Chapter 248

Chapter 248
Michael

A soft smile played at her lips, her eyes softening with affection. "He's so nice. You all are."

"Come on," I said, standing and extending my hand to her, palm up in invitation. "Bathroom's all yours. We'll wait for you in the kitchen." I couldn't disguise the eagerness in my voice, excited at the prospect of her joining us for a meal, like a real family.

Isabella nodded, still looking adorably disheveled, her hair a wild tangle around her face. "I'll just freshen up quickly and be right out."

"Good," I smiled, walking toward the door, pausing to take one more look at her. "I'll let them know you're coming. We're all looking forward to having breakfast—or lunch, whatever—with you."

Back in the kitchen, Richard and Kevin looked up expectantly, their conversation cutting off as I entered. The air was thick with anticipation.

"She's awake," I announced, feeling ridiculously pleased, a smile breaking across my face. "She'll be out in a minute."

Kevin nodded, the tension visibly easing from his broad shoulders, his massive frame relaxing slightly. Richard's face lit up with a warm smile, his eyes brightening.

"How does she look?" Richard asked softly, unnecessarily adjusting the silverware at her place setting with precision.

"Better," I answered honestly, leaning against the counter. "Still tired, but better. She says she slept well—no nightmares." I didn't add that just the mention of "no scary dreams" made me want to track down her stalker and break every bone in his body.

Kevin grunted with satisfaction, setting down the last plate. Richard had already set the large dining table with four place settings, complete with linen napkins and crystal glasses. It was all very civilized, which made me want to laugh considering the three deadly predators sitting at the table, each capable of extreme violence when our mate was threatened.

We sat down, leaving the seat beside Kevin for Isabella. A comfortable silence settled over us as we waited, each lost in thoughts about the woman who had completely changed our lives. My leg bounced nervously under the table, anticipation building in my chest.

A few minutes later, Isabella padded into the kitchen, looking fresh-faced and adorably rumpled. She had pulled her hair back into a ponytail and still wore Richard's oversized t-shirt with a pair of cotton shorts, looking both vulnerable and irresistibly appealing. I caught my breath at the sight of her, her slender legs and Richard's shirt slipping off one shoulder to reveal a tantalizing glimpse of collarbone.

"This smells amazing," she said, a smile blooming on her face that made my chest tighten with affection.

Richard immediately stood, pulling out her chair with a flourish. "Good afternoon, sleeping beauty. We were starting to think you might sleep through the entire day." His eyes tracked her movements with predatory intensity, but the warmth in them was unmistakably genuine.

"I slept so comfortably," Isabella responded, sliding into the seat next to Kevin. "Thank you for letting me stay here." The sincerity in her voice made my wolf preen with satisfaction.

She surveyed the abundant food with appreciative eyes before turning to Kevin with that sweet smile that could melt his stony expression. "Did you make all this?"

Kevin nodded, his expression softening in a way I rarely saw, the hard lines of his face relaxing. "Help yourself," he encouraged, his deep voice gentler than usual. "It's all for you." His massive hand hovered near the plate of pancakes, ready to serve her.

Isabella's gaze swept over the feast, and I could see genuine delight in her eyes. I suddenly realized she probably hadn't had a decent meal in weeks, constantly looking over her shoulder for danger, afraid to enjoy even the simplest pleasures. The thought made me clench my jaw again at the bastard who had stolen that from her, my anger rekindling.

"You all should go first," she suggested, her natural considerateness showing through despite everything she'd been through. Always thinking of others, even after so much.

"Not a chance," Kevin rumbled, his tone mock-stern. "I made this food specifically for you, and you're going to eat first."

"Better not keep the chef waiting," I joked, winking at Isabella. "Or he might turn into the big bad wolf."

This earned a laugh from everyone, even Kevin's mouth quirking up in a rare smile. The musical sound of Isabella's laughter was a melody I had desperately missed.

Isabella nodded and helped herself to pancakes first, adding some syrup and fresh berries. I followed her lead, loading my plate with a bit of everything. The food was exquisite—Kevin might be a man of few words, but he clearly knew his way around a kitchen.

"Yesterday feels so far away now," Isabella said after a few bites, her voice carrying a light of hope I hadn't heard in a long time. "Today feels like a new beginning." Her eyes met mine, clear and bright.

Richard nodded, his expression warm. "Exactly right. From now on, we only look forward." His hand reached across the table to briefly squeeze hers.

Isabella took another bite of pancake, briefly closing her eyes in appreciation. "This is delicious, Kevin. You're a genius in the kitchen."

Kevin's chest puffed slightly at the compliment, though he tried to hide it. I caught Richard's eye across the table, and we shared a knowing smile.

"Perhaps we could do something fun today?" Richard suggested, his fingers lightly tapping the table. "Something to help you relax and enjoy yourself?"

Isabella's eyes brightened. "That would be wonderful. It's been so long since I've truly relaxed." The admission made my heart ache, thinking of her living in fear for weeks.

"We'll make sure you get plenty of rest," Kevin said, his rare smile appearing again. "And plenty of fun too. No one's going to hurt you anymore." The last sentence carried a hint of his Alpha power, a promise and a threat to anyone who might try.

Isabella looked at each of us in turn, gratitude shining in her eyes. "With the three of you around, I feel like everything's going to be okay."

"It will be," I assured her, reaching across the table to take her hand, feeling her slender fingers wrap around mine. "We'll be right beside you, creating better memories, showing you what being a Golden Omega truly means."

She nodded, her eyes slightly moist. "Thank you. That means everything to me."

As we continued eating, Isabella asked, "So what happens next?" Her voice was curious but with an undercurrent of anxiety.

I exchanged a quick glance with Richard and Kevin before answering, my thumb unconsciously stroking the back of her hand. "While you were sleeping, I went to your apartment and packed up your things."

Her mouth fell open in surprise. "You did?"

I nodded, pleased at her reaction, the corner of my mouth lifting in a smile. "Everything's in my car, ready to go. We wanted to make sure you were comfortable, had everything you needed." I didn't mention the anger I'd felt walking through her rundown apartment building, the fury at the broken locks and paper-thin walls that left her so vulnerable.

"You did all that for me?" she asked, her voice filled with wonder, as if she couldn't believe anyone would go to such trouble for her.

Kevin spoke then, his deep voice gentle but firm. "Because you're family, sweetheart. You'll be staying with us from now on. We'll keep you safe." The conviction in his voice left no room for argument.