As she searches aimlessly for Cedric or his wolf, she catches a whiff of something appealing in the air and immediately succumbs, following it.
She hadn't realized just how hungry she'd been until now, the scent bringing her to the large dining area where, surprisingly, Cedric was seated, indulging in a feast fit for a king at the head of the table and seemingly unaware of the new presence.
Marisol froze in the doorway of the large dining hall within the hidden castle, her eyes widening at the sight before her. Cedric was so engrossed in his meal that he either genuinely hadn't noticed her or was consciously not paying any heed to her.
The aroma of dishes wafts through the air tantalizingly, making her stomach growl involuntarily. What surprised her even more was the setting, as if he'd been expecting to be joined by another person.
Marisol hesitated for a moment, contemplating her choices and, with a final burst of confidence, she cleared her throat, gaining Cedric's immediate attention, his eyes widening in a way she'd never admit looked almost endearing before he collected himself, wiping his lips with a handkerchief.
"It's great to see that you have friends." She quips, a challenging glint in her eyes as she gestures toward the set-out plate. "Didn't think a lone wolf like you would need company."
She wasn't sure what to name the ugly feeling, twisting her guts at the thought of Cedric eating with a faceless person.
"Friends?" he scoffs, raising an eyebrow. "Do you think my life is a pack gathering?"
"Well, considering your track record, it's hard to imagine you sharing a meal with someone willingly." Marisol retorts, keeping an air of indifference.
Cedric's lips curve into a sardonic smile as he replies, "Lone, maybe. But even lone wolves can appreciate a good meal. It seems your assumptions about me are as flawed as your decision-making."
Marisol is momentarily rendered speechless, her lips opening and closing like a fish out of the water before she bites back, "Flawed decision-making? I think any judgment is pretty rich coming from someone who turns into a bloodthirsty monster at night."
Cedric quietly goes back to eating, unfazed by her remarks. He gestures to the empty seat in front of him. "You can stay or leave. But I think you'd be brainless to pass up a meal this good."
"I'm not hungry. And I'd rather starve than dine with a monster like you." Marisol fired back, still admittedly pissed at his previous jab.
"Why? Afraid my wolf would start craving a different kind of meal," Cedric says, smug, and Marisol rolls her eyes, determined not to let his words get to her this time.
"Your wolf can crave all it wants. I won't be part of your twisted dinner plans."
Cedric pauses to fix her with a penetrating gaze. "You're stubborn, I'll give you that. But hunger has a way of breaking even the strongest of wills."
Marisol scoffs, eyes everywhere except at the feast spread out on the table that beckons her closer, "I don't need your charity or your threats. I told you that I wasn't hungry, and even if I was, I could find my own food."
Cedric's sigh sounds exhausted and done as he sets his fork down, the glint of gold in his eyes intensifying. "I didn't peg you for a liar, but I'd rather not dwell on that right now. Now, if you value your safety, I suggest you sit and eat. My wolf detests the scent of weak werewolves, and you very much fit into that box right now, so grab a plate before we decide to make you the meal for tonight instead."
Undeterred, Marisol maintains her prideful facade, arms now crossed in front of her. "I don't intend to be tricked into staying with you tonight. And I also don't care what your wolf thinks or wants." She retorts. In a corner of her mind, she mentally slaps herself, wondering what exactly it was she stood to gain by mouthing off at the very unstable man. Said man's eyes narrow at her as he says.
"Stubborn and foolish. You can't avoid hunger, and you certainly can't outrun me if I intend on keeping you here tonight."
Ignoring his warning, Marisol remains defiant. "I don't plan on running. I'm just not bending to your will."
Cedric's expression shifts, his eyes now fully revealing the golden hue that is no doubt his wolf surfacing. "You think you can defy the instincts that govern us? You can't escape the hunger, Marisol."
The growl that accompanies his words sends a tingle dancing along Marisol's skin, an inexplicable thrill accompanying the fear she feels. She distractedly wondered if what he'd said held a double meaning. He might be talking about food, but all sh3 could see was the sparks of the intoxicating connection between them.
He abruptly rises from his seat, his movements predatory as he closes the distance between them. Marisol felt her heart rate pick up as he drew closer until they stood face to face, their breaths mingling in the charged atmosphere. It was obvious that his wolf was now very present.
"Do you really think I wouldn't find you, wherever you hide and rip you apart?" He asks, a rough edge to his voice.
Marisol forces back a nervous gulp, fists balling as she struggles to remain still. Cedric's eyes bore into hers with an intensity that was almost scalding, "You can't hide from me. I can sense you, and I won't rest until I find you."