RIDDLE

asting meat, usually a source of comfort, was just a fact. This was my do

king inventories and approving menus. The staff treated me with a new, cautious respect.

The honey cakes are almost ready, my lad

very week, a small, hopeful offering from a mate to her dist

just food. "Send one platter to Eleanor's study. The rest go to the servants' dining ha

"But my lady... th

o me," I said. "He kn

er away, Carson appeared in the kitchen doorwa

s. I simply looked at him,

tening honey cakes. A flicker of something--no

oice rough. He intercepted the se

ing from where I stood. I did not raise my voice. I

ect." He meant it as a slight, another public reminder of my replacement. He was taking something tr

atched him, a faint, coo

in, my voice carrying clearly through the silent k

to me with a frown. "Wha

se for someone in Miss Leach's... delicate condition." I was using my knowledge of the household, my domain, as a weapon. It was

nge. "Are you suggesting you'd poison her

gasped. The accu

ovel." I took a step toward him, closing the distance between us. The staff held their breath. "I am merely pointing out a dietary fact," I continued, my

pha, I was highlighting that any negative outcome from th

. He hated that I had outmaneuvered him. He

itchen, his face grim. "Alpha Carson! Luna Eleanor!

ck business. Carson's expression shifted from per

the commotion, was already th

dance." Rogues were packless wolves, often desperate and dangerous. A Gam

ds of a stunned-looking servant. "Deal with this," he

hanged a look of g

, before striding out of the kit

him, already di

ed on the counter. I walked over, picked up one of the cakes,

oolish Alpha would think