GAMMA LANCASTER

PART 31 - RED

KATE

"Oh, my goodness, this tastes so good." I hum, as I sink my teeth into yet another piece of bacon as Jenson smirks at me and Tilly giggles.

"Mama. Try the sausage next." Tilly grins as she pushes a sausage off her breakfast plate and onto mine as I nod enthusiastically.

"Damn. I hate how good these are too." I say whilst chewing, my eyes momentarily lull with satisfaction before they snap open when I hear Jenson chuckle.

"Feeling better?" Jenson smiles as he holds Wyatt on his knee who's happily chopping down on some toast as I nod.

Sitting back in my chair still wearing a huge fluffy dressing gown, I sigh contently. The truth is, I feel better than just ok, l feel stronger, more energised. Everything feels that little bit sharper and more focused. At first it was like sensory overload but now I just feel... well amazing. But it's more than that, I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders.

Because Gabriel is finally dead.

The nightmare is finally over.

"I hate that you were right about this." I huff, finally putting down my cutlery as Jenson barks out a laugh.

"This is nothing, what till you try the steak later this evening I've got planned." He jokes as I slowly look back down at my plate and chew on my bottom lip frowning.

"Do you think I'll keep changing?" I say quietly, saying my inner thoughts out allowed by accident as Jenson's smile slowly drops, his eyes flickering gold for a moment.

"Tilly, why don't you go get your swimsuit on, baby. Uncle Kit will be here soon to take you swimming." He says to Tilly as I sit thoughtfully still looking at my plate as she jumps out of her seat excitedly and runs off to her room to get ready.

There's no two ways about it. Things aren't the same, I've changed and it's not just my appetite.

It's only when Jenson gently wraps his hand around mine and gives it a small squeeze do I stop zoning out and look up to find him staring at me with concern.

"The truth is... I don't know. No one does." He says quietly before he gives Wyatt a kiss on his head then lets him down to waddle off and play.

We both sit silent for a moment before Jenson picks up the drawing Tilly did of me as a red wolf after being told the basics of what happened at White Claw minus all the gory details, before he looks up at me then smiles. "You smell different to me now."

My cheeks flame up instantly as I wrap my dressing gown around me tighter. "Am I gross? I've been asleep for four days; I'll get a shower straight after breakfast." I grumble.

"No." Laughs Jenson shaking his head before he looks at me lovingly. "It's not that, you always smelt like a meadow of clovers to me on a warm summer's day."

"I do?" I whisper, surprised by the admission as he nods.

"But it's altered somewhat. It's like... I'm now lying in a meadow of clovers eating a sweet plum." He smiles to himself.

"And this is... nice for you? Do you like it?" I say hesitantly.

Jenson's eyes swirl with liquid gold as he pins me a heated stare.

"Very much so." He murmurs as my cheeks begin to burn.

Smirking, Jenson puts down the picture before he slides his strong arm around me and pulls me onto his lap effortlessly then strokes his knuckle down my cheek. "Good to see some things haven't changed and I can still make you blush."