Grace of a Wolf by Lenaleia

Chapter 141: Caine: Brat vs Brot

CAINE

"We’re firing up the grill tonight," the old woman says, patting her husband’s arm affectionately. "Got some ribs marinating since this morning. You folks should join us!"

Grace stutters beside me, her cheeks flushing as her eyes dart from me to our new, extra-friendly neighbors. "Oh, that’s—"

"Is there gonna be BRAT-worsts?" Jer interrupts, bouncing on his toes with a manic energy that makes me wonder if he’s capable of standing still for longer than three seconds.

Grace whispers, "It’s brot—not brat."

The kid crosses his arms, defiant as he frowns at Grace. He has spunk, but he’s going to need to learn not to cross a Luna so easily. "I like bratwurst."

"You should at least say the word right," Sara mutters, conveniently placing Jer between her and Fenris. She probably doesn’t think anyone notices, but I do.

Most parents would probably be displeased at the idea one of their children would willingly sacrifice the other, but my lips quirk. A little sibling rivalry goes a long way to character development. It isn’t as if Fenris would hurt the children, but if he were truly an unstable wolf, it would be a lesson well-learned for the younger boy. Never ignore the unstable wolf beside you.

Ron clears his throat, scratching at his head as he says, "Oh, we don’t like to impose."

He acts too old for his age, and I frown. He could do with a few pups his age. It’s time for him to get into a little trouble and learn his own way, not spend his time watching over the children. Jack-Eye has a large family; I’m sure he has a nephew or cousin to take Ron in.

"Right, right!" Grace adds quickly, nodding too enthusiastically. "We wouldn’t want to impose."

The old man waves a weathered hand. "Nonsense! We love company."

Jer’s eyes light up again. "Are we gonna stick the brats on sticks? Over fire?"

"Brots," Sara hisses, smacking him in the shoulder. Then she freezes and looks at Fenris.

I chuckle, and she jumps a little, slowly turning around to peek in my direction. She looks worried, and I smile at her.

Somehow, it makes it all worse, and she dashes over to Ron’s side, clinging to his hand.

The old man laughs at Jer, a full-bellied sound of a kind and gentle soul. "Sure thing, boy!"

Grace’s smile strains as she shoots me a sideways glance. Her cheeks are flushed red from the commotion, and the slightly sour scent of anxiety rolls off her in waves thick enough to taste.

Bun reaches for her, but I shift her to my other side, patting her diapered behind again. She grunts and settles into her thumb-sucking with extra ferocity, looking particularly grumpy.

I inhale deeply, trying to place the old couple’s scent. There’s something... not quite human about it. Not shifter, exactly. More like... Owen.

Fenris agrees. But not like

posing as such. They should be able to recognize our lack of humanity, so it makes no sense for

figure them out

in smoothly, watching Grace blink as I accept

met, this should be obvious, Fenris mutters. I can still feel him

"We’re still settling in, and this storm’s only made it harder. It’s our first

long, confused look. Sara goes a little pale beside him, mouthing "family?" at

either doesn’t

of our strange social dynamics, throws a fist in the air and roars, "FIRE!" before taking off, heading

between me, Jer, and the elderly couple, clearly uncertain if she should apologize, wait for me to handle it, or run

"Let the child run," the old lady says with a dismissive wave. "It’s

back

Everything’s okay.

more

your history of

Lay off, Fenris.

lady continues, patting her husband’s arm as she beams. "We always make too much. Big fridge, you know. We’re used to larger family affairs. He always says I cook like I’m making food

eyes continue

touching but close enough to feel the heat radiating from her body. It’s an exquisite

the endearment, her eyes widening slightly. I’ve never

little human, but...

bruise with how often she does

twitches a little at her use of dear but just remains staring at me,

their pet names. Mate would

are your choices. And for the sake of

considered it, but Muffin would

No.

face around her. Honey and

me.

return my attention to the now-stiff woman beside me. She looks almost panicked. If our lives depended on subterfuge... she would definitely give it

Cute.

need to

after all. And as my Luna and Queen, she would be

once she stops worrying about

soon as I realize I am. Instead, I try to smile at my mate, who’s still