The Wolf Who Hatched an Egg Read Online Free PDF Page B

Shiloh as well. “Will you play with us? Daddy says we can’t go out if we’re not supervised.”
    He sounded quite put out by the fact, but Shiloh understood Brody’s protectiveness. Angel and Clark were still very young. Even if they’d passed through more things than other kids their age, they couldn’t just go around roaming in the forest without an adult to look after them.
    “Let’s see what your parents say first,” he answered.

    The Wolf Who Hatched an Egg
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    “After dinner,” Brody shouted, having obviously heard the exchange. “We’re having steak, rare, just the way our favorite lion likes it.”
    “And spinach strawberry salad, for our dear antelope,” Carson added.
    The kids cheered, and Shiloh shook his head, amused. He ruffled their hair then headed into the kitchen. The two boys would be good after the promise of the feast to come. Brody was keeping busy next to the stove, expertly flipping steak. Judging by the strong smells, the meal would be ready soon.
    “Need help?” he asked automatically. He wasn’t much of a cook, but he did know his way around salads and various vegetarian dishes, and he did occasionally dabble with fried fish.
    Carson shook his head. “It’s fine. You’re a guest. And besides, we’re almost done.” He gave Shiloh an inquiring look as he gathered some ingredients in a bowl, beginning to make a salad. “Brody’s friend Liam came over. He was supposed to go find you. Did you run into him?”
    Shiloh nodded, struggling to push back his discomfort. Carson’s words had brought back his conflicting emotions he’d managed to push away while focusing on the kids. “We met, yes. He should be coming back soon, as well.”
    “Why didn’t you return together?” Brody asked. “Anything wrong?”
    Thankfully, Shiloh was not forced to lie to his friends. All of a sudden, Brody turned away and tilted his head. Shiloh instantly knew Liam had arrived as well. “There you go,” he said. “He’s here, too.”
    And with that, he fled the kitchen and returned to the kids’ side. It was cowardly of him to hide behind their innocence, but what else could he do? Carson knew him well, and the last thing Shiloh wanted was to bring his drama into his friend’s home.

    * * * *

    34
    Scarlet Hyacinth

    When Liam arrived back at the house, he found his friends in the middle of dinner preparations. He headed toward the kitchen, intending to offer Brody a hand, and at the same time knowing Shiloh would be in that direction. When he reached his destination, he froze in his tracks.
    In the room adjoining the kitchen, Angel and Clark were rolling around, laughing with Shiloh. The swan allowed the two children to climb over him, tickling them, looking carefree and beautiful.
    If Shiloh’s naked body had aroused Liam’s base instincts, seeing this called out to him differently. He imagined Shiloh with their child.
    Sure, it would be a bit difficult until they managed to adopt or something, but Shiloh would be a great parent. Liam wanted that. He wanted a family with his mate.
    And then, Shiloh looked up, and for a brief second, their gazes locked and held. Liam had the impression that Shiloh knew exactly what he was thinking. However, the moment broke when Shiloh averted his eyes and Liam became aware of Brody’s voice calling out to him.
    “Hey, man. We were just wondering where you’d gone.”
    “Just admiring the sights,” Liam said. “It’s amazing.”
    He realized he’d inadvertently tossed an innuendo at Shiloh and winced. Thankfully, the swan seemed focused on the children and didn’t react. “It is,” Brody answered. “Hey, the kids were missing you earlier. Why don’t you go say hi? Dinner will be ready in a bit.”
    Liam would have laughed at the domesticity of it all, except Brody’s words effectively sent him in Shiloh’s proximity. While Liam couldn’t imagine a better place to be, he didn’t think his mate liked him very much right