Walking back into the living room, I can tell the tension has eased. That is until the room falls silent when I enter. I inwardly roll my eyes. “Why don’t y’all come on in here and eat,” I prompt, then go back in the kitchen.

Masen is first to follow. He kisses my temple tenderly and reaches to grab a bowl. I swat his hand away. “Uh uh, I’ll fix it. Go sit down. Guys grab a bowl and help yourselves. I’ll put the bread on the table.” I can feel Masen’s joy that I’m serving his but making the others get their own. It’s amazing to immediately feel his gratitude for something so simple. It makes me feel appreciated.

Placing his full bowl in front of him with a plate of bread, I kiss him a little deeper than is probably polite in front of company. He doesn’t complain. I make my own bowl and join them at the table. There isn’t much conversation, everyone’s busy stuffing their face.

When every morsel is polished off, I get a chorus of thank yous. “Sophie, that was so good, thank you. I’m gonna have to send Red over here for lessons. I love her, I do, but that woman can’t cook to save her life,” he laughs kindly.

“I’ll just come over every night for dinner. I’d probably waste away otherwise,” Sniffers says in mock serious tone.

James just utters a quiet, sincere, “Thank you.” I think he was most affected by Masen’s earlier outburst.

Masen’s face is proud. “I’m gonna get fat! My baby can cook,” he says it like it’s the best thing that could ever happen.

I tut. “Like you could ever get fat!” I roll my eyes. “Y’all are welcome, come back anytime. I do love to cook. Sid, I’d love to meet your Red. I’ve just met Nicole, Michael’s Mate. I visited with her the other day. She is just beautiful. I can’t wait to meet more people from the pack.”

They all say goodnight and leave for their homes while Masen and I clean up the dishes. He works quietly beside me, always finding a reason to touch me. I don’t mind, it’s comforting. Being able to sense his feelings behind each gesture is astounding.

I make his cookies while he mostly watches. He eats a few right off the baking sheet. The rest I leave out to cool while the last batch bakes.

Getting ready for bed, I brush my teeth, wash my face, then lotion my body. I’m wearing just my panties when Masen comes in to brush his teeth. His gaze heats as he watches me through the mirror, but he seems content to just look. I finish up and climb into bed while he’s still in the bathroom. He comes in the room, turns out the lights, and gets in bed next to me. His big body behind mine, he pulls me tight to him. “I love you, Sophia,” he says in the darkness.