“That would be great!” she exclaimed with a wide grin that did something alarming to his insides. It elicited a third smile. This wasn’t a record—it was a new trend. He stared at Cara. “How about you?”
“I wouldn’t mind seconds, too.” She rose with a soft chiming of crystals.
Kade trailed her into the kitchen. Ryan was in there, heaping his bowl for the third time. Kade waited for him to leave, buttering rolls for himself and Jessie. The moment the Were’s butt cleared the door to the porch, Kade pounced. “Okay, old woman. Puzzles. When have you ever liked doing puzzles? Just what are you up to?”
Cara turned to leave. “Just what needs doing.”
“What needs doing? You are the most meddlesome Cryptid.” He stepped into her path, blocking her. “What needs doing?”
In answer, she looked past him, through the doorway to the dining room. He glanced over, in time to see Neil suggesting another puzzle placement for Laura. The woman’s smile, this time, was genuine.
Laura? And Neil? Was that what Cara was up to?
Jessie looked up, saw Kade standing there, and smiled, too. He smiled back. Number four. Oh, man. Maybe this wasn’t just about Laura.
Kade stepped forward and offered Jessie a roll with her chili.
* * *
Kitani joined them just before Kade left for his next patrol. She brought her tablet, and they watched videos while they worked.
When he returned, they were all still there. There was no sign of Zach, so Cara followed Kade as he got a beer out of the fridge.
“How’s it going?” he asked. Someone laughed. To his surprise, it was Laura.
“Going well,” Cara said.
“I sent Cody out in Neil’s place. Thought you’d appreciate that.”
Cara’s brows rose. “I do.”
“No one is going to sleep?” he asked.
“Going to have the women sleep during the day. I can try to fend off Braden for them.”
“You can’t recharge properly away from your home,” Kade said, uneasily. “You’re overextending yourself.”
“Likely,” she admitted. “But there’s no choice.”
“Jessie has had multiple doses of the blood. Maybe I can deal with Braden next time she dreams.”
Cara bit her lip. And a frisson of ice traveled up Kade’s spine.
“I’m not sure the blood is working, Kade,” she said. “I don’t know why. Braden’s influence might be too strong. His virus had over three weeks to work on them without interference. Perhaps the freezing has weakened yours too much.”
Kade’s stomach clenched.Dammit.He’d hoped he was wrong. That things would work as planned. That Jessie would have better choices.
“We still have time.”
“Not much of it,” Cara said.
Kade fought to keep his expression calm as he took a sip of his beer and grabbed a cookie from the tray. He took a deep breath. “I’ve already considered this.”
“I know.” She eyed him. “You talked to Zach.” It was a statement, not a question.
“Yes. He was angry. And I get that.” Kade grimaced. “To be honest, he handled it better than I would have. His feelings for her are strong.”
“He’s a good man, Kade.”
