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I frown, recalling the name, but it takes me a moment to place it. When I finally remember where I’ve heard the name, I gape at him in surprise. “As in the member of The Council,” I clarify, remembering the few times I’ve seen him on the television.

“Yup.” He practically grimaces as he acknowledges the connection.

“You sound…ecstatic about that fact.”

He scoffs. “Good assessment.” He taps his fingers on the table as he looks at me. “Have you ever been forced into something because your bloodline says so? I didn’t get to choose my ancestors, yet they get to choose my life choices.”

My jaw falls slack as I gape at him. Despite his humor and charisma, I have to remember he’s a mage; full of wisdom and prophecy most of the time, but it’s strange hearing it come from his lips.

Our drinks arrive, but it’s not Leticia that brings them over. I murmur my thanks, but they’re gone too quickly to hear it.

“That’s relatable,” I admit, taking a sip of my orange soda.

“How so?”

I find him staring at me intently, intrigued by what I have to say, and I gulp.

Fuck. I should have kept my mouth shut.

Clearing my throat, I downplay it the best I can. “It’s just, back home, on the ranch…ranch life isn’t for me, but that didn’t matter to my family. We’re born into these lives with our paths already laid out for us.”

“You get what I’m saying.”

It’s slightly impressive that he doesn’t try to degrade the example I give him. He sees the connection without thinking he experiences worse than me. If he knew the truth, he would think differently, but that’s not necessary. It’s not for him to know. I hold my secrets closer to my chest than I do my daggers.

Food arrives a moment later and my eyes widen in delight at the size of the steak on my plate. I think I’m in Heaven from the sight and smells alone. We both cut into our food and the moment the meat melts on my tongue, I groan. “Holy fuck.”

“Right?”

“I need to know how they did that,” I mutter in awe, blinking at the food like it’s a gift from Heaven.

“Magic, and not the real kind either. It’s Janie’s husband in the kitchen, Jake. He’s the best chef I’ve ever met in my life. I’ve tried to replicate it with real magic, too, but it doesn’t compare,” he admits with a grin.

I take another bite, and another, beyond lost to the delight on my tongue, when the double doors slam open with a thunderous hit, vibrating the entire room. Everyone goes still and the music stops as we all turn to the source of the sound.

Cassian prowls through the doors, hands clenched at his sides as his gaze trails over the room before landing on Brody and me. Raiden and Kryll are a step behind him, and my chest tightens.

“Why do I think we’re in trouble?” I ask, unable to tear my gaze away to question Brody, who curses under his breath.

“Because we are.”

“Why?” I finally turn to glance at him, guilt etched all over his face. “Why?” I repeat, frustration creeping up my spine as I glare at him.

“Fuck.” He glances over his shoulder, trying to see how far away his friends are before he quickly turns back to me. “Because Cass left the pack to attend the academy with us and he’s been exiled by his father. He’s not supposed to be here.”

Well, fuck.

All of that, and here he is. What shit has Brody got me involved in?

Gulping, I spin back to the wolf with his eyes set on us just as he appears beside our table, palms slamming down on the wood, clattering the cutlery as he turns to Brody.

“You are so fucking dead.”

TWENTY

ADDI

One hand slips lower than my seat, resting against the leather of my boot, the raised outline of the dagger pressing against my palm. My other hand falls against my waist, finger running over the silver that awaits.