He looks at the plate. “Both,” he glowers. I pile his plate with both and lots of meatballs, and he rants under his breath when everyone lines up behind my helpers.

The table’s not big enough for everyone to sit, so a few of the guys stand or sit at the bar and shovel the food in like they haven’t eaten in months. Masen growls at anyone brave enough to try for seconds. Once every morsel of food is gone, they all thank me for their full bellies. “I am not buying a bigger table!” Masen spouts sullenly. I roll my eyes.

“No need, brother, we can’t have all these assholes taking all our food. That would just encourage them,” Sniffers says while giving the stink eye to everyone but Sam and Masen.

“Good Lord, tell me what happened,” I say, throwing my hands in the air.

“Not too much more to tell. They were tipped off we were coming, so they left in a hurry, leaving behind almost everything. I have a few men watching the place, hoping they’ll return for their stuff, but I’m not hopeful. We spent most of the time sorting through their shit to see if there was any clue who they’re working with or where they’re headed next but came up empty.” The joking mood from before fades quickly.

“Was there any evidence that they’ve done this before? Are all the women with them willingly?” I question in a hushed tone.

“No Sophia, I don’t think this is something they’ve done before. I don’t think any of them are forced to be there, but I don’t think they know what they’re supposed Alpha is up to either.”

The dishes are cleared and the dishwasher is loaded while Masen and Michael continue talking at the table. Sam leaves quickly after dinner saying since Masen’s home he made plans with David. Sid and Sniffer pour a few drinks and join the rest of the fellas at the table. After the day I’ve had, I’m beat, so I give Masen a kiss and tell him I’m going to shower and go to bed. He stands and walks me to the room where he goes in the bathroom and runs the water in the tub for me instead.

“No falling asleep in here, or no more baths for you, understand?” I mumble my assertion, strip, and climb in. The water is almost too hot, just the way I like it. I sigh in contentment then Masen leans down and kisses my brow. “I’ll be back in thirty minutes to make sure you’re out. If you need me just yell or” —he tilts his head to the side thinking— “just call my name loudly up here,” he taps my forehead and smiles. “I love you, Little One. I’m sorry I didn’t finish it tonight.”

I cup his jaw with my wet hand, leaving drops of water on his shirt as it trickles down from my arm. “It’s fine. I was so worried about you. I’m just glad you’re home. I love you, too. Now, go visit your friends.” I pat his cheek.