Chapter 10

Snow

" Y ou really don't have to do this," Sullivan says as I place a plate of food down on the table before him.

"And I've told you all before, I insist. You are all being gracious enough to let me stay with you; the least I can do is cook and clean." I smile up at him.

"You're too good to us." He grins back. "And damn, this looks so good." He groans as he inhales the bacon and eggs.

My cheeks heat, enjoying the fact that he likes my cooking. They all seem to.

The past three days have been the same. The guys wake up, go hunting, and check their traps while I make everyone breakfast.

After they come back, they eat and head out for work and do not return until supper time, when I've had food waiting for them on the table.

Today is no different. I don't mind, I enjoy helping out. In all honesty, it's been helping me keep my mind off everything. Because at this moment, I don't have any idea how to fix the problem that is my father.

I know we need to remove him from the throne, I'm just not sure how to go about it. Neither do the guys. We don't want to risk a full on war, and to be frank, we don't really have the numbers to be going up against my father.

It's going to have to be something we put a lot of time and thought into.

Everyone digs into their meals, letting out similar sounds of appreciation.

"Sit." Gabe grunts, pulling out a chair next to him.

"That's okay. I have to clean up." I move to spin around, but Brady reaches out and carefully grabs my arm. I stop and look up.

"Eat. Please?" he asks in a soft voice. "You need to take care of yourself."

I bite my lower lip, unable to say no. "Okay." I sit in the chair Gabe pulled out and grab some bacon to place on my plate, as well as some pancakes from the pile in the middle of the table.

"So you listen to him but not me?" Gabe huffs with a frown.

"He asked me nicely." I take a bite of bacon, staring him down.

Gabe huffs again, his hot breath fanning over my face. His scent—cedarwood and jasmine—has my belly fluttering again.

Face flushed, I look away and down at my plate.

Being around these men, it's doing something to me. I'm just not sure what that is. But I also don't mind it. Maybe that's the issue. I have so much to be worrying about but for some reason, when I'm around all of them, my problems drift away. But that's not reality because it changes nothing.

The guys make small talk while we eat, but I can feel their eyes on me the whole time.

"So, what's the plan for today?" I ask as I collect their plates.

"Let me help." Brady stands.

"Oh, no, that's okay. I got this." I try to wave him off, but he keeps collecting plates. "Thanks," I murmur when we bring them to the sink.

He smiles down at me and starts to fill the sink up with water.

"I'm off at the clinic today," Dallas says. Glancing over my shoulder, I watch as he stands and stretches his hands above his head, making these sexy little grunting noises. "I'll join you guys up at the mine."

My belly warms and I quickly look away.

I can't help it. All six of them are incredibly handsome. I've never thought I'd be attracted to another species, but here we are.

It's like any chance I get, I'm sneaking glances. I'm mesmerized by them. Maybe it's the curiosity in me because they're new and exciting.

Or maybe it's because I'm enjoying the time I'm spending here. I've been alone for so long, the only companionship since my mama has been Regina. Now, six monsters come into my life, and I can't help but feel like this is right. This is where I was meant to be all along.

I didn't plan to develop a crush on them, but it seems the more I try not to think about them, the more they become all I can think about.

Then, I start to feel guilty because of Regina. I shouldn't be here with schoolgirl crushes while my friend, my dear friend, is stuck with my evil father.

Even that, I'm not sure of. Not knowing if she's alright... it's eating at me.

"You alright?" Brady's soft voice brings me out of my own head.

"I'm fine," I reply, grabbing a plate and scrubbing it.

"Brady, when you're in town today, could you pick up some more coffee?" Sterling asks. "Some of those espresso shots."

I almost drop the plate in my hands, my head snapping up to look at Brady. "You're going into town?" I ask, my eyes widening eagerly.

A cute pink blush breaks out over his cheeks. "Ah, yeah," he says, scratching the back of his head. "I'm going to grab some groceries for the house."

"Can I come with you?" I plead and grab onto his arm, my wet fingers sinking into his fur.

"I-I'm not sure that's a good idea." Brady looks over at the guys.

"It's not safe, Snow," Dallas says. "What if someone recognizes you?"

"I'll stay out of sight; I won't be seen. I just need to talk to Mrs. Bark. I have to know if she has any news on Regina," I plead. "It's eating me alive, not knowing."

I've been having nightmares about it. Over and over again, seeing her punished for helping me betray the king. I need to know she's safe.

"No," Gabe grunts. "It's not worth the risk."

Anger fills me. "I'm not actually asking." I glare at him. "I'm free to go where I please, when I please. You are not my keeper. None of you are. I'm asking out of respect because of the fact that you're letting me stay here. I was planning on going into town tomorrow anyway. But at least this way, I'd be more safe with Brady there."

Gabe growls as Sullivan and Sterling look to Dallas. "I say let her go." Sterling shrugs.

"Yeah, she will be safe with Brady," Sullivan agrees.

"Are you two crazy! Her father wants her dead." Gabe shoves up from the table, sending the chair to the ground.

"Relax. She's friends with Mrs. Bark. She's safe there. Brady's perfectly capable of keeping her safe."

"Are you alright with that, Brady?" Dallas asks.

"I don't know." Brady's eyes flick from Gabe to me and back to his brother. "I don't want anyone to get upset or be hurt."

"No one's upset," Henry reassures as all of their gazes swing Gabe's way.

Gabe lets out an annoyed huff before coming over to his brother. "You'll keep her safe?" he asks, using a softer tone that I've noticed he saves for only his little brother. It's sweet, really, if Gabe wasn't a grumpy pain in the butt most of the time.

"Yes, of course," Brady insists. "I'd never let anything happen to Snow."

My chest warms, and I smile up at Brady. He looks down at me, cheeks heating.

"Fine." Gabe turns to look at me. "Be good, stay out of sight, or so help me..."

"So help you what?" I ask, crossing my arms. "What are you going to do, spank me?"

His eyes widen, and his nostrils flare. I meant it as a joke, but the sounds the guys make have my cheeks heating.

I try not to squirm under his heated gaze.

Thankfully, he breaks eye contact and storms out of the house.

"Have fun, you two." Henry grins as he follows.

"Later, Princess." Sterling winks.

"Make sure he doesn't forget the coffee." Sullivan grins.

"I won't." I laugh.

Dallas is the last to leave. "Are you sure you're going to be okay?"

"We will be fine," I tell him. "Right, Brady?" I'm excited to spend some time alone with the snow-white lycan. He's so sweet and quiet. A soft soul. I like being around him.

His face softens bashfully. "Yeah. We're going to be okay."

Dallas gives him a smirk and chuckles. "Behave, you two."

Brady groans, turning away from Dallas and back to the sink.

"You know, you're all pretty amazing," I comment, bumping his shoulder. Or at least I try to, but end up bumping into his side with how tall he is.

"You think so?"

"Yeah," I say softly. "I'm grateful, you know. For everything you've done."

They've welcomed me with open arms. At first, I thought it might have been because I'm the princess and they didn't want to turn me away. But every day I spend here, I think they actually want me here, and it makes me so much happier than I thought it would.

I even have my own room.

It was used as a spare storage room. It has a bed but no frame. Dallas insisted on going into town to buy me one, and Gabe offered to build it. But I turned them down. After they cleared the room out, I found it quite cozy. The bed is comfortable, the sheets are clean.

For someone who grew up with everything I could have ever wanted, having the bare minimum in my room is actually refreshing.

My room back in the palace was too big, had too much space. This one is just right. Big enough for me, a bed, a dresser, and a bedside table. Who knew that's all I needed. It's a nice change. One that the guys are not too sure about.

"We're glad you're here," he responds just as softly.

I smile down as I finish washing my plate. "Me too."

"I LOVE IT OUT HERE ," I sigh happily as we walk down the trail towards the village. "There's something about being outside that makes everything feel right."

"Yeah," he says quickly. "I know what you mean."

"Oh!" I gasp, eyes widening with excitement. "Look!" I point to a squirrel. He's down on the ground, gathering things from the forest floor.

Brady chuckles. "Cute little fella."

"Hi there." I smile as I crouch down, my pale pink dress flowing out around my feet. "Aren't you just the cutest."

The squirrel pauses and turns his little head over to me. He makes a noise and I laugh as he scurries up the tree. I'm about to stand back up when I see him poke his head out of the little burrow he went into. He looks at me, and I smile wider. A second later, he runs down the tree, pausing at the bottom.

"Hard at work I see." I laugh and pick up a nearby fallen acorn. I hold it out and wait, not actually expecting him to run over to me. I'm grinning like a fool as he stops before me. "Go on, take it."

He makes a little squeak before snatching it from my hand and running back up the tree.

"Did you see that?" I squeal, spinning around to grin widely at Brady. "It came right up to me."

He gives me a gentle smile. "He did."

"That was exciting," I sigh contentedly as we continue our walk. "Back at the palace, there's a family of squirrels that lives in one of the trees in the middle of our maze. They're the only ones who would come near me. Until now. There are some birds I used to feed, too. Very sweet ones. I miss it."

"We get some animals around our cottage, but I haven't seen many birds. I'll make sure to pick up some birdseed while we're in town. Maybe they will come for you."

"You don't have to."

"It's okay. I want to." The look he gives me has my insides melting. It's the same kind of feeling I get when I'm with Regina.

Regina.

My smile falls, a melancholy feeling sweeping over me.

"Are you okay?" Brady asks, voice laced with concern.

"Just thinking about Regina," I sigh heavily.

"I'm sure she's okay."

"I hope so."

"YOU'RE MAKING IT SEEM like we're breaking and entering," I laugh as I pull the back door to the pub open. Brady is scanning the area like someone out of a Mission Impossible movie.

"Is that what we're doing?" he asks, bringing his attention back to me.

I roll my eyes, but there's a smile on my lips. "Mrs. Bark is like an auntie to me. I'm not going to get into any trouble."

"Are you sure?" His big fluffy eyebrows furrow. He's stunning. His fur is so white and soft that sometimes, I just want to run my fingers through it. It's hard not to look at him when he's so pretty.

"You're really pretty," I blurt out, my eyes widening before I slap my hand over my mouth.

He blinks at me a few times as his face flushes. "Thanks." He looks away.

"I'm sorry," I mumble against my hand. Oh my. Could I be any more embarrassed? "I don't mean to be weird. It's just... your fur. It's so white... and your eyes, sometimes they change from a pretty golden to a deep blue.

"Yeah." Brady nods. "I got it from my mom."

"She must have been beautiful." I say must have because I know none of them have parents. That's all I really know about them. The day after they found me in their home, I asked Dallas how they formed their pack, and all he responded with was they're all orphans and they made their own family. My heart hurts for them, but I can see how much they love each other. They really are their own little family.

"She was." He smiles. "I look like mom, while Gabe looks like our dad."

"A little bit of each of them." I grin. "I like it."

"Me too," he laughs.

"I should get inside. I'll be waiting for you back here when you're done."

His smile falls. "I don't like leaving you here alone. What if something happens?"

"I'm not alone." I smile. "I'll be okay. I'm just going into the back part. Mrs. Bark is the only one who's in the kitchen. No one will see me."

"Are you sure?" he asks hesitantly.

I'm standing in the doorway, a few steps up putting me level with Brady's face. "I promise," I insist and lean over, placing a kiss on the tip of his nose. "I'll see you soon and make sure to get Sullivan's coffee."

He looks at me with wide eyes as I step inside, his cheeks bright pink. "Y-yeah, of course."

I'm not going to lie; seeing him get all flustered over that kiss makes my heart swell with happiness.

I'm floating on air as I make my way through the back. I find Mrs. Bark humming away as she kneads some dough.

Grinning, I slowly open the door, letting myself in before closing it behind me. "What are you doing?" I ask.

Mrs. Bark shouts, dropping the dough as she spins around, looking at me with wide eyes. "Dear god, child. You just about gave me a heart attack!"

"Sorry," I laugh, leaning over to snatch a cookie from the cooling plate.

Her face softens as she realizes it's me. "Snow." The way she says my name has me throwing myself in her arms. "I'm so glad you're okay." She hugs me tightly, and my eyes well with tears. "Where have you been? We've been so worried about you," she questions as she pulls back to get a look at me.

"We?" I ask.

"Regina, she was in here last night. She told me everything." Her face morphs into a scowl. "I knew your father wasn't a good man, but he's downright evil. Who would ever think to kill their own child!"

"Regina?" Her name has my heart racing. "You saw her? Is she okay?"

"She's fine." Mrs. Bark nods. "Worried sick about you, though. That poor girl is a wreck. She feels so guilty for letting you run off on your own."

"I'm okay. I am. Really," I insist.

"Where have you been hiding out? Why didn't you come to me for help?"

"That's what I planned on doing. But everything about that night was a mess. We were frantic, just trying to get me out of there. The storm was bad; I got lost in the chaos and ended up running blindly through the woods for hours. I'm surprised I didn't end up miles away."

"Where did you end up?"

I bite my lower lip and smile as I think about the sweet, kind lycans. "You know the pack of wolf-like people that live deep inside the forest?"

Her brows furrow. "You mean the monsters?"

"They're not monsters," I sigh, rolling my eyes.

"They literally are my dear." She laughs. "But yes, I know the pack of lycans. What about them?"

"I ended up on their doorstep. I needed a place to sleep, some food to eat, and I kind of helped myself while they were gone." I grimace.

She barks out a laugh. "You did now, did you?"

"Yeah. They found me sleeping in one of their beds, but not before I made a mess of their house." I sigh, feeling guilty about all the bubbles Dallas ended up cleaning while I was passed out. "But... yeah. I've been staying with them. They've been really nice and welcoming."

"Huh." She nods slowly. "I'm not sure how I feel about you staying with them."

"Why?" I frown. "Because they're monsters?"

"No." She laughs. "Because they are six grown men."

"Well, not all of them. Henry is my age," I defend.

She smiles wider. "A pretty little thing like you. They must be going out of their minds."

"Why would they?" I feel my cheeks heat. "They wouldn't see me like that."

"You keep telling yourself that, dear." She smiles. "Don't think I don't know that big black one, Gabe, has been stalking you." She laughs when my eyes widen.

Knowing Gabe has been watching me for a while, keeping an eye on me outside the palace, made me feel good—like he cared about me being safe. At first, I thought he only followed me because he planned on killing me, but the look on his face when I jokingly brought that up had that idea gone from my mind.

"Enough about them. Tell me about Regina. Are you sure she's okay?" I bite my lip anxiously.

"She is. She said she's going to try and get back into town when she can, but she doesn't want to draw attention by leaving the palace for too long. I guess with what happened, your father has been keeping a better eye on her."

"Shit," I sigh, sitting down on the stool next to us.

"I should sit down and have a talk with these monsters of yours, if they've got you using potty words." Mrs. Bark grins.

"Oh, come on. It can't be that big of a deal for me to use bad words."

"You are an angel, girl. You call an ass, a bottom."

"Well, it is," I grumble. "I can say bad words. Shit, piss, fuck, bitch. See?"

Mrs. Bark bursts into laughter, and I groan, embarrassment hitting me. "Girl, stop it."

"You stop it." I cover my face before laughing with her.

We laugh for a moment before her face grows somber again. "Your father, Snow, needs to be dealt with. Things are only going to get worse."

"I know." I nod. "We're going to try and think of something. But taking down the king... it's not going to be easy. I don't want to risk anyone's life for me."

"It's not just for you. It's for all of us. Because it's all of our lives at risk. Soon, no one will be able to afford to live."

The reality of that is like a rock sinking in my belly.

"Just remember, my dear, the people love you? They trust you. And I know they will stand by your side."

"You think so?" Uncertainty fills me. "I'm not my mother. I'll never be as great as her."

"Don't sell yourself short." She gives me a soft smile, tucking some hair behind my ear. "And yes. I'm sure. We believe in you, Snow. You are our true queen. We would bow down to you in a heartbeat."

My eyes well with tears. To know so many people believe in me—would stand at my side if this came down to a fight—gives me the confidence I need.

We talk for a little while longer. I tell Mrs. Bark that if Regina comes back to let her know where I'm at and that I'll try to be back when I can.

Mrs. Bark sends me off with a basket full of baked goods, including some sweet apple tarts that I can't wait to devour when I get back home.

Home.

Odd that the cottage feels more like my home in only three days than the palace ever has.

When I step outside the back of the pub, I find Brady waiting for me, pacing back and forth. His face fills with relief when he sees me. "You're okay."

"I said I'd be fine." I laugh as I go over to join him.

"What do you have there?" He sniffs.

"Baked goods. I'll share... if you're nice."

"Since when haven't I been nice?" he asks, a little worried.

"You've been nothing but sweet. So, I guess I can share with you." I wink, letting him know I'm playing around.

"You don't have to."

I laugh. "Shh, and take the offer. Now, hand me some bags." I point to the pile of bags on the ground.

"I've got them." And he's right. He bends down and picks all ten up like it's nothing.

"Are you sure?"

"Positive."

On the walk home, I tell Brady about my conversation with Mrs. Bark and how she saw Regina.

"I'm glad she's okay," he tells me.

"Me too."

"She means a lot to you, doesn't she?"

"Yeah." I nod. "A whole lot."

"I can't wait to meet her." He smiles.

I smile back.

When we get home, the guys are there. I fill them in as Brady, and I make supper. We share little smiles here and there, and as I sit down with them again for another meal, I find myself hoping it stays like this—that this is my life now.