One Insatiable(34)
He leans back in his chair, examining a manicured nail. “I do seem to be incredibly lucky in that regard. It can cause lesser people to hate me, I suppose.”
“Or! It could be that attitude right there,” I say, still enjoying my wicked streak. “That makes them hate you, I mean.”
His blue eyes cut to mine, and instead of anger, a sly grin curls his lips. “So spirited. I don’t remember you being like this last full moon.”
Something about the way he says it creeps me out a little. Still, I would never let Hayden Cross think he got under my skin. “Must’ve been the humidity last month. Or maybe it was the heat.”
“I see… prefers cooler temperatures.” He says it as if he’s making a mental note, and I mentally note how thankful I am when the servers appear with our entrées.
A plate holding a tiny bird surrounded by what look like tiny cabbages is set in front of me. Once the servers depart I start to giggle.
“What the hell is so funny, Mercy?” Dylan snaps.
“I’m just wondering when the Lilliputians are going to come out.” Picking up a Brussels sprout with my fork, I wave it over my plate. “Ooo, I’m a giant! I’m going to eat this tiny cabbage!”
“Are you drunk?” Her voice is sharp, and I press my lips together to stop a laugh.
Reaching for my wine glass, I take a long sip, fixing my eyes on her in a decidedly rebellious way.
Hayden watches the whole thing, that stupid grin curling his lips. Just then SMASH! Penny’s water glass falls over, sending a flood of liquid across the table. We all stand up quickly, stepping back from the mess.
“Oh, my god!” my aunt wails as two servers rush in with towels.
“I’m glad to see nothing fell apart while I was out of town.” Dylan’s tone is icy. “I apologize, Hayden. It seems everyone’s out of sorts this evening.”
“Never a dull moment,” he says under his breath. “No matter. Perhaps we should call it a night. I’m sure you’re tired from traveling. I’ll be back next week to settle our affairs.”
“Next week?” The near-shriek in her voice snaps my attention to her.
She quickly suppresses her flash of panic, but my wicked humor is forgotten. I’ve never seen my alpha sister react to anyone that way.
Hayden is unmoved. A slim hand is on his hip as he gestures toward Grant. “Yes, Dylan. It’s time. Come, Grant.”
With that, they stride out of the room, straight posture and confidence intact. The servers have cleaned up the mess, but Penny doesn’t resume her seat. She’s staring at Dylan as if waiting for her to do something. Dylan is still staring at the place where Hayden stood, a defeated look on her face.
My eyes fly from one of them to the other. Finally, I blurt, “Would somebody please tell me what the hell is going on? What affair is Hayden going to settle?”
Dylan only cuts me a look and doesn’t answer. I turn to my aunt, and her brows knit like she’s going to cry.
“Just tell her, Dylan,” she whispers. “She might as well know.”
Dylan’s lips tighten, and she strides to the portable wet bar. I watch as she takes a crystal tumbler and fills it with an inch of whiskey, which she immediately drains.
“Yes, please tell me, Dylan.”
Her eyes flash when they meet mine again. “As usual, you’re acting like a spoiled brat. Probably why he moved up the timeline.”
I can’t hide my anger at her accusation. “Stop saying that and tell me what’s happening!”
She shakes her head and pours another whiskey. “You’re so sheltered. You have no idea the pressure of maintaining a female-alpha pack.”
“You’re right, I don’t. Because you’ve never included me in anything!”
“Back in the day, when it was easier—”
“Are you attempting to imply there was ever a time when being a magical creature was easy?”
She shakes her head, walking slowly to the window. “No. It’s never been easy.” Lifting the glass, she takes another sip. “Our leaders hate strong men, but they fear strong women. Fear is a far worse enemy than hate could ever be.”
Holding the tall curtains open, she gazes up at the orange moon. My forehead lines as I consider her words. They explain nothing.
“What does any of this have to do with you and Hayden?”
Her arm drops along with her chin. “I’m tired,” she says softly. “I’m going to bed. I’ll explain it to you tomorrow.”
With that she leaves the room. I watch her swirl out in a sea of blue-green and brown hair. Glancing back at Penny, I see her watching me, still looking like she might cry.
“Well?” I say, hoping she’ll give me some insight.
She only shakes her head and looks down. “Goodnight, Mercy.”
Shoulders drooped, she walks out, leaving me with my spoiled dinner and a glass of wine. I finish it in two sips and retire to my own bedroom. The sooner this stupid night is over, the sooner I can find Koa and try to explain. Only I’m not sure how to explain what I don’t understand myself.
My eyes pop open just as the dawn is lighting the sky, and I jump out of my bed. Not even the birds are chirping as I fling open my balcony window, whip my nightgown over my head, and spring into my lynx form.