“Your home is beautiful, not exactly what I thought it’d be, and I don’t just mean your house.”
Kade couldn’t respond immediately, too intent on controlling his mounting desire, and he took several deep breaths. “Thank you, I think. What exactly did you expect?”
Kirsty shrugged as she looked around the spotless, modern kitchen. Kade checked that there was an iron pot stand in the middle of the oak table before retrieving the casserole from the oven. Uncovering the fresh baked bread, he set another place at the table before grabbing a chilled bottle of wine and two glasses.
“I’ve no idea what I expected but this community wasn’t it.” She shuffled from one foot to the next, looking embarrassed. “Sorry, that sounds cheeky and I don’t mean to be rude. I’ve just not had much interaction with Shifters and although I’d love to chat more about everything, could we put that off for just a wee while? I really need to have a quick clean up and use the bathroom.”
“Of course.” He pointed down the hall to his right. “There’s one just down there, first door you come to.”
“Thanks,” she mumbled as she rushed away.
Kade let out a long groan, relieved for the reprieve of being alone. He had no idea how to approach this. She was human and knew nothing of their ways so blurting out she was his would probably not be the best course of action. He had visions of her running for her gun and loading it to keep him at bay while he tried to explain. Shit, he was up the proverbial shit creek with no paddles in sight.
Soft knocking on the back door had him almost jumping out of his skin, a soft snarl on his face as he spun around.
Lennox’s cheeky face peering through the glass. “Can I come in?”
“Sure—” Kade waved him in. “Make it quick though, Kirsty’s just gone to freshen up.”
Lennox left the door open, leaning against the countertop and crossing his arms. “She’s human.”
Kade exhaled, shaking his head. “Stating the obvious, Len. What’s your point?”
“What are you going to? How’re you going to explain things to her?”
Kade busied himself with stirring the casserole before answering. “No fecking idea, got any pointers?”
“Nope,” Lennox replied, grinning like an idiot.
“Wipe that stupid smirk off your face, this is serious.”
“I know.” Lennox stepped toward him, palms held out in surrender. “I’m sorry, but don’t you find it just a little bit funny that the one person the old Legends that Fraser rambled on about, and that’s been picked for you, is someone who has no knowledge of said Legend or even of our ways?”
Kade scowled at his friend. “No, I don’t find that funny in the least. In fact, I find it so far from funny that I feel like ripping something apart. So, if I were you, I wouldn’t poke the beast.”
“Sorry,” Lennox said, his tone not sorry in the least. “But I guess you should start by explaining all things Wolf to your mate and she might just catch on. After all, she is attracted to you. I know you’re aware of that because I sure as hell am. I could scent it on her just as much as I could tell she was embarrassed about her reaction to you.”
“Aye,” Kade conceded. “I’m aware of that but I’m having a hard time controlling myself around her. Hells bells, in normal circumstances she’d be in my bed right now.”
“I know,” Lennox agreed. “I’m sorry for making a joke about it, Kade. This must be awful for you but I just want you to know that I’ll take care of the Pack so you can focus on your mate.”
“Thanks.” Kade blew out a long breath, running a hand down his face. “Can you call the Council for me? I can’t face those pompous arses right now. I’d probably lose my cool and end up saying the wrong things and putting the Pack in a bad light. Also, make sure the camp is well guarded just in case any of those rogues decides to pay us a visit. I won’t allow them to put any of our people in danger, and ensure we have a decent hunting party ready for tomorrow.”
“Sure, I’ll call the Council straight away,” Lennox said seriously. “Then I’ll meet with Dara and Isla to get guards in place and organize a hunting party for tomorrow.”
“Good, but I also want guards on Kirsty at all times until we eliminate any threat. She’s too damn important to take any chances with.”
Lennox crossed his arms, nodding. “I understand that, Alpha. I’ll ensure she’s safe, and you don’t need to tell me that. I know how important she is.”
“What the blazes do you mean?” Kirsty asked, her shocked voice surprising them both.
Lennox scrambled for the door hastily as he threw over his shoulder. “See you in the morning.”
Kirsty glared at Kade, head cocked to the side as her eyes blazed. “Well? What was that all about?”
Her chest rose and fell as she breathed deeply, obviously upset and worried at what she’d overheard. He was more upset at himself for being so preoccupied he hadn’t noticed her arrival. Damn. What should he do? Lie? Try to placate her with half-truths? Somehow, he didn’t think either of those two scenarios would go down well.
Especially when she crossed her arms and started to tap a foot, one eyebrow raising expectantly. “Why don’t we sit down and we can talk while we eat? I’ll try and explain everything but it will probably seem strange to you, so all I ask is that you hear me out. Okay?”
Her eyes sparkled with . . . something he wasn’t quite sure of, his senses picking up a touch of an otherworldly aura as she hesitated. What was that? It was there only briefly but he’d definitely sensed it, his eyes scanning her for any more signs as she slowly walked to the table and sat down.
“I’m telling you right now, I
