The Alpha Wants Everything Book 2 The Devil's Baker
Chapter 26: He’s Grumbly Today!

It was a hard night, Adonis had stood under Kenzi’s bedroom window listening to her cry. His heart shattered over and over again for her as he stood there, unable to do anything to relieve her pain. Kenzi fought to control every emotion, fought to prove she wasn’t a burden to anyone. Fought to show only a side of herself that wouldn’t bother others, regardless of the mess it made of her. When silence finally came from her room, he vowed that would be the last time she ever cried herself to sleep, it would be the last time she ever cried alone. He would be there for every tear she needed to shed, he would hold her tight and let her know it was alright. He was now lying awake on the floor of his room looking up at the ceiling. The time on his bedside clock brightly glowing in the darkness, but that is not what kept him awake. That is not what kept sleep from him. It was the events of the day before, it was the pain he saw break off little pieces of her, till she was just a shell of herself by the end of the day. At 2:30 a light illuminated his room. There was no way she could be up now, not after only getting a couple hours sleep. Sure enough though when he took his seat in his chair she was moving around her bedroom. How is she functioning? Odin was sleepy and his voice groggy in his head.

Wearing an oversized t-shirt and no bottoms he watched her move out of his sight, but when she came back she held a dress in her hands. Holding it to herself and looking in the mirror she cast it aside when it only reached her knees, she disappeared again. Coming back with a new one she repeated the same actions only for the same outcome. The third time she came back with a dress that reached the floor, but she cast that aside as well when she saw how low the back would go. What is she doing? Hiding! Hiding what? Her scars, herself! Could that be why his little mate wasn’t ready? Did she think her body was ugly? That her scars made her grotesque and no one would want to see them? She went to great lengths to keep them covered and hidden from others. He doubted anyone in this town other than a select few knew about them. What would happen if others did know? Would that shatter the lie they all believed? If they saw her past for themselves would they understand and stop thinking there was something wrong with her? Would they see that they were to blame? Would they see the part they played and the part they continue to play? They had to know. They had to know what happened to her, but they chose to sit by and do nothing. Would seeing those scars expose the truth they were so desperate to hide? Would it make them feel guilty?

He watched her come back with another dress, the neckline coming to the back of her neck and the hem touching the floor only to cast it aside when she saw the slit in the dress. She sat down on the end of her bed holding her knees to her chest, he didn’t need to see her right leg to know that her fingers were tracing and retracing the scar on it. He watched her close her eyes and hit something on her phone. She needed to shut off the world, she needed to make it quiet. She needed to make herself louder.

Car’s dyin’,

Not a lot of money,

Scared to check my checkin’ account,

I guess I’m walkin’ for now,

But at least I’m finally gettin’ exercise.

Bus ridin’,

Some dudes were mean muggin’,

Got a blackened eye and a cameo appearance on Cops,

But at least I’m finally gettin’ televised.

Well I could,

Focus on the hate,

Relive yesterday,

And block out all the sunshine.

Or I could,

Focus on my lane,

Just live for today,

Sights set on the bright side.

Oh-Oh

She sang out loud, getting louder by the chorus, her smile back on her face, she set about her task once again of replaceing something to wear. She continued to sing, louder and louder till her voice filled the morning, he couldn’t help but move his head along with the song she was belting out.

Bicycle,

Runnin’ late and rushin’,

Looked down for a second and slammed into a car in the lot,

But at least I’m getting outta work tonight,

Hospital,

Got my third concussion,

Callin’ up my boss to explain, he says I’m losin’ my job,

But at least I got more time to ride my bike.

Well I could,

Focus on the pain,

Relive yesterday,

And block out all the sunshine.

Or I could,

Focus on my lane,

Just live for today,

Sights set on the bright side.

Oh-Oh

(Upside Down - Set It Off)

By the time she headed towards the bathroom her smile was back in full force and she looked stronger than yesterday. He admired her, she never let the past stop her, she pushed herself forward never dwelling too long on the negative, always trying to replace the light in the dark, much like the song she was just singing. It’s cause she buries the negative till it eats her alive! Odin grumbled in his head. What made you pissy this morning? Your actions yesterday concerned me! I know they did! I thought….! I know what you thought, and you should know I would never. We found her Odin, she is the only one I want! We are frustrated! We get to kill things instead! Crush a succuwhore with a church bell? Yes Odin! Should of crushed her last night! It was very tempting! I think I heard a bone crack! One or two might have snapped!

His eyes blackened when he saw her come out of the bathroom wrapped in just a towel. He has to stop peeking in her window, she tortured him when he did. Her skin was still damp from the shower and he could see little droplets of water cascading down her bare back and disappearing under the towel. Picking three colours from the bag of bandages, she grabbed something out of her top drawer and her chosen dress and headed back towards the bathroom, only to come back and grab something else out of the top drawer. His little mate almost forgot panties! Bet she needs help! How’s that going to go for us Odin? Really well I bet! Uh huh, hey I was watching you from my bedroom window and couldn’t help but notice you were about to put those bandages on your back and thought you might need help! Ok, when you say it like that, it might not go well for us! You’re such an idiot!

It was a while before she came out of the bathroom again, he was starting to drift off to sleep. He silently cursed himself when he saw her, her face was red and splotchy. She needed help but he couldn’t help her, and he knew she wouldn’t ask him for help at this time in the morning. She still looked beautiful, the dress she chose flowed over her body, slightly revealing the curves beneath it, but still leaving quite a bit to the imagination. His eyes travelled up and down her, as a smile spread across his face. He watched as she did her hair. How she could make a simple braid look elegant was beyond him, but on her it did. Moving immediately from his room and a way from the window he headed outside. He needed to run. Under the cover of darkness he shed his clothes and shifted into his pure black wolf and took off into the woods, to burn some energy, frustration and to replace something to kill. He would come back and she would be at the bakery, though the thought angered him. She worked way too hard. But if he didn’t see her, she couldn’t torture him, entice him into to staying for another day. He needed things settled in the city, when that was done, he was free to spend as much time with her as he wanted, she would never get rid of him. Prepare yourself, lil button, The Devil wants his bride! Indeed I do!

Adonis and Odin took turns running all over their territory, they toured around the camp for a bit then ripped back into the woods at high speed. Zig zagging between the trees, jumping logs, smelling everything they could, learning all the paths and obstacles. They chased a rabbit for a bit, had no intention of eating it but Odin liked the fear it gave off. His excitement for the hunt fed off of it. They stalked a deer, and then a moose. Followed a grizzly bear around. That might have been stupid though. Odin was itching for excitement, for some fun, but the bear wasn’t having any of it. Stupid bear! Gee something far more dangerous than it. I’m shocked he didn’t come running to give you a hug! I just wanted to play with it! Then go play! Let’s go eat the moose! Bon appetit Odin! I hate French, speak Romanian! Bucurați-vă! Running back through the woods as fast as they could, they continued to expend their pent up frustration. Making it back to the house they were spent, they had nothing left. Slowly shifting back and getting his clothes back on Adonis headed back inside. Standing in his living room he looked towards Kenzi’s house. Her car was missing and he knew she had gone to the bakery. He had an urge to go as well, but if he did that again he knew he wouldn’t be able to leave her side. Instead he headed upstairs to his room, he was in need of a long hot shower.

Kenzi was standing in the kitchen of the bakery. She knew what needed to be done, but she couldn’t move. She just stood there frozen in place. She had double checked she had her keys, she had double checked that both the front door and the back door were locked up tight. Usually she unlocks the back door so Julio can come in, but a wave of fear washed over her at the idea of doing that. She wanted her wolf. He made her feel better. He would probably eat everything in the bakery though and she wouldn’t have anything to sell. He’d probably also scare all the customers. She wanted Adonis, he made her feel safe and protected. He wouldn’t let anything happen to her and he wouldn’t eat the bakery or scare the customers. But he had things to do in the city and she knew she couldn’t ask him to come. Maybe she could call him, just hearing his voice might make her feel better. She pulled out her phone and just before she dialed the number she stopped herself. He wouldn’t be awake at this time and she didn’t want to wake him up. She was just being silly.

“Silly girl, this is jus silly.” She has come to the bakery every morning by herself for years. Why now did she need someone to hold her hand? She decided she would put on music instead and she would call him later when she knew he would be awake. She also had to take it easy, she was supposed to be wearing those special bandages the doctor gave her, but after she fought with them in the bathroom she wasn’t. Slowly she made it to the fridge turning the ovens on as she went to pull the racks of bread dough.

Harvey messaged her yesterday saying the ovens she ordered would be here this week, and one of the boys would be over to set them up for her. Plus she had Jackson coming to fix the door so it doesn’t stick anymore, and Maggie said she would be in every day at six to help her. Even though she protested, Maggie wouldn’t hear it. So she would have people around, it was just the initial being alone part. The promise she made to Adonis yesterday popped into her head. If she needed anything she was supposed to call.

“It’s bad juju to break a promise” Kenzi thought about that, wouldn’t that be what she was doing if she didn’t call him. But did she really need him, or was she just being stupid.

“Maybe I could message him, then if he replies back I can call, and if he does….int then no worries. I didint breakded my promise.” She pulled her phone out again. “What do I say? Hi, this is Kenzi….no he’ll know it’s me….um….Are you awake?....no, he won’t be….um….hi! Yeah I could say hi”

K: Hi!

She closed her eyes and hit send. Biting her lip, she hoped he was still sleeping and this wouldn’t wake him up, she would feel bad if it did. Though she did feel better now that she messaged him and she was able to get her day started. When Why Worry by Set It Off came on her playlist, a smile crossed her face. This was a good song for today.

This sinking feeling sets,

It feels just like a hole inside your chest.

I know you’re thinking,

No, no, no, no, it is easier said than done,

But please let me attest.

I know it’s hard.

You’re feeling like you’re trapped,

But that’s how you react,

When you cannot see the light.

But try and see the light.

I’m tellin’ you,

No, no, no, no,

You’re the only one

Standing in your way,

Just take a breath, relax, and tell me…

Why?

Please tell me why do we worry?

Why?

Why do we worry at all?

Why?

Just tell me why do we worry?

When worry is never helping tell me

Why?

Why worry at all?

Her phone ringing interrupted her singing along to the song, she was feeling much better now.

“Hello!” She answered breathlessly into the phone, but he could hear the smile in her voice

“Hello sweetheart! If you keep answering the phone breathlessly, I’m going to start thinking you’re doing more than just baking” His deep voice greeted her on the other end.

“Shameless!” His deep chuckle sent shivers up her back.

“How are you doing?” He toned down the concern he was feeling. When he stepped out of the shower and saw that he missed a message a tinge of panic rippled through him, it only intensified when he saw it was from Kenzi.

“I’m ok….now” the tone in her voice told him she wasn’t just saying it to cover something up like she usually does.

“You weren’t ok before?” He kicked himself when he missed the message, and again when he didn’t go to the bakery to see her.

“Yes….no, I was being a big baby. I didint wake you up did I?” She was worried this was why he was calling. She texted and it woke him up.

“No, I’ve been up for an hour. Getting ready to head into the city, the faster I get there, the sooner I can leave.” He replied, if he didn’t have to go then he wouldn’t be. “I would rather be at the bakery with you, seeing how red I can make you go”

“Relentless!” He chuckled again,

“Not sorry!” She giggled.

“Are you sure you’re ok, sweetheart?”

“Yeah….um….jus gedded a lit-tle….it’s ok, Maggie will be here soon, and I’m not going to unlock any of the doors until she is.” She almost told him and that was a step in the right direction.

“Ok, remember what I said, if you need anything the boys are around. It won’t be any trouble for them.” She was nodding her head as he spoke, then it registered that he couldn’t see her

“I member! Thanks for calling me”

“You’re welcome!”

When they disconnected he couldn’t help the smile that crossed his face. She reached out! Yes she did! Didn’t say anything! She didn’t have to! She’s scared! Not surprising, considering what she went through! She kept her promise! It would be bad juju not to! The fuck is bad juju? Something I’ve only ever heard Jackson and Tyler say! The fuck is it? Bad luck? When he finished getting ready, he would drive by the bakery and take a look around before he headed off to the city. He wanted to make sure she was safe, he wouldn’t relax until he did.

The day was long and tiring and it was closing in on three in the afternoon. He hated people and listening to some of the ones in the office just made him hate them more. His pack members were also becoming aggravated listening to them. There were a few that were ok, James, Jonathan even Mark was tolerable. You like them! Shut up! You do! If not wanting to kill them constitutes liking them! He didn’t know how some Alpha’s did it. How could they be cooped up in a building all day? He wanted to be out, he wanted to be in the woods running. Cement and windows did not do it for him. But he knew some that thrived in the cities, calling it a concrete jungle. To him it felt like a prison, one he desperately wanted to escape the second he entered it. He had texted her periodically throughout the day, making sure she was fine, maybe flirted with her a little. She was, both Tyler and Jackson had popped in to visit her. Jackson needed to take a measurement for the door and he ended up staying an hour sampling whatever it was she was baking. Tyler came and took her for lunch, but wouldn’t let her have fries and apparently Patrick was thankful that at least someone was on his side. Kenzi still didn’t understand why Tyler was fussing over her though. But he stayed with her for almost two hours refusing to let her do any lifting. He was going to have to tell her. He thought about messaging her again, but with everyone checking in on her making sure she was ok, she might be tired of it by now. He was going over more employee files taking a deeper look at them then what he did initially. More people needed to go. He was ok with that, the under performers were dead weight and an unneeded expense.

….RRRIIINNNGGG….

The ringing of his phone drew his attention and he answered immediately.

“Yeah!” He spoke into the phone, not taking his eyes off the file he was looking at.

“What are you wearing?” The low sensual voice on the other end asked. A shiver running up his spine.

“Excuse me!” His eyebrows shot up, alarm bells ringing in his head, as the file dropped to his desk. A sensual giggle came through the line at the bewilderment that laced his voice.

“Don’t play Mr. Bradshaw, but if you’re not going to tell me maybe I can guess.” The low and sultry purr of the voice replied, but a smile crossed his face. Little minx!

“You had me there for a bit, but you gave yourself away, Ms. Templeton. Aside from my employees, only one other person calls me Mr. Bradshaw, but I don’t think Maggie wants to know what I’m wearing.” He heard her giggling on the other end.

“She could want to know, you don’t know that.” Her voice was light and musical, just the interruption he needed from these tedious employee files.

“Maybe she does. What are you doing you little minx?” She giggled again,

“Maggie kickded me out!” The little huff she did when she said that had him chuckling.

“Well, then take a break and go back in an hour” he could just imagine the look on her face

“I can’t! She kickded me out, out, said she does-int want to see me till tomorrow. I over-floweded the display cases again even with all the samples Jackson and Tyler had. I said I would jus stay in the kitchen, but she said I would jus bake more stuff and to get out.” She huffed again.

“So you decided to call me?” A knock to his door pulled his attention from the phone, motioning for them to drop the file and leave. He didn’t want any interruptions.

“You call me all the tine. What are you doing Mr. Bradshaw?” Again a shiver ran down his spine when she used that sensual tone as she called him by his last name.

Kenzi had worked up the courage all day to call him, and she practised her voice and what she was going to say when she was alone in the kitchen.

“I have been going over boring files for the most part of the day, but I did get out of the office to buy a new bed.” She could hear the hint in his voice, her smile spreading across her face.

“I see….too bad I wasn’t there to help you pickded it out. How do I know if it’s going to be com-comf-comfy? I might not want to invite myself into it.” She could feel her heart beating faster.

“When it’s delivered this week, you could come over and test it out with me.” The hitch in her breathing and he knew he was getting to her. She was getting to him as well.

“Maybe I will….black….or….blue?” Kenzi’s face was beat red, the butterflies in her stomach soaring to dangerous new heights as her words became bolder and bolder.

“Black or blue….what?” He asked, he knew what she meant, but he wanted to see how far she would take this bold move of hers.

“I have to go now….Mr. Bradshaw” She fought to keep control and give away nothing. She didn’t want him to know the butterflies were dancing up a storm inside her.

“Don’t you hang up on me Ms. Templeton” Is she not going to tell you? She has to tell you? Visions of her in black and blue lace panties swirled and danced in his head. His core set a blaze.

“Goodbye….Mr. Bradshaw” His breathing had increased when she dropped her voice again. The sultry purr she laced her words with sent his mind swirling even more and shivers racing up and down his spine.

“Kenzi!” Standing at his desk now, he could hear the sweet sound of her laughter.

“Kenzi!”

“Kenz….*CLICK*....she hung up on me” That little minx! I think it’s time to leave Odin! About time!

It was only three in the afternoon, but his little mate just worked him into a frenzy. He was either going to replace her and kiss her into oblivion or take an extremely long cold shower. Or both, and a run!

Kenzi stood in her kitchen trying to figure out her next course of action as she drank her coffee. She had taken it easy all day, and with Jackson and Tyler helping her with all the lifting, she didn’t overwork her back. She was feeling pretty ok actually. She could try reading the book Barabra gave her again, but it frustrated her and truthfully made her feel stupid. She wasn’t the smartest girl and she knew that. In order to be smart she would have to have gone to school, but she’s never stepped foot in the building. The school board decided she would be too much of a distraction to the other kids, and one child’s education couldn’t be more important than the education of many. She didn’t think she was the dumbest, but there were just so many words she didn’t know, and that book seemed to be full of all of them. She would write them all down so she could look them up, but when it seemed that she was just writing down the whole page she gave up on it.

Maybe she could try her butter rum peachy plums. That seemed like a much better thing to do. She would make tarts, and she could make some berry ones as well. Maybe the boys would like some. Jackson and Tyler sampled a lot of stuff at the bakery, but Elijah and Adonis didn’t get to. Just the thought of Adonis and the conversation she had with him came back to her. Her cheeks went red, at the question she asked him, the flustered sound of his voice when she said she was going to hang up. Her heart was beating so fast, and the butterflies in her stomach were doing loop de loops.

“Don’t get your hopes up girl, jus friends, and that’s ok, at least he wants to be a friend and who….cou-dint use more friends. Cou-dint, could….int, could…int, could-int couldint!” That sounded right to her. It sounds like how the uthers say it….couldint! Putting her music on she set about her task of making the crust dough.

Adonis had arrived home just before five. He pushed the pedal the whole way. Visions would not stop running loose in his head of her in lace panties. A run, a shower and if neither of those worked he would make her pay for the angonizinly tantalizing torture she put him through. He had no idea what he would do to her, but he would make her pay. Her car was parked in front of her house so he knew his seductive little baker was home. He just hoped the others weren’t home as he walked into the house. Devil gets his wish! Standing in the living room he heard no one else in the house. Quickly making his way to the backyard he shed his clothes in the shadows of the trees and set out on his second run of the day. They ripped through the trees, jumped over fallen logs. Their feet thundering across the dirt of the forest floor. Holding nothing back, they ran. A full loop later they were coming back to the house, when Odin caught the scent of something floating on the evening air. Bewitching and alluring lavender and green apples surrounded them. Calling them to replace her. Who doesn’t love a good hunt!

Finished with her tart crusts, the day’s light had begun to fade from the sky. If she was going to pick fruit she better get a move on before it gets too dark. Deciding twelve of each peaches and plums would be the right amount she would need to fill all the tart shells. Plus she wanted to make some berry tarts so she grabbed some extra baskets for that as well. The forest was growing a little dark, but now was a good time to pick berries, most of the forest animals were heading off to bed or just starting to wake up. She looked around quickly gazing into the darkness of the woods; she couldn’t help but get the feeling that she was being watched. Shrugging it off and putting her music in she headed into the woods to pick berries first, singing along to Sorry But I’m Single by The New Cities.

You’re right I could be wrong, but God it feels so right

Word on the street, I’m broken and beat

But I’ve never been so alive

You might think I’m lost, maybe you’re right I ride at my pace, cause this is no race, that’s how I get around

Call me what you will, I’d like to see you try

I’m Sorry, I came across the wrong way

I’m Sorry, I wouldn’t trust me anyways I can’t promise anything anymore...

(I can’t promise anything, I won’t promise anything)

But maybe I could change your mind If baby, you’d give me just a night I can’t promise anything anymore

Sorry but I’m Single

What is she doing? Enjoying herself! Does she not know there’s bears? She probably does, but if she sings they won’t bother her much! Why? Cause she doesn’t sound like food, when was the last time you heard a deer sing? That’s not something I’ve ever seen let alone heard! You seem to forget Odin, she’s been taking care of herself long before we came along! But it’s our job to take care of her! And we’ve done a bang up job so far! Who’s fault is that? I’m gonna go with yours! Funny, I was thinking the same about you! Of course you were! You have to admit though, seeing a deer break out in song would be something to see! Adonis wasn’t even going to touch that one.

They followed her through the woods as she sang the words to song after song. When she finally stopped in a small clearing, lifting her head she scanned the woods one more time, but once again brushed off the feeling of being watched. She was in the woods, she probably was being watched by something. She wasn’t exactly quiet about being there, but that was the point, she didn’t want to sound like food to bears and if she was singing they would leave her alone.

All you beautiful freaks

Just grab somebody and light the place up

Light the place up, yeah

If you’re a beautiful freak

No sleep, light the place up

Light the place up, yeah

Oh ohhh, oh

Oh ohhh, oh

Oh, oh,

Ohhh, oh,

Oh, oh, ohhh

(Beautiful Freaks - Hot Chelle Rae)

Inching slowly closer to her, Odin started whimpering, he didn’t know why they were staying in the shadows. It’s not like they’d scare her, she knew him, she’d be happy to see him. Odin stop it! You stop it, I’m going to see her! No you’re not! You can’t stop me! ODIN! ADONIS! Fucking beast! Fucking human! Tell me why, give me one damn good reason!....I’m waiting!....that’s what I thought, I’m going to see our mate! Asshole! Don’t bite her ass! He could hear Odin laughing at him as he slowly began to step out of the shadows and into the clearing. With her back to him he moved closer to her. Kenzi paused what she was doing and stood up pulling her headphones off. She feels us! Yes she does! Turning around, their eyes locked, her smile spread across her face when she saw him.

“Was wondering when I’d see you again” she put her basket of berries down and Odin wasted no time in rushing to see her. She threw her arms around him as his nose snuffled into her neck drawing her scent in deeper to him. She smells so good! Easy Odin, remember her back! But she smells so good and I didn’t get to see her yesterday, some succuwhore interfered! I know, you missed her! I love her! I do too! When can we tell her about us? Soon, very soon!

Odin hooked his paw around her bottom and pulled her closer, he wrapped his neck over her shoulder to hold her as close as possible. She buried her face in his fur and let the sparks and tingles jump all across her body.

“You has to be gentle. I’m pose to be wearing a….com….com….special bandage, but I has a fight with it in the bathroom this morning and I’m not. I can’t get them on by myself. So there can’t be any of your non-non-sense today, you has to behaze” She told him as she scratched behind his ears. When he pushed the top of his head towards her.

“What?” She asked, smiling at him, when he did it again she realized what he wanted “Oh, do you serve one?” He nodded his head and bowed once more. Leaning forward she placed a gentle kiss on his forehead, nuzzling into her he returned the favour causing her to giggle.

Odin grabbed one of the berry baskets and looked at her expectantly.

“You want to help me pick berries?” He moved towards one of the bushes and waited for her to join him. “Ok, jus a lit-tle bit longer though, I still has to pick peaches and plums and it’s gedding dark” Kenzi continued picking berries until all her baskets were filled and they headed back to her house.

She’s standing on a fucking bucket! She doesn’t like ladders! There better than a fucking bucket! Odin was right beside her incase she fell, he would huff and grumble, but stand closer when he would see the bucket tip or she would start to wobble.

“Stop huffing at me.” She scolded. Use a damn ladder!

“It’s not helping” Know what would help….a ladder!

“If you don’t like it, you don’t has to help” I don’t like it, you’re standing on a fucking bucket! You know she can’t hear you right? Makes me feel better to respond! Ok! Like we’re having a conversation! Not judging!

“Maybe you’re jus hungry” I could eat! Odin perked up at the mention of food.

“Ok, jus a couple more, then I’ll fix us some dinner” Ok, but I still don’t like you standing on a fucking bucket!

“Do you want pancakes? I kind of feel like pancakes and bacon tonight” Ooo bacon! He licked his chops as he looked up at her.

“I don’t know if you’re pose to eat pancakes and bacon,” She said as she pulled another peach from the tree. No law saying I can’t!

“Maybe I should look up what you’re pose to eat and not feed you human food all the tine.” She mused, that might be a better idea. No, no, no don’t do that! He shook his head at her, causing her to giggle.

“Ok, that should do it, ready for dinner?” Yes I am! Odin again looked up at her, licking his chops. He waited for her to get off the bucket before picking up the basket of plums, then followed her into the house.

Placing down a bowl of water for him, she set about her task of making the batter for pancakes, she had picked enough berries that she added some to the mix as well. Odin looked at the bowl then looked at her. Adonis was howling in his head. The fuck? I’m not a pet! She doesn’t know what you are! I’m not a pet! She also knows you need water! I’m not a pet! You drank dirty puddle water, this is cleaner now be a good boy and drink up! Fuck you, you drink out of a bowl! Happily, it means I would get to taste dinner! I will not eat out of a dog dish!

With the aromas of bacon and pancakes filling the kitchen, Odin couldn’t help the whimper he released.

“Ok, it’s coming, jus waiting on the bacon.” She replied, giving him a quick scratch behind the ears. She was also in the process of making her filling for the berry and peachy plum tarts. Odin might have mooched a sample of each. Fuck, that is good! Licking his chops as he nudged her arm for more.

“Maybe some with the pancakes. Do you want to sit at the table or on the deck?” She asked. The deck! He looked towards the outside then back at her.

“I like sidding outsigh-d too,” She agreed, grabbing two plates from the cupboard. It was the first time he realized she only had four plates. Noticing his look she gave him a small smile.

“It’s jus me that lives here, and I don’t entertain much, so there’s no point hasing any more dishes than that. Some-tines I think what I has is too much. I only ever use one. It’s ok though it’s not important, it gives me lots of tine to work on recipes and the garden.” She added, putting food on the plates. Adding more food onto his when he nudged her arm again.

“Ok, ok. More for you” The giggle slipped past her lips as she obliged the oversized wolf in her kitchen begging for more food. Grabbing both plates the syrup and a small bowl of the tart filling they headed out to the deck.

“Are you pose to has syrup?” She asked, looking at him. Yes I am! Kenzi bit her lip, he probably wasn’t supposed to be eating anything she was feeding him, but he was. Giving him a little bit on his pancakes she cut them into smaller pieces for him then put his plate in front of him. She cut my pancakes! Probably didn’t want to watch you wolf a whole one down like a savage beast! Fuck you human, I don’t have hands. If I did, maybe I would be more civilized! No, you’re still savage, you just have hands! Fuck you, asshole! You forget I’ve seen you kill things and I’ve seen you in human form!

“Hey, Lil Kenzi Cakes have you seen….holy shit that a big puppy. The fuck Kenzi?” Jackson’s voice rang out in the evening air, he stood frozen in her backyard staring at the giant pure black wolf dining on the deck with her.

“Jackson!” She looked quite alarmed when she saw him standing there. This was supposed to be a secret between her and the wolf. But what she did next shocked them all. Placing herself in between Jackson and the wolf, Kenzi used her little body to shield and protect Odin.

“It’s ok, he’s not gonna hurt you” she said. Don’t bet on it! Odin behave!

“You feedin him?” Jackson asked, looking at the plates of food on the table.

“You’re not gonna tell no one, are you?” She knew she would get in serious trouble if any one knew what she was doing. Her anxiety growing at the situation Odin nudged her back and then placed his head on her shoulder.

“Nah! I ain’t gonna tell no one” Jackson replied. He could hear Ko whimpering in his head. How come he get pancakes an bacon? Not now Ko! That bullshit an you know it. Wait till Bal fine out! Jackson could not only hear Ko huffing in his head, but both Adonis and Odin laughing.

“Do you want some dinner?” Kenzi asked, she didn’t know what else to do, and Jackson might be hungry.

“You sure he din’t eat it all?” Jackson motioned towards Odin. He tried not to laugh when he heard Odin grumbling at his question, but the smile was undeniable on his face.

“No he didint eat it all, there’s still pancakes and bacon,” she replied, looking back at her wolf’s plate.

“Pancakes an bacon for dinner that be great, thank you,” Jackson said. ….grrrrrr…. He moved closer to the deck only for Odin to release a small growl causing him to stop.

“Hey, that’s nuff now. You has to be a good boy.” She kissed his forehead and Odin nuzzled into her. Jackson watched the interaction with curiosity. He’s seen many sides to Odin, but not this one.

“Ok, can you watch my dinner please? He’ll steal it.” Hey! Deny it I dare you! So my track record is spotty! Spotty? Don’t judge! Judging!

“Yeah, I can watch it” It was becoming harder and harder for Jackson to hide his humour at the conversation that was going on. Standing up Kenzi moved Odin’s plate to the other side of her so Jackson could sit down. Then she walked into the house to get another plate. She couldn’t help the little bubble of excitement at using another dish. Though she used all her dishes the other day as well when everyone spent the night at her house, it never really registered. The day didn’t really start or end well, the middle part was good though.

“The fuck you doin?” Jackson asked through the link, as he looked into the house to make sure she wasn’t coming back.

“Odin’s getting dinner” Adonis answered,

“You shittin me?” Jackson was bewildered, Ko was going nuts in his head.

“She offered, and he refuses to turn her down.” It was the only thing Adonis could think to say to defend Odin’s behaviour.

“I don’t blame him, I ain’t turnin her down either.” Seemed acceptable to him, he jumped at the chance to eat her cooking again.

“The fuck?” Jackson looked over, he could see Tyler standing on the deck looking at Odin. “The fuck goin on there?” He asked. Elijah stepped out onto the deck as well and stared wide eyed at the sight he saw.

“Gettin dinner!” Jackson threw his hands up, not entirely sure how to answer that.

“Did you want some-thing to drink? I has whisky, bourbon, scotch, rum, tequila.” Kenzi spoke as she came back out with a plate for Jackson.

“Evenin Kenzi!” Tyler called laughing,

“Tyler….Elijah!” She jumped a bit, almost dropping the plate she was holding. She looked from Odin to Tyler and Elijah and then back to Odin. “They’re not gonna tell, are they?” She asked Jackson. This was bad, really bad, the more people that knew she was feeding a giant wolf the more likely her secret was going to get out.

“They ain’t gonna tell!” Jackson assured her,

“Do you guys want some dinner?” She asked as she handed the plate to Jackson. They were probably hungry as well. Tyler perked at the offer of food, he looked at Elijah then back to the pancakes Jackson was now drowning in syrup.

“That’d be great, please. I could eat.” Not bothering with the stairs Tyler jumped the railing to the deck. THUD! Landing barefoot on the ground and was around the corner and in her backyard. Jackson cracked up laughing at the speed Tyler was there.

“No way in hell I turnin down Kenzi’s cookin, I ain’t stupid” Tyler stated,

“At leas Eli took the damn stairs,” Jackson choked out.

“She moves him to the ground, you’re all in trouble” Odin was already grumbling in his head about the extra people.

“Her cut his pancakes?” Tyler was laughing,

“Yes she did” What more could Adonis say to that, she did cut up his pancakes.

“How many times has she fed him?” Elijah asked, watching Odin continue to devour his plate.

“A couple” She’s fed Odin more than she’s fed him.

“This where you been runnin off to at night?” Jackson asked, but before Adonis could answer Kenzi was coming back with more food.

She came back out of the kitchen with another plate and a bowl.

“I’m sorry I don’t has no more plates” She apologized,

“I eat out a bowl, it jus means my pancakes getta soak in syrup. Thank you” Tyler said, accepting the bowl from her.

“Thank you Kenzi, it’s very generous of you,” Elijah said, accepting the plate.

“You’re welcome. He eats a lot. So I made lots,” She replied. Jackson had to turn away from the table to hide the grin on his face, whereas Tyler ducked his head behind his bowl, but it didn’t hide the shaking of his shoulders. Kenzi stepped back inside and came out a minute later with a few bottles of liquor and some glasses.

“At least I has glasses for ev-vry-body. Is Adonis gonna come for dinner?” She asked as she put everything down on her table. He’d have to have his in a bowl as well, but she had enough food for him.

“That actually what I came over to ask you. If you seen him. His truck home, he not, must be out for a run somewheres” Jackson replied, looking at Odin. She retook her spot on the deck with Odin right beside her, he was now in the process of licking the plate clean. Alright Odin, it’s time to leave! No, there’s more bacon! That’s her bacon! She’ll give it to me! Don’t touch her bacon Odin!

The sun had set and darkness covered the backyard and the woods behind the houses.

“Uh Kenzi?”

“Yeah Jackson!” She looked at him.

“You bout to lose yur bacon” Jackson said pointing behind her, she looked over her shoulder and pulled her bacon away just before Odin’s jaws clamped down. Fucking traitor! Odin huffed.

“Hey, McStealy Face, you has yours. This is mine” She scolded, pushing his head away. He dropped his head and nudged her arm pleading with her to give him just one more piece. “Fine, halves.” Breaking it in two she offered him a piece. Told you she’d give it to me! That was truly pathetic! Still got it didn’t I! He lay down beside her curling himself around her, placing his head in her lap. They all curiously watched the pair, they have never seen Odin so tame and calm. They watched her hands glide through his fur as they continued to converse.

“Damn shame Adonis miss this, he get a kick out of it” Jackson stated, looking directly at Odin.

“Fuck you….asshole, he’s never been more calm” Adonis stated,

“Seriously?” Jackson questioned,

“Seriously!” He replied.

“I wasn’t gonna say nuttin, but Ko pretty fuckin chill in my head. Not even Drea chill him like that, an I hadn’t heard a peep from Bal”

“That cause he crash an droolin on hisself” Tyler interjected.

For the demon twins to be completely sedate and not causing trouble was interesting and for Jackson to say Drea can’t even calm Ko like this, made him more curious than anything. What would happen if they actually met her? Odin’s content sighs as his head rests gently in her lap, had the others watching on. Jackson, no matter how hard he tried, couldn’t keep a straight face.

“What?” She asked, with three sets of eyes staring at her.

“Nuttin! That wild though, that don’t freak you out?” Tyler asked, Bal in his head has been purring since he got there.

“It did when he first showded up and stealded my pork chop. I th-ough-t he was gonna make me his dinner, but it kinda feels normal now. I know I shouldint be feeding him, but….I do it anyway. I jus maybe shouldint be feeding him bacon and pancakes,” she was gonna say it’s nice to have someone to eat with, even though he can’t talk, the company is still good.

“He stole yur pork chop?” Tyler asked, trying not to laugh

“Yeah, then he in-insi-sted I has a second dinner, but he eated mos of that one too.” I like chicken! “My sister was pose to has dinner with me one night, but….she couldint make it. He eated her dinner, but I don’t think he likded it.” Grassy twigs and mush of death! “He stealded my cupcake though” That was fucking delicious!

“What was the cupcake for?” Elijah asked, she bit her lip before she answered.

“Nothing important” Her birthday! Odin was grumbling with his head in her lap, and she started massaging a spot behind his ears to make him stop. Cheater!

“He’s been really grumbly today, you should has hearded him when I was picking peaches” You were standing on a fucking bucket! Jackson cracked first, followed by Tyler. Kenzi could only hear what she was saying but the rest of them could hear everything Odin was saying.

“Comeon Tyler time to clean up” Jackson said getting up.

“You guys don’t has to, I can take care of it” She said as they all started to get up. A jolt of pain ripped across her back, she released a small whimper as she fell back to her knees. The sudden jostle of her body caused more pain to ripple through her. They watched as Odin slipped his head through her arms and carefully stood them both up, allowing her to hold onto him for support. The men exchanged a look with each other before they grabbed the dishes and entered the house to start cleaning up after dinner.

“I’ll do it, it’s ok!” She repeated, when her and Odin walked into the house.

“No, that ok. You cook, we clean, them the rules. At leas it was when we was growin up. You go sit down” Jackson replied. Elijah remained silent. That was not the rules he grew up with. Like Kenzi he was used as a cook and when the meal was done he cleaned up after it.

“Whatcha bakin this time?” Jackson asked as he saw the two pots and tiny pie shells.

“But-ter rum peachy plums” She answered, she had to get those finished before she could head to bed. Odin had moved her towards the couch and helped her ease down onto it, then took up residence beside her.

“They what you talkin bout at breakfast? They look like tiny lil pies” Tyler said as he wasted no time getting soap and filling the sink with water and started washing the dishes Jackson was handing him.

“They’re gonna be tarts….hope-fully!” She responded.

“They gonna be tarts, Lil Kenzi Cakes an her magic hands make it happen” Her nose crinkled at him as her cheeks turned pink.