Page 19 of Found Objects

I smiled at her and saw her take a breath.

“I’m thinking they need to be taught some basic survival skills.”

“I suspect you’re right,” she agreed.

“And some folklore, like if you hear someone singing or whistling…”

“That’s to draw you deep into the dark. Never go looking for someone in the woods.”

I nodded.

“I’m going to enjoy knowing you, Merritt Baker.”

Maybe she would, time would tell. “I feel the same about you,” I said because it was polite.

She put her hand over her heart. “I’m Narah.”

“Very nice to meet you.”

“And you. Would you come in? I would love to talk to you some more.”

I took the steps quickly, and much to the alpha’s surprise—I actually saw his mouth drop open—when I reached her, she left his side to take my arm and walk me into their home.

“Narah,” he called to her.

“I’m starving after my run,” she apprised him, speaking over her shoulder and raising her voice so he could hear her. “Have everyone come in so we can start the feast.”

She opened her front door and ushered me inside. Her home was beautiful, as well as cavernous, the main room with the exposed beams of the ceiling a good thirty feet up.

Narah explained about the house then, smiling at me. The structure had three floors with the common area on the first floor, where the pack met, and where the alpha received guests to his land. The second was for people invited by the alpha or his extended family to stay, and then the third was strictly for the alpha, his mate, and their children. I was impressed by how quickly they’d built the home, but they were all wolves, so they worked around the clock until it was completed. Werewolf stamina was legendary.

“I would love to hear all about The Bower and why you only employ women. Have you created your own harem, or are they all simply your dearest friends?”

“All friends,” I told her, taking the plate she offered me as we reached the first of three tables piled high with different kinds of cooked meat. “I don’t suppose you have anything that didn’t use to breathe, do you?”

“You’re a vegan?” She sounded surprised.

“No. I still eat eggs, but no meat or fish. I used to, but I lost my appetite for it ages ago.”

“Well, we don’t have any vegetarians among us, but I like to make sure we have well-rounded meals, so—” She pointed to the table on our right. “—on the far side of that one is salad and seared vegetables. Also, the best fire-roasted artichokes you’ve ever had.”

“I’m gonna be over there,” I told her.

She chuckled, and it was a good sound. “I’ll meet you at the table in the center as soon as you’re done. Anything stronger than water?”

“I’m a big fan of good beer.”

“Oh, me too,” she rushed out. “I’ll bring you one of my favorites.”

“Sounds great,” I said, and left her.

Justin joined me as I was picking my vegetables from an amazing-looking assortment.

“My mother is scarfing down meat at the moment, so she can speak to you once you sit back down with her,” he murmured. “You’ve completely charmed her.”

I turned to look at him, grinning. “I’m a charming guy.”

“Yes, I’m aware. And a beautiful one as well.”