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Chapter Forty-Eight

Kade

Kade took a deep breath, inhaling the scent of electricity and the promise of a storm in the air. Behind him, Aster bounced in her rain boots as she clutched the feast Miss Patricia had sent them with. She gave him a wide, toothy smile. Tovi, on the other hand, stood regal and proud like she always did.

As he eased open Evelyn’s apartment door, he expected to find her in bed, maybe sleeping, and he cursed the moment he spotted her on shaky legs. She hung on to the edge of her kitchen table, wearing only the long white tunic Aster had dressed her in when she’d helped him heal her. Evelyn’s hair fell over her shoulder, untamed and long.

She shot him a scathing look. “Don’t.”

He fought a smile and said nothing, but Aster pushed him out of the way.

“Damn dandelions, Evelyn!” she said, dropping the bagged food on the table. “Are you mad?”

“No, just stubborn,” Evelyn said.

Aster’s frustrated expression fell, and her eyes grew wide. She launched into a hug, squeezing Evelyn tight along with Tovi. Kade had to intervene in order to stop them from toppling to the ground.

“She almost died,” he said.

Frustration laced his tone. Was he the only one who remembered three days ago? His wolf howled at the reminder, the air whooshing from his lungs. If his wolf had any say, he’d lock everyone out and oversee Evelyn’s healing himself.

“So you keep saying,” Evelyn said with a raised brow as he helped her into a seat.

Dark circles rimmed her eyes, but not as dark as the ones from that morning. The natural rosy hue on her cheeks had returned. Kade felt relief, thankful that rest had been good for her.

Evelyn studied him, her brows furrowing.

Kade swallowed, walking away as Aster and Tovi checked on Evelyn. He busied himself with the food. Barmbrack loaves, meaty stew, roast potatoes, and cinnamon scones. Miss Patricia had outdone herself.

“Thank you for the salve, Aster,” Evelyn said, and Kade stilled.

“Oh, that wasn’t me,” Aster said. “That was Kade.”

He turned, finding Evelyn wide-eyed and staring at him. She’d been referring to the green gunk on her arm, and Aster had been right. He’d done that, but he hadn’t been ready for this conversation yet.

“You did this?” she whispered. “But . . .” She stared down at her arm and shook her head. “This is a witch’s salve. I’ve watched my sister use it. How did you know?”

Aster stood between them, her russet eyes going back and forth. She coughed, taking a step back from Evelyn. “We came by to make sure you were all right, but Kade gave us strict instructions that you needed rest, and we weren’t to stay long.”

Kade gaped. “I said—”

“I also have to go close up the shop for the evening.” Aster gave Kade an expectant look only he could see.

“Plus,” Tovi added, “Aster and I are grabbing a drink at the Runaway Radish. We certainly need one after the last few days.” She raised her brow and crossed her arms. “We’ll come after the storm passes through and check in again.”

“All right,” Evelyn said. “Thank you both for . . . making me see reason.”

Aster kept her petite hand on Evelyn’s shoulder. “Of course.”

Tovi gave Evelyn’s hand a tender squeeze, the best friends’ eyes locking in a silent conversation only the two of them understood. Evelyn’s friends left, and the pattering of rain grew louder as the door opened for a moment, and then silence stretched between Kade and Evelyn.

Evelyn’s silver gaze, one that had almost gone out a few days ago, roamed over his face. Her expression begged for answers, but Kade needed a moment to figure out how to tell her so much.

“Are you hungry? Miss Patricia sent us enough to feed an army,” he said with a slight smile.

“If I eat, will you tell me where you learned how to make the salve?” Evelyn asked.

Kade sighed, running his hand through his hair. “Your entire healing regime cannot be based on bargains, Evelyn.”