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.

smell like Owen, Fenris agrees.

able to recognize our lack of

figure them out

as I accept their invitation.

how you met, this should be obvious, Fenris mutters. I can

him, I continue, "We’re still settling in, and this storm’s only made it harder.

look. Sara goes a little pale

old couple either doesn’t notice, or

roars, "FIRE!" before taking off, heading

after him, panicking. It’s easy to tell by the way her hands flutter around and she spins between me, Jer, and the elderly couple, clearly uncertain if she should apologize, wait for me to handle it, or run after

unperturbed by the chaos. "Let the child run," the old lady says with a dismissive wave. "It’s good for

looks back at me, and

Everything’s okay.

just looks more distressed

your

Lay off, Fenris.

beams. "We always make too much. Big fridge, you know. We’re used to larger family affairs. He

high to be natural. Her eyes continue to dart between the

arm behind her, not quite touching but close enough to feel the heat radiating from her body. It’s

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

little human,

woman coos, patting her husband’s shoulder again. He must bruise with how often she does it.

a little at her use of dear but just remains staring at

pet names. Mate would be my

And for the sake of all the gods above and my sanity, do

never considered it, but Muffin

No.

freezing the expression when Grace jerks again. Have to watch my face around her. Honey and baby are on the list, but not

bother questioning me. You’d never

and Sadie with swift ease, and I return my attention to the now-stiff woman beside me. She looks almost panicked. If our lives depended

Cute.

might need to work on

his presence, after all. And as my Luna and Queen, she would be in too

underestimate her. She’ll be fine once she stops

I try to smile at my mate, who’s