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28

WREN

I woke in the cloud bed again. I felt even groggier than before, but empath migraines did that to me.

Peering into the dim light, I swept my gaze across the space and breathed deeply. I didn’t detect any of those now-familiar scents strongly enough to suggest they were in the room with me. Instead, I smelled… bacon? My stomach rumbled in response.

I swung up to sit, waiting to see if I got dizzy. Thankfully, there was none of that. I took in the hints of sunlight streaming in from the cracks in the curtains and wondered if I’d slept the entire day away.

Crossing to one of the windows, I flung the panel back, nearly blinding myself in the process. Definitely morning. I wanted to curse but felt so damn rested. It was the best sleep I’d gotten in years. Maybe since my mom had made me feel safe, even if that safety was a lie .

I turned back to the room, noticing a stack of clothes on the couch. I walked over to it and plucked up the note on top.

Thought you might want something fresh to change into. I had to guess at the sizes. There are toiletries and fresh towels in the bathroom. Hope you’re feeling better. -L

A shifting sensation rose in my chest as if my organs were moving and rearranging themselves. I ignored it and headed for the bathroom, clothes tucked under my arm. Flipping on the light, I gaped. It, too, was a modern showpiece. There was a massive steam shower in one corner, and a huge circular tub in another made entirely of windows—ones I could tell were one-way glass. There was a vanity and double sinks, and the entire place was decked out in white marble with antique gold fixtures.

I eyed the tub with envy but wasn’t about to take the time to soak when I didn’t know what awaited me outside. So, I opted for the shower instead. Turning on the water, I stripped out of my workout clothes, grimacing at the fact that I’d been in them for days at this point. I piled them on top of a hamper and stepped under the spray, letting out a moan.

If anyone had heard me, I would’ve been embarrassed. But right now, I didn’t give a damn. It had one of those rain showerheads that sent a steady stream cascading over me. My wolf snarled, wanting to play in the water, but also wanting to play with the wolves in her vicinity.

“Not today, girl.” The truth was, I wasn’t sure I could trust her to let me shift back, given how unstable she’d been lately.

I took my time washing my hair, shaving, and scrubbing every inch of my body. It was the best sort of luxury. One I couldn’t remember ever having. My mom had struggled to make ends meet, and I certainly hadn’t been afforded any luxuries while living with Bastian. While on the run, I was lucky if I managed clean and safe.

Tipping my head back, I let the water run over my skin, soaking in the warmth. But I knew I was procrastinating, putting off the inevitable. Finally, I forced myself to switch off the water and step out of the shower. I grabbed a towel off the rack and realized it was heated.

“Wolves with too much money on their hands,” I muttered. But as I wrapped the fluffiest towel imaginable around me, I realized I didn’t mind their over-the-top tastes.

I made quick work of brushing my teeth and towel-drying my hair, then turned to the stack of clothes on the vanity. There were jeans that looked like they’d fit just about perfectly, a bra and underwear in delicate pale-pink lace, and a flannel shirt and tank that were both incredibly soft.

They all looked like things I would pick out for myself, except the brands were a hell of a lot more expensive than what I’d buy. I winced, doing some mental math on how I could repay Locke. As I did, I quickly dressed and headed for the door.

I paused before it, taking in the cowboy boots with cozy socks draped over them. They were a deep brown but had teal detailing up the sides. As I bent to stroke them, I felt how nice the leather was.

A burn lit in my throat as I pulled on the socks and then slid the boots on. They fit perfectly. Locke must’ve checked the size of my sneakers.

It was too much—all of it—but I’d find some way to repay the kindness.

Taking a deep breath, I twisted the doorknob and stepped out into the hallway. The scents of bacon and eggs grew stronger, as did the sound of voices. I followed both, noting that I was on the ground floor.

I passed what looked like an office and a library, then spotted a dining room surrounded by a wall of windows. As I stepped inside, all talking ceased.

Only four of the guys were present, and I let out a sigh of relief that Ender was the missing one. At least I wouldn’t have to brace for an attack on that front.

“No morning escape attempts?” Puck asked, a glass of orange juice halfway to his mouth.

I sent a smirk his way. “Like you wouldn’t have caught me.”

Locke winced. “I might’ve activated the sensors on the doors and windows on this floor.”

Puck chuckled. “But I do love a chase.” His eyes heated as if that chase would end in something more than capture.

My wolf let out a low growl, but it wasn’t one of menace. It was full of want. Need.

“How are you feeling?” Kingston asked, his gaze roaming over my face.

“Good,” I answered honestly. “Back to 100 percent.”

That had the alpha looking slightly skeptical, but Locke cut in before he could say anything else. “Do the clothes fit all right?”

I turned my focus to him, even though Locke wouldn’t meet my gaze. “They’re perfect. Thank you. But they’re also too much. I’ll pay you back. It might take a little time, but?—”

“You will not.” The deep voice cut in from the opposite side of the table, and my gaze found Brix’s blue-green eyes.

I lifted a brow. “Bossy, much?”

Kingston chuckled. “Not usually.”

That had surprise flickering through me.

“Sit,” Puck said, pulling out a chair. “I bet you’re starving, and I made breakfast.”

I lowered myself to the chair as I took in the spread in front of us. “You mean you made a feast?” I asked, gaping at it all.

“Puck does nothing in half measures,” Kingston said, a smile in his voice.

“What would the point of that be?” Puck grumbled. “Okay, we’ve got scrambled eggs with sharp cheddar, biscuits, bacon, sausage, cheddar grits, and a fruit salad.”

My stomach rumbled in appreciation .

Puck only grinned wider. “What can I start you with?”

“I’ll take—” My words were cut off as a ball of fur leapt into my lap and instantly put its adorable kitten paws on my chest. “Well, who in the world are you?”

“That’s Princess. She’s Ender’s cat,” Locke said.

My brain short-circuited. “I’m sorry. What did you say?”