though, the most painful repercussion of my night.
“Fuck,” I groaned, rubbing my temples. I staggered to my feet and went to the bathroom, groping as I stepped into the shower and turned on the hot water, trying to quickly warm myself and get moving. Just because I was rested, didn’t mean anything was resolved. I had to find my phone and check in with Hasan, though I figured the werewolves probably passed on the major developments. I felt guilty, not calling before passing out, but I knew the Tribunal would understand. They knew their Executioners got beaten up.
When I stepped out of the shower, the headache was still there, but the heat and water had loosened me up enough not to feel like I was hobbling as I got into fresh clothes. Again, I was glad that Cassius was thoughtful enough to have clothing for me in his mansion. This time, I promised myself I wouldn’t be petty and petulant about it. What I had talked to Raphael about had really hit home. I was lucky to have Cassius and knew I needed to show that appreciation more.
Once I was dressed, I walked out to hunt down anything to eat. I had eaten a massive meal only two evenings ago, but I knew the night and the sleep burned through all of that. I could eat a horse and intended to find a meal comparable in size if I could.
“Good evening,” a gruff voice greeted me as I made my way into the kitchen.
“Hey, Terry,” I said, trying to smile. “How are you doing? Everything been safe and secure here?”
“Yup. You look like shit. Been cleaning up the prison mess, huh? You the one who got Leith all fucking worried?” The big werewolf was staring at me, something between disgust and annoyance on his face.
“Yup. You don’t need to thank me,” I mumbled, reaching for the refrigerator door. He was suddenly next to me and held it closed.
“I don’t like your guy. Why is he here?”
“He’s helping me. Is this about the smell thing?”
“He smells wrong,” the wolf growled. I looked up at him boldly.
“Then plug your fucking nose,” I snapped. “Now, I’m fucking starving, and you don’t own this kitchen, and I’ve about fucking had it with werewolf attitudes. I’ve dealt with a lot of them over the last twenty-four hours.”
“Really?”
“Three Alphas, Wesley, and two other motherfuckers who escaped the prison, so yeah,” I hissed.
“Three Alphas? There’s only two in this area. The next closest one is in Flagstaff, and that pack is small.” His hand lifted, but I could guess it was from shock or confusion.
“Tarak’s dead. Korey took over as Alpha and the werewolf Warden of the prison,” I explained, wrenching the fridge door open before he had the chance to stop me again. “You can send them a letter or something about the death, but yeah, I’m done.”
“And Wesley got out? Did you kill him?”
“No. Wagner helped contain him. Can I get something to eat?”
“Let me make you something. What would you like? Cassius had me learn a lot of recipes you might—”
“A burger. Make it a double, half-pound patties,” I said quickly, letting go of the fridge.
Of course, Cassius had him learn a lot of Indian food. Of course. Why wouldn’t he? He’s thoughtful like that.
The werewolf nodded and pointed to a spot to sit down in the kitchen.
“Will your guy want food, too?” he asked, watching me as he pulled out several pounds of ground beef.
“Probably. He’s been eating me out of house and home.”
“Okay.”
I watched him work until Leith walked in, followed shortly by the man in question. When Raphael came to sit beside me, I turned back to Terry and saw the werewolf’s nostrils flare as he took in the scents of the room. Most wolves scented the room subconsciously, but this was purposeful as though he was looking for information. When the werewolf looked up from his task at me, his eyes had changed. They were now a lighter brown, his wolf eyes.
He’s probably reacting to Raphael’s scent. I wish I knew what they caught.
“It’s good to see you awake and moving,” my roommate said, leaning over. It diverted my attention from the chef. Looking at Raphael, I licked my lips and caught his scent, too, but it was completely human. We were close together, so I caught more of his feelings in the scent. Normally, I tried not to be that close to people, but I hadn’t chosen the seating