One Insatiable

“Gorgeous as always,” Hayden says with a smile, standing as I cross the room to my assigned seat at his side. “You never fail to steal my breath.”

“Thank you, Hayden,” I say without enthusiasm.

Dylan doesn’t rise. “Glad you decided to join us,” is the closest to a greeting I get from her.

Suddenly, I feel wicked. Whether it’s the moon or the way I left things with Koa, something inside me sna

ps. “I almost changed my mind. It’s so gorgeous tonight, I almost decided to ditch and dance naked in the moonlight.”

That got a rise out of her, even if it only came in the form of a deep scowl before she took a long sip of wine.

“That would be something to see, I’m sure.” Hayden laughs, clearing his throat. “You are such a spirited little thing.”

God, he’s infuriating. They all are. Picking up my fork, I stab my salad a few times, glancing at each of them. Only Hayden seems to be engaged tonight. Penny seems more nervous than usual, and Grant hasn’t looked up from his plate. I assume he’s on a tight leash after his slip last week. Dylan just looks disgusted as always.

“How was Chicago, dear?” Penny’s voice wavers.

Dylan inhales and straightens in her chair. “Something of a letdown. I didn’t accomplish what I’d hoped.”

“You know what they say,” A gleam is in Hayden’s pale blue eyes. “Win some, lose some.”

“Not you, Hayden,” Dylan’s tone is uncharacteristically bitter toward him. “Never you.”

He leans back in his chair, examining a manicured nail. “I do seem to be incredibly lucky in that regard. It can cause lesser people to hate me, I suppose.”

“Or! It could be that attitude right there,” I say, still enjoying my wicked streak. “That makes them hate you, I mean.”

His blue eyes cut to mine, and instead of anger, a sly grin curls his lips. “So spirited. I don’t remember you being like this last full moon.”

Something about the way he says it creeps me out a little. Still, I would never let Hayden Cross think he got under my skin. “Must’ve been the humidity last month. Or maybe it was the heat.”

“I see… prefers cooler temperatures.” He says it as if he’s making a mental note, and I mentally note how thankful I am when the servers appear with our entrées.

A plate holding a tiny bird surrounded by what look like tiny cabbages is set in front of me. Once the servers depart I start to giggle.

“What the hell is so funny, Mercy?” Dylan snaps.

“I’m just wondering when the Lilliputians are going to come out.” Picking up a Brussels sprout with my fork, I wave it over my plate. “Ooo, I’m a giant! I’m going to eat this tiny cabbage!”

“Are you drunk?” Her voice is sharp, and I press my lips together to stop a laugh.

Reaching for my wine glass, I take a long sip, fixing my eyes on her in a decidedly rebellious way.

Hayden watches the whole thing, that stupid grin curling his lips. Just then SMASH! Penny’s water glass falls over, sending a flood of liquid across the table. We all stand up quickly, stepping back from the mess.

“Oh, my god!” my aunt wails as two servers rush in with towels.

“I’m glad to see nothing fell apart while I was out of town.” Dylan’s tone is icy. “I apologize, Hayden. It seems everyone’s out of sorts this evening.”

“Never a dull moment,” he says under his breath. “No matter. Perhaps we should call it a night. I’m sure you’re tired from traveling. I’ll be back next week to settle our affairs.”

“Next week?” The near-shriek in her voice snaps my attention to her.

She quickly suppresses her flash of panic, but my wicked humor is forgotten. I’ve never seen my alpha sister react to anyone that way.

Hayden is unmoved. A slim hand is on his hip as he gestures toward Grant. “Yes, Dylan. It’s time. Come, Grant.”

With that, they stride out of the room, straight posture and confidence intact. The servers have cleaned up the mess, but Penny doesn’t resume her seat. She’s staring at Dylan as if waiting for her to do something. Dylan is still staring at the place where Hayden stood, a defeated look on her face.