Finished


    Mia’s smile was warm as she called out, “Alpha Lucien, Matriarch, you must taste this–Miss Riley made these noodles herself.”


    Matriarch Duskgrave and Mrs. Beck both turned their eyes toward Riley, affection shining in their gazes.


    “Oh, my sweet cub, so thoughtful,” the Matriarch chuckled, her voice carrying the gentle authority of an elder wolf. “I’ve always loved noodles, and with looks and scent like this, they’ll be perfect.”


    Mrs. Beck nodded enthusiastically. “Indeed. Just the aroma alone could tempt any wolf. If she opened a shop, it would be packed every full moon.”


    Mia straightened her shoulders, pride in every line of her face. “First time making sunshine noodles, and they’re nearly better than mine–after decades in the kitchen. That’s our Miss Riley, clever in everything she tries.”


    The Matriarchughed, the sound deep and satisfied. “Exactly why I knew she’d be the perfect mate for our Alpha.”


    The three elder she–wolves circled her with words like warm pelts, piling praise higher and higher.


    Riley’s cheeks burned crimson. They were exaggerating–but the joy in their voices still curled warmly in her chest.


    “Matriarch, Mrs. Beck, please try my cooking. If you like it, I’ll make it for you often.” She nced toward Lucien Duskgrave, eyes bright with anticipation. “Alpha Lucien, you should try it too.”


    Lucien’s gaze fell on the few sprigs oftro floating atop the broth. His brow furrowed–just enough for a wolf’s sharp eye to notice–but he said nothing, sitting down without a word.


    Riley’s heart beat faster, her eyes fixed on him.


    In


    The scent oftro rose instantly, sharp and green, filling his mouth as he took the first bite. For an Alpha whoseposure was legendary, the slight stiffness in his jaw was almost imperceptible. He swallowed without flinching, forcing the difort down, and gave a faint smile.


    “It’s good.”


    “Really?” Her eyes lit like antern in the dark.


    Lucien nodded once. “Really.”


    Riley’s lips curved upward. “I’m d you like it.”


    To receive such praise the first time she cooked this dish… it surprised her<b>, </b>warmed her. Perhaps she really did have a knack for cooking.


    She picked up her chopsticks, tasting her own work. The rich broth mingled with the bite oftro and the fragrance of sesame oil, and her eyes softened, nearly closing in contentment.


    Sunshine noodles–her favorite, no matter how many seasons passed. Perhaps because, in the coldest winter of her life, Mia had served her this same dish, and it had warmed her through to her bones.


    As she savored the vor, she didn’t notice the Matriarch and Mrs. Beck exchanging startled nces while Lucien ate. They seemed on the verge of saying something, but the sight of Riley’s smile kept their words caged behind their teeth.


    Because of old injuries and a weakened stomach from her years in the Ebonw Pack, Riley ate slowly. By the time she had finished a single mouthful, she looked up to see Lucien’s bowl empty.


    Her eyes widened in surprise–then glowed with quiet happiness.


    Would you like another bowl, Alpha Lucien? I can make more.”


    Lucien’s reply was immediate. “No. I have work to attend to. You finish your meal.”


    He rose from his seat, movements smooth, precise, already turning toward the door.


    “Alpha Lucien,” Riley called after him. “<b>take </b>Caelum with you. I’m not going out today, and I’ll feel better knowing he’s with


    D


    Finished


    you.”


    Lucien inclined his head in acknowledgment. “All right.” With that, the tall Alpha strode from the house, the door closing behind him.


    In the car, Lucien leaned back against the leather seat, a flicker of fatigue in his eyes. He loosened his tie, revealing the edge of reddened skin spreading beneath his cor.


    From the driver’s seat, Caelum Knox caught the sight in the rearview mirror and frowned. “Alpha… did you eattro?”


    He knew well–Lucien Duskgrave was allergic. Even the smallest taste would bring a rash to his skin like wildfire through dry grass.


    Lucien exhaled through his nose, the sound controlled but heavy. “Find a pharmacy.”


    Back at the Duskgrave estate, Riley set down her chopsticks and turned to the Matriarch. “I’ll be going out for a while with <i>Mia</i>.”


    The elder wolf tilted her head. “Didn’t you just say you weren’t leaving the den today?”


    Riley had indeed told Lucien as much. That was precisely the point–she’d needed Caelum out of the house.


    Otherwise, the loyal wolf would shadow her every step.


    “Carmen called earlier,” Riley exined smoothly. “There’s an event at Ashmoor Academy for parents, and I thought I’d go with Mia to see her.”


    The Matriarch considered, then nodded. An open school event was hardly dangerous territory for their she–wolf.


    Once they were outside, Mia nced at her, brows knit. “Miss Riley… why did you lie to the Matriarch?”


    Riley’s expression darkened, her tone quiet but firm. “Mia… I need to go to the Ashmoor to meet professor Maeryn. For a full examination.”