"You really don't need to help with this," I insisted as Kaelen gathered dessert plates beside me. "You look exhausted."
His blue eyes flickered to mine, a small smile playing on his lips despite the shadows beneath his eyes. "I'm fine, little wolf."
I snorted. "You're a terrible liar, Headmaster. At least when it comes to me."
We'd finished the lemon cake—which I'd choked down despite hating citrus desserts—and my mother had excused herself to make coffee. Willow was helping her, shooting concerned glances my way whenever Mom mentioned "Edric."
"I can stay for coffee," Kaelen said quietly, his fingers brushing mine as we stacked plates. "But then we should head to the bed and breakfast. You need rest."
"I need rest?" I whispered incredulously. "You're the one who looks like you're about to collapse."
He leaned closer, his breath warm against my ear. "I won't collapse until I have you somewhere safe. And alone."