Page 31 of Those That Are Lost

“You knew I wanted to come here,” I reply.

“Yes, but not why. I’m sorry they’re not here with you.” His hand gives my thigh a gentle squeeze.

“Me too.”

As the wolves continue eating, multiple conversations break out between the siblings and their parents. They engage with us like we’ve been part of their pack for years, it's a little disconcerting but I find myself warming to them, speakingmore. The youngest twins seem most interested and want to hear my stories of university and travel.

Henry gets chatting to Kai and Raff. It turns out Raff is a sand wolf, originating from the eastern borders of West Scotia. He found refuge here after the war with several members of his pack.

Ty, on my other side, fills Theodora and Eetu in on the last several months. I tune out most of it, not wanting to hear the bits that I get to relive most nights anyway.

Once the meal is done, the oldest—Colton, if I’ve remembered correctly—pardons himself, explaining that his mate is pregnant and waiting on him. He’s taking some leftovers for her and apologises that she couldn’t make the actual dinner because she’s in the sickness phase. As he leaves, the rest start gathering the now nearly empty plates and pans and begin the task of joint cleanup. It initially looks like chaos but the family works like a well-oiled machine.

Ty offers our help but it's refused.

After finishing his contribution, the young male twin bounces back to the table, lands on the chair next to Ty, and holds out his wrist.

“Can I go first?” he asks with excitement shining in his eyes. My own bulge out of my head a little. Even with Ty explaining that the wolves would be cool about, it seeing one volunteering his wrist is mind boggling.

Ty releases a chuckle. “Ever been bitten by a vampire?” He doesn’t move to take Rawson’s exposed veins.

My throat itches at the sight of them being waved around under our noses.

“No, but Ash says you can get high from it, like an adrenaline rush. I want to feel it.”

Now I’m smiling at his enthusiasm.

Eetu wanders back over, drying his hands on a dishtowelbefore flinging it onto his shoulder. “Your brothers may have exaggerated a bit, I’m afraid,” he tells his son.

“Still, I want to try it! Please?” Rawson waves his arm at Ty again. “Unless one of you two would prefer me?”

Saliva fills my mouth, my fangs extending instantly at the offer.

Ty, somehow sensing my reaction, takes Rawson’s wrist in his own hand. “I’ll bite you, but I think Rory should go first.”

I bristle at the insinuation but shake it off because I’m suddenly ravenous. If it means I’ll get blood quicker, then fine.

“Here, Aurora can have mine,” Ash calls over. He places the last dish away and walks to our table, pushing his sleeve up. I inhale, locking onto his scent. None of the wolves are as delicious as the humans but their blood promises a sweetness of magic which I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t intrigued by. Turning in my seat to stand, I feel too wired to stay seated.Do you think he’d let me bite his neck if I asked?

A hand lands on my hip to halt me.

“Only take a few mouthfuls, Red,” Ty speaks softly to me.

I glare down at him. “I’ve survived the last few months. Thanks, but I know what I’m doing,” I bite out.

He releases his hold.

I turn back to face Ash, but he’s looking past me to Ty. “Maybe I’m Henry’s dinner instead. Raff or Kai, one of you want to be Rory’s?”

He steps back from me, leaving me confused. I look back down at Ty who gives me a cock of his head and a lopsided grin.What just happened?

Before I can give it much thought, Kai steps in front of me, wrist held out.

“Help yourself,” he drawls.

I don’t need anymore encouragement. Bringing his wrist to my lips and without any hesitation, I sink my fangs deep into the veins.

Sweet, hot blood bursts into my mouth. I feel Kai flex his hand but before relaxing, allowing me to pull on the wound. I savour the few mouthfuls I take before releasing my teeth from his skin and licking the puncture wounds closed.