#Chapter 61 - Late Night Baking

Shirley

There’s silence between Keith and I as I wait for his reply. Snow continues to fall around us, landing in his hair until the black strands are painted with white. He’s as unreadable as ever as he stares at me, his expression still resembling exhaustion as he doesn’t appear to even be trying for words.

And I don’t either. I just wait for something. For him to utter a word or maybe just to see him nod or shake his head. But even those gestures from Keith could mean anything - he always plays so close to the vest.

The longer I keep my gaze on his unmoving features, the more I begin to realize how unfair my question is. He’s been out for hours, trying to protect his pack from whatever necessary. His senses have been heightened all evening and now he’s deflated. And here I am - handing over complicated questions while all he needs is a warm bed and a full night’s rest.

The best thing I can do now is try to retract my words - dismiss them somehow and insist I’d meant them to be more