Page 47

“Please,” I nod, my stomach growling at the sight of the perfectly golden pancakes. I hadn’t realized how hungry I was.

Jace pours me a mug of coffee, adding just the right amount of cream before sliding it over. “How’s the wrist feeling today?”

“Better. Still sore, but the meds help,” I say, flexing it gently to test the pain.

He nods, his expression softening. “I’m glad. We were worried about you, you know. When Kane brought you home...” He trails off, focusing intently on flipping another pancake.

Home. The word feels strange. This isn’t my home, but he says it so naturally. I take a bite of pancake to avoid responding, and a moan escapes me before I can stop it.

“Mhm.”

“Glad you approve,” he says, his voice huskier than before, and his eyes darken at the sound of my moan.

My heart hammers in my chest as our eyes lock.

There’s that same intensity I’ve noticed in all three men. Like they’re seeing something in me that I can’t see in myself. The air between us feels charged, heavier than it should be for a simple conversation over breakfast.

My stomach knots as I realize I need to tell him I’m leaving. I appreciate everything they’ve done, but I can’t stay here.

I need to get back to my life, no matter how messy it is.

“Jace, I-”

Before I can finish, the front door opens, and heavy footsteps approach the kitchen. Finn and Kane appear, their arms laden with pillows, blankets, and cushions of various sizes and fabrics. They dump their burdens on the kitchen floor, and I stare in confusion.

“What’s all that for?” I ask, gesturing toward the pile of soft materials.

Kane and Finn exchange a look I can’t interpret. Kane runs a hand through his dark hair, his piercing eyes finding mine. “For our future wife.”

My eyebrows scrunch together in confusion. “Your what?”

Finn avoids my gaze, and I wonder if he knows I saw him last night and if he smelled me in the hallway. The memory of his pleasure makes my cheeks flush, and I quickly look away. Jealousy stabs at my heart at the thought of them looking for a wife to share.

There’s no reason I should be jealous, I chide myself. These men are way out of my league.

Kane steps forward, his imposing figure somehow softer this morning despite his cryptic words. “It’s nothing, Mia. Just something we need.”

While they’re occupied arranging their strange collection in another room, Jace leans across the counter. “What were you about to say before they came in and distracted you?”

“I was just going to say that I should probably head out today. Thank you so much for everything- for letting me stay, for helping me with everything,” I say, gesturing vaguely at my wrist. “It means a lot.”

“You’re leaving? Where?” he asks sharply.

“Back to my apartment for now,” I reply quickly. “I need to get my things, and I should talk to my boss at the café about taking some time off until this heals properly.”

Kane returns just in time to hear my last sentence, and his face darkens immediately. “Absolutely not.”

I blink, taken aback by his authoritative tone. “Excuse me?”

“You’re not going back to that apartment,” Kane says, crossing his arms over his broad chest. “Not to that abusive asshole.”

“Kane,” Jace warns, shooting him a look I can’t interpret. “Calm down. There are other ways to say it without being all alpha on her.”

“No,” Kane shakes his head firmly. “She needs to understand that she’s not going back there. It’s not safe.”

I bristle at his commanding tone, even though a part of me feels warm and fuzzy at his concern. “I appreciate your worry, but I’m a grown woman. I can make my own decisions.”

“What happens if you go back there and he hurts you again?” Finn asks quietly, appearing in the doorway. His green eyes are intense as they meet mine.