bite.
My stomach rumbled again. Yes, but I’m talking to Ciara. Finally.
All right. I’ll shower and see where you are after.
I turned my attention back to Ciara when she started speaking again. “You don’t have to cover up for him. I know he’s powerful and—”
“I’m not covering up for him.” Wow. I’d thought she wanted to explain why she was mad at me. I racked my brain trying to figure out what she was talking about, but all I got was more confused. “Why do you think he hurt me?”
Ciara started twisting her skirt in her hands again. “He was very mad when he arrived.”
“Donovan was super mad at me, but he’s not now. I…” I sighed. “It was my fault—”
“That’s what all abuse victims say.” Ciara waved a finger at me. “I’ll not have you going through a Full Moon Ceremony with that man.”
