Dire(36)
“Oh.” He laughed lightly. “That explains why you were uncomfortable.”
“I said we weren’t into sharing.”
He leaned in. “You’ve got that right. She was only kidding with you I’m sure. I apologize that she played with you that way.”
“Played with me?” She had seemed completely serious, but I preferred to think of it as a joke, especially if I was going to have to spend more time with her. “How long have you known Jocelyn and Isaac?”
“For years now. We met them when we were all living in Canada. We realized that an alliance was mutually beneficial, and then a friendship started to grow.”
“Are Jocelyn and Isaac part of a pack too?” I took a bite of the omelet.
He shook his head. “No. Jocelyn had a falling out with their Alpha’s mate, and they decided to make their own way.”
“Can you do that? Can you walk away from a pack?” I still knew nothing about pack relations, and I figured any information I could get might be helpful.
“Yes, but then you give up pack protection, and without it things can get dicey.”
“Can you kick people out of your pack?”
“You’re asking about Falcon.” Hunter pushed away his empty plate. “He stayed behind to round up a few other members of the pack. He’ll meet us.”
“How do you know? What if he doesn’t come?”
“Falcon likes to talk about leaving, but he’s too scared. He had a traumatizing experience when he was on his own. I won’t let him hurt you. When he’s back with us I can swear to you that he’ll leave you alone.”
I took another bite. The omelet was delicious. Jocelyn could definitely cook. “Once we get to New Orleans, what’s our plan?”
“We’re going to have to figure that out together.”
“Before or after you finalize everything with Gage?”
“Don’t worry, Mary Anne. I promised to save him. I’m not going to let him die.”
“Then what are we waiting for?” I wanted it all over with. I wanted everything behind us. Maybe then I’d be able to accept my new life.
“Let’s get to our new home. Then we can figure out everything else.”
We ate in silence for a few minutes before a knock on the door had us both turning around. Marni walked in. “Sorry to interrupt, but if we want to get any sleep before we leave again, now’s the time.”
“What time is it?”
“It’s about nine. I assume you want to get on the road early though.” Marni watched me with interest. What was she trying to figure out?
“That’s a good idea.” Hunter picked up our plates. “Thanks for joining me for dinner.”
“Isn’t that expected of me?” We both knew I’d given up my freedom.
“You didn’t fight it, and the conversation was lovely.”
Marni laughed. “You two already sound like an old married couple.”
“You say that like it’s a bad thing.” Hunter hesitated in the doorway.
“Not a bad thing at all.” Marni started to walk but then turned around. “We took rooms already, but Jocelyn insisted we leave you with the second master.”
“Thanks.” Hunter nodded. “Get some rest, Marni.”
“I will. Sleep well, Mary Anne.”
“Sleep well.”
Marni disappeared through a door, closing the door shut behind her. I wondered if Gage was in there.
Hunter walked into the kitchen with the dishes. The Sabers were the only ones still out there.
“How was dinner?” Jocelyn asked.
“It was great.” I smiled. “Thank you.” I was in no rush to go to bed with Hunter.
“No trouble at all. You helped.”
“I chopped peppers.” I wanted to keep the conversation going even if It was with a woman who’d played a joke on me.
“That’s helping.” She smiled. “And you must be exhausted.”
“From the chopping?” I joked.
“And whether you’re exhausted or not, it looks like Hunter is ready for you to be.” She nodded toward where Hunter stood.
“Oh yeah. Sleep.” I’d slept plenty in the truck, but I knew Hunter wasn’t going to let me stay out there alone.
All three of them laughed.
Jocelyn patted my arm. “Sleep well.”
“Thanks. Are you guys sleeping?”
“We’ll make sure trouble didn’t follow you down here. We can get more sleep later.”
“Ok, thanks.” I smiled and turned, surprised that Hunter was right behind me.
“Thanks, Jocelyn.” He took my hand and led me toward a set of double doors. “This is us.”