“I’ve never been one to believe in miracles, but recent developments have caused me to have a change of heart.” A hopeful smile appears on his handsome face. “Now come on, let’s get you into the shower, you’re kind of a mess. Remi should be back soon with a change of clothes for you.”
I hear hushed voices stop talking as I walk into the kitchen. Three heads spin around to face me when I round the corner. I ignore my self-consciousness, knowing they were probably talking about me. Ryker had left me alone in the spare bedroom to change into some clean clothes that Remi had retrieved from my house.
“Good morning,” I say brightly as I take a seat in the breakfast nook. “I’m sorry you guys had to take turns waking me up last night. I’m sure you all didn’t sleep well, but I appreciate it.”
“No worries, Pru.” Ransom gives me one of his bright, boyish smirks. “We’re all just happy it’s only a concussion and nothing more serious.”
“You’re an idiot to run out there like that, by the way,” Ranger adds, leaning against the countertop with a cup of coffee in his right hand. “Your aunt sounded like she was going to have a heart attack. Why would you run after that wolf like that anyway?”
I was already well aware of the fact the Weylyn brothers all look very similar, but when you’re in a room with the three of them, it’s even more obvious they are related. If it weren’t for the scars that run through Ransom’s eyebrow and Ranger’s dimples, I would struggle to tell them apart. It also helped when Ranger started growing his hair out a couple months ago. Instead of the crewcut his twin still has, Ranger’s wavy hair now falls on his forehead and around his ears.
“I don’t know,” I lie because they would think I was crazy if I told them the truth.
“It doesn’t matter.” Ryker smiles softly at me from where he stands in front of the stove, cooking what looks like pancakes. “You’re okay, and that’s all that matters now.”
My heart skips a beat; I look into those blue eyes that are sparkling like the golden aura around him. “I can’t thank you guys enough for coming out there and finding me.”
“You’re family. We weren’t going to let you become a tasty snack for some mangy wolf.” Ransom ruffles my hair as he walks past me to sit at the table. I flinch and inhale quickly in pain. My headache has somewhat disappeared, but the stitched up spot on the back of my head is still tender and throbbing.
“Oh shit. I’m sorry, Pru, I totally forgot.” Ransom reaches across the table, giving my forearm a squeeze. “Are you okay?”
A deep growl-like noise comes from across the room from where Ryker stands, his now angry gaze on his younger brother. If I hadn’t known better, I would have guessed there was an animal in the room with us, but it definitely came from Ryker. His knuckles are white from the tight grip he has on the spatula. Ransom quickly removes his hand as he holds eye contact with older brother. After a long pause, Ransom nods his head at Ryker, and it appears a silent understanding has transpired between them.
“Well, that wasn’t totally weird or anything!” I exclaim, and no one else says a word.
Instead of explaining or commenting on what happened, Ryker swiftly places a plate of food in front of me. My mouth starts watering when I see the golden pancakes and pile of bacon. I hadn’t realized how hungry I was until now.
“Wow, you can cook?”
“Only breakfast.” He winks, and my heart skips a beat.
“Can I have some—” Before I can finish what I’m about to say, a bottle shaped like a bear appears in front of me. “How did you know I like honey on my pancakes instead of syrup?”
“Call it a gut feeling,” Ryker smoothly answers before taking a seat next to Ransom. He also has a plate of food, but his is overflowing. Good to see he’s like the rest of his family. Whenever I’ve enjoyed a meal with any of the Weylyn family members, they always put away enough food for several people, at least. Even Margot and Remington have no problem shoveling large portions away. They always say it’s because they’re active, they burn a lot of calories.
“Want some honey?” I wave the bear-shaped bottle at him.
Ryker scrunches his nose and shakes his head. “Um, no, thank you. I’ll stick to maple syrup like a normal person,” he chuckles.
“Have you ever tried it?”
“A long time ago, someone convinced me to try it because that’s how her family always ate pancakes. I was never a fan.”
“Was it Grey?” I blurt, immediately kicking myself for asking. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked. It’s just… Remi told me you lost someone when you were young, and that’s why you haven’t been home in a long time. She said it’s hard for you to be here because it reminds you of her or something.” I bite my bottom lip. “I saw the tattoo on your arm that says ‘Grey,’ and I figured—that was her name, right? Grey?”
Now would be a great time for the floor to open up and swallow me whole.
The room is suddenly so quiet I swear I can hear a heart beating from across the room. Ranger still stands at the counter but isn’t looking at us anymore. Instead, his focus is on the contents of his coffee cup. Ransom, who had been sneaking a piece of bacon off my plate, holds it halfway to his mouth, his blue eyes now looking anywhere but directly at us.
“Crap. I’m sorry, it’s none of my business, and I don’t know why I asked. You hardly know me. I’m just some stranger asking questions that are way too personal,” I stammer, trying to smooth over the awkward moment I created.
I tell
