Page 18 of Blood Moon Bound

“I couldn’t tell you where he is, he didn’t say when he left. And we’re just being cautious.”

I nodded and got back to measuring batter. Despite Morgan’s attempt to ease my fears, they remained. I was sheltered, yes, but not totally naive, not when it came to my stepfather, at least. Constantine had refused to pay my dowry for some reason, and Douglas would come after him again like he had in that garden. They obviously believed that as well.

I forced my stepfather from my mind and checked the recipe for the next ingredient. Chocolate chunks. I opened the bag and managed to tear it in half, causing chocolate to spill all over the counter.

“It’s fine,” Alice said before I could apologize again.

I tried to hide my embarrassment and gathered up what I could and dropped several on top of each cupcake. Alice opened the oven and I carried over the tray and slid them in. “The recipe says twenty minutes.”

Alice smiled warmly and I smiled back. I’d never baked anything in my life, and the sense of accomplishment I felt was wonderful. I got to work cleaning, ignoring Alice’s protests and Morgan’s chuckles, and I enjoyed that too.

When the timer dinged, I rushed over and opened the oven—

“Wait, you need to—”

I pulled the tray out—“Ow!”—and dropped it when it burned my hand, my cupcakes falling to the floor.

Alice rushed over. “It’s hot, Delphine, you need a cloth.”

Of course, it was. I should have thought of that, but I’d been too excited. Alice grabbed my wrist and led me to the sink, turning on the cold water. Tears welled in my eyes. I’d made them for Constantine. The heroine in my new book owned a cupcake shop and the hero had a sweet tooth, and I knew Constantine still ate food, I’d seen him.

My mate might not have reacted the way I’d hoped when I left him roses, not at first, but then he’d left one on my pillow. His response to me showing him affection hadn’t been that wonderful, either, but then he’d complimented me on the way I looked.

I realized after I’d visited him in his office that this was all new to him as well. He was an intense male, a warrior used to the battlefield; he needed time to adjust, like I did. And maybe his reaction to my cupcakes wouldn’t be what I hoped for, either, not at first, but I was ready for that now.

I wanted to please him. I wanted kisses and hugs like I’d read about in my book. I wanted him to hold me like he had the first night I came here, and I couldn’t have any of those things if I didn’t make him happy, if I didn’t please him.

How did you make someone like you? According to my book, the answer was cupcakes. And if he liked me, he’d be less likely to send be back.

My heart pounded as I stared at the ruined cakes, a panicky feeling filling me. “They’re ruined. I need delicious cupcakes, Alice. I need them.”

Alice patted my shoulder. “It’s okay. We’ll just make more.”

I swiped the tear that embarrassingly streaked down my cheek and smiled. “Thank you.”

* * *

I sat under a fluffy blanket in the library, trying to read while I waited for Constantine to come home.

It was hard to concentrate on my novel when my nerves were in a constant flurry in my belly. I tilted my head when I thought I heard the front door. I’d been doing that all night, but everything was silent.

Alice had gone to bed and Morgan had made himself scarce, though, I assumed he was in the house somewhere.

I read the same sentence for the tenth time and sighed. Maybe Constantine wasn’t coming home? Maybe he’d be gone the whole night, maybe longer? But why would he do that? The thought had the constant nerves in my belly churning. Had my kiss truly made him angry, angry enough to leave? Then why did he compliment my dress? I was so confused. If he’d just come home, I could give him his cupcake. Sugary treats definitely made me happy, they made everyone happy. Hopefully, that included broody warriors.

I tried to focus on my book again.

But the words on the page went fuzzy and my eyes grew heavy. I tried to keep them open, I wanted to be awake when he got home. I had to stay awake…

“Delphine?”

I jolted, my eyes flying open. “You’re here.”

“Yes, I…”

I shoved off the blanket and jumped to my feet, wobbling for a moment in my haste, then snatched up the plate with the cupcake I’d made him. It was vanilla with chocolate frosting. “I made you this,” I said and held it out.

He blinked down at it. “What is it?”