Wings of the Walker - CoraLee June Page 0,29

while with me. Let me complain about my travels to you,” Cyler joked. Jacob gave me a lingering, teasing smile that said he knew exactly what I was thinking, then headed over to sit at their large, dinner table. Kemper smiled at me then asked if I needed any help.

“Ah, no. Thank you, I’ve got it.” I answered nervously. These men were going to be trouble.

Lastly, two men that towered over the rest walked in side by side, joking with one another and blinding me with their bright smiles. Twins. Identical Twins. Both wholly absorbed within their own world and laughing with one another. They had short, brown hair, lightly-tanned skin, and muscles that put everyone else to shame. They were significantly taller than me, and I wondered how on earth there could be not one but two men that looked as perfect as them. Kemper coughed and looked playfully at me. Although I was embarrassed that he caught me staring, I shrugged. It was nearly impossible not to.

“You must be Ashleigh!” the one on the right said. He then walked up to me, leaving the other twin behind. He enveloped me in a big hug and spun me around the room. I hadn't experienced such open affections before, and the gesture made me nervous.

“I’m Patrick,” he said.

“And I’m Huxley,” the other added. Where Patrick was playful, Huxley was stoic. I shivered at his gruff scowl. If I didn’t know any better, it seemed he wasn’t happy at all to have me here.

Everyone sat down and maintained a comfortable conversation with one another. I kept quiet while I finished frosting the cake. Cyler boasted about his fight on the train, while everyone rolled their eyes at his retelling. It was apparent that they were close, I just wondered how I fit into this scenario.

Once everyone finished dinner, I started preparing plates and taking drink orders when Maverick clicked his tongue at me. He then helped me serve everyone’s dish and pulled out a chair at the head of the long table; He guided me to the chair with a firm, but comforting, hand. Everyone’s eyes turned to me, as though waiting for me to take a bite. It was customary for Walkers not to take a bite until their Holders have completed their meal.

“Please, eat!” I joked uncomfortably.

“Ah, in the Dormas province, the one that prepares the meal always takes the first bite,” Kemp piped in.

“Hurry up already, I’m starving,” Huxley complained.

Not wanting to upset them, I quickly grabbed my fork and shoved a scalding-hot piece of roast into my mouth. The heat burned, but I refused to flinch. All eyes were on me when I swallowed the meat with mock-ease.

“Dig in,” I said with a cracked voice.

Simultaneously, the entire table erupted in gulps and moans of appreciation. It felt good to see everyone enjoying my meal, and it made me feel slightly better about taking on such a beautiful room and using up their hospitality. Everyone remained quiet, too busy eating their food, so I took the opportunity to break the ice and bring up what Josiah mentioned earlier.

“I’ve been researching Dormas, and I have a question,” I said softly. All eyes except Huxley’s turned to me. “I-I want to understand my place here, fully. My whole life, I’ve been ordered around or provided direction on what to do. How to act. And now, I’m in this new place and at a complete loss. I need to know if I am expected to take you on as . . . lovers.” I choked on the last word but tried to remain calm and confident.

A mixture of expressions was thrown my way until a loud, booming laugh shook the table, causing me to flinch in embarrassment. I noticed Jacob doubled over and chuckling hysterically.

Like a tidal wave, once the first laugh started, the rest joined in until I couldn’t help but giggle in embarrassment at their reaction to my question.

“Ah dear, I haven’t laughed so hard in my life.” Patrick said while wiping tears from his cheeks.

“We’re so sorry, Ash, it's just, your face when you asked.” Cyler burst into a fit of more laughter. “You looked terrified.” His assessment of how I felt was accurate. It took a lot of courage to ask them that, but now I was feeling foolish.

I waited another five minutes until the laughter died down, and finally Maverick was able to answer my question fully.

“Let me address the first part of your question,” he