Veiled Spirits

“Who is he, sunshine?” I ask with a nod at the guy. I can’t contain my curiosity any longer.

Izzy’s stormy-sky eyes flick to the man and back to my face. “That’s Levi. He’s my combat instructor, and he’s like you.”

“I don’t know what he’s told you, but he’s definitely not a wolf.” If this guy is trying to pass as a wolf shifter, he really needs to work on his scent. It also rubs me the wrong way that he’s lied to our mate.

She snorts. “Not a wolf, Archer. I mean, he’s like what you are to me,” Izzy tells me with a genuine grin.

It takes me a few moments too long to realize what she’s saying. “Ohhhh,” I draw out when it finally dawns on me that he’s also her mate. Luca raises one eyebrow at me, and Cain just shakes his head in exasperation. It’s not my fault she was being vague.

Izzy giggles at my confusion, the sound tinkling like bells in a shop door. It’s the most carefree sound I’ve heard from her. My chest puffs up in pride that I was able to make our mate laugh like that.

Making people laugh is something I’m great at, if I do say so myself. With an older brother like Luca, who’s perfect at school, sports, and being likable, I needed to find a way to stand out. Being the class clown at least got me noticed growing up.

After our parents died, Luca and Cain needed the reminder to laugh and enjoy life. They were so caught up in running the pack, they forgot to live. It was slowly killing them. I did everything I could to cheer them both up. As the years have gone on, Luca and Cain have both started to be themselves again.

Although, I don’t think Luca will ever be the laid-back playboy he was in his early twenties again. The massive amount of responsibility he had to take on has changed Luca forever. In some ways, the responsibility was good. It made him grow up and consider the needs of others. In other ways, it wasn’t positive. Dealing with the aftermath of the attack hardened Luca and made him close himself off.

As for Cain, well, his issues started way before the attack. I’m not sure he’ll ever be like he was as a boy…before everything. I sigh and rub my hand over the back of my head. Maybe our mate can help him.

Shaking my head to clear it of my worry for Cain, I focus back on our mate. “Ready to get the sustenance of the gods, sunshine?” I ask Izzy as I hold out my hand for her to take. She fights the grin that’s trying to cross her full lips as she watches me for a moment. After assessing me, Izzy blows out a breath and puts her hand in mine.

CHAPTER 14

IZZY

Archer tugs me to follow him as he opens the door to the diner. I smile when I see the white-and-black checkered floor and light-blue upholstered booths. The red stools at the bar and the pink-and-blue lights make the diner feel like a time capsule. It’s one of my favorite places in Hawthorne Grove.

When Archer hesitates at the empty hostess stand, I pull him along behind me as I head for my favorite booth. It’s tucked in the back corner and somewhat hidden from the prying eyes.

Bishop makes it to the booth first, having sat there with me too many times to count. He picks the side with a good view of the front door, and I slide in after him. The vinyl seat creaks as I move across it. Archer sits on my other side and shoots Luca and Cain a smug look.

Cain sits opposite Bishop, followed by Luca, then Levi on the outside. I’m kind of regretting the seating arrangement that has Luca right in front of me. He’s staring at me intently, like I’m some puzzle to solve. I’d like to keep my secrets, wolf boy, thank you very much.

Before Luca can interrogate me, Lucy sweeps over to our table. In her powder-blue retro diner uniform, perfectly curled and pinned gray hair, and ruby-red lipstick, Lucy looks like she stepped straight out of the fifties. “What can I do for you, sweetness?” she asks me with a wide smile.

I grin back at her. Lucy’s a friend of the family, and she runs the diner with her sister Annie. Unlike everyone else here, neither of them gives a rat’s ass that I don’t have magic. All they care about is if I’m a half-decent person. It’s refreshing. “I’d like a berry French toast and a pink lemonade, please.”

“You’ve got it, honey. What can I get the rest of you?” Lucy turns to inspect the rest of the table. I only ever come in here with Bishop or my family, so it’s odd that I’m here with a big group of scary-looking dudes.

Bishop orders a burger and a malt. The wolves follow his lead, each ordering a burger and fries. They probably don’t know what’s good here. The answer is everything. Literally everything these women make is perfection. I’d eat three meals a day here if I could. Alas, my mom insists I eat something at least a little healthy most of the time. Levi orders a country fried steak.

“That’ll be right out,” Lucy informs us before gliding away. I wish I had as much grace as she does. Unfortunately, I’m like a newborn gazelle most of the time. Inanimate objects love attacking me out of nowhere, so I’m constantly tripping.

Once Lucy is out of sight, the wolves turn their attention to me. I squirm under Luca’s intense gaze. He smiles slightly at my discomfort, and I glare at him. Luca asks, “How was school today? Did you behave yourself?”

I grit my teeth at him insinuating I’m the problem. It doesn’t matter how I act. I’m going to have a shit day at school, regardless.

“Well, I just had the most fantastic day, Lulu,” I start in a sickly sweet voice.

Archer barks out a laugh at the nickname and proceeds to fall over in his seat, he’s laughing so hard. Cain cracks a smile, and Bishop hides his face in his hands like I’m embarrassing him. He really should be used to it by now.

“Let’s see, I haven’t gotten a full night’s sleep since Thursday. I fell asleep in my least favorite class and got sent to the dean, who has a hate on for me. I passed out while running laps. Oh, and I got kidnapped by my P.E. teacher and taken to another fucking dimension. So, it was definitely a day filled with sparkles and rainbows. Thanks so much for asking, pookie,” I finish with a saccharine smile aimed at a gaping Luca.

Levi groans. “I didn’t kidnap you, little raven.”

“That’s right. You just forcibly relocated me while I was unconscious.” The wolves turn as one to glare at Levi. Even with three of the scariest wolves in the country glaring daggers at him, Levi is calm and collected. I envy that ability more than he’ll ever know.

He’s saved from becoming a chew toy to some very angsty canines by Lucy coming over with our food. She sets down her tray and starts passing out each of our orders. Lucy starts with me and works her way around clockwise. Once everyone has their food, she gives me a take-out box and disposable silverware. “Let me know if you need anything, sweets,” she tells me before walking away.