The man in question, Jude, stalks forward. I tense up, unable to move. It’s not like he’d hurt me, but the intensity rolling from him is palpable. It’s like an incoming storm—powerful and vengeful, capable of extensive damage. He makes it to the other side of the table where an empty chair sits across from me. Tattooed fingers curl over the back of the chair and he drags it back. I watch in part terror part awe as he settles his huge frame in the chair that’s far too small for him. Still, I can’t see his face due to the hood.

Why aren’t they acknowledging him?

They just keep yapping like nothing is wrong.

Finally, Jude lifts his head and I expect to meet a face that resembles one of the others at the table. Instead, I’m faced with…well, no face.

White latex.

A mask.

What the actual fuck?

I want to ask Callum why his brother is wearing a white mask that covers his entire face aside from his glimmering blue eyes and two small nose holes for breathing. But that would require finding the words to ask the question. All I can do is stare in confusion. Was his face disfigured from the fire?

“Jude,” Callum says, voice unaffected whatsoever by his brother’s strange entrance and appearance. “This is Willa.”

Jude makes a slight grunting sound and gives me a small nod. Okay then. I have a million questions. All of which I’m going to bombard Callum with the second we leave.

“This smells divine,” Jamie chirps as she enters with a casserole dish. “Oh, hey, Jude.”

Jude grunts again.

This family is strange. Really, really strange. But Callum’s a part of it and now I’m a part of him. I don’t exactly have a great point of reference when it comes to good families. As long as I have Callum at my side, everything else will be okay.

As though sensing my inner conversation, Callum leans over and nuzzles his nose in my hair. I smile and bask in his sweet affection.

“Have I ever told you how beautiful you are?”

This morning. Over and over while he fucked me in the shower.

My cheeks heat at the memory. I turn to meet his lips with a kiss.

“You could remind me again later.” I grin and a giggle slips out when he growls under his breath.

“Eat quickly, sweetheart.”

“And if I don’t?” I tease, glancing down at the way his cock thickens under his denim.

“Then I’ll punish you by eating slowly. So slowly you’ll go mad.”

Now it’s my turn to overheat from his words.

“You’re evil.”

“You’re evil for liking it.”

Touché.