Forbidden Feast

Ch. 24: Good luck at school.

They didn't keep animals at the Ventura castle. No one had time to take care of a pet when caring about themselves was a full-time job. The family was twice as messy as any cat, dog, or even a hamster. Their mother owned a fishpond, but once she was gone, they truly became the groundskeeper's fish.

Jace biting into his arm with his canines was outside of what anyone prepared Mathew to handle. Sitting up, he rubbed the back of Jace's head, stroking his hair and holding Jace's trembling arm. He knew not to pull, so Jace's skin wouldn't tear.

"Jace, it's okay. It's okay." Mathew kept his voice steady, trying to find his eyes. He could bring Jace back from wherever he went.

Peeling his eyes opened, Jace locked on him. Slowly, he nodded with a breath so haggard he was shaking. He unlatched from his arm and Mathew reached for the ground, grabbing a shirt and immediately wrapping the bite. "What happened?"

"I'm sorry," Jace said, using the same shirt to wipe his mouth. Flushed, Jace took several breaths and pulled Mathew into a hug. "I'm sorry. It's a werewolf thing."

"Is there anything I can do?"

"Be with me."

Jace pulled Mathew with him back onto the bed, and they flopped into the pillows. Mathew sunk into the comforter, quietly bringing the covers over them both. Jace kissed the top of his head. Jace seemed to relax, but Mathew couldn't untwist the worry in stomach. A werewolf thing was too vague and didn't make sense.

However, Mathew didn't want to spoil the moment. He let Jace be clingy. As someone who was also clingy, Mathew was happy to let Jace wrap his arms and legs all around him. Jace kissed his forehead, getting comfortable.

Mathew let himself melt in Jace's arms. It was good to go to sleep and dream. If he started dreaming now, it meant everything that night truly happened.

***

Mathew peeked out of Jace's bedroom first, listening to the voices in the kitchen. Lilly was going on about her night and her new friends. She mentioned how she met them at school, as Jace listened. The floor creaked as Mathew walked along it and tripped the flow of Lilly's story. Mathew stepped out, meeting Jace's smiling face. Wearing nothing but his sweatpants, Jace was filling his sister's coffee mug.

Lilly continued her story, and Mathew vaguely listened, joining her at the kitchen island. Jace didn't interrupt either as Mathew watched him pull out ingredients for breakfast. Without asking, Jace made Mathew a cup and he might not drink it, but Mathew enjoyed the aroma and the warmth sitting in his freezing hands.

If Mathew could wake up every morning to this, Mathew didn't think he would have a single problem in this world. "Can I help you?" Mathew asked.

"You don't have to," Jace said, still smiling. He hadn't stopped smiling. The mean guard dog Mathew had first met disappeared. Jace was all big brown puppy dog eyes and a sunny smile. Mathew couldn't help but smile back.

"But I want to help." Mathew sprang up and nudged Jace's arm as he joined his side. Jace nudged him back. The winter was far away outside. In this cottage, spring was blooming.

"Okay." Jace relented. "Grab the potatoes and cut them up. Put them in a bowl of water too, so I can wash the starch off."

Pursing his lips, Mathew nodded and grabbed the potatoes. He followed Jace's instructions, setting himself up on the island in front of Lilly, who leaned in and rested her cheeks in her hands. "Can I ask a personal question?" Lilly asked, a glint of mischievousness in her eyes. "Just because I'm curious, but obviously, you can say no."

"I'm scared but intrigued." Mathew laughed and didn't stop her.

"It seems like you guys are closer, but you guys didn't officially mate, though."