Feral Bonds: Claimed By Rogue Alpha Brothers

Evaline:

The soft fabric of River's coat still smelled faintly like him - draped over my shoulders as I sat on the kitchen stool. His tie was wrapped loosely around my fingers, his phone resting on the counter beside me. A strange sense of belonging buzzed through me at the thought that he had left all three things in my possession so casually, as if he trusted me to guard them.

He moved with practiced ease in front of the oven, the light glinting off his sharp jawline as he leaned down to check on the food. He wasn't saying much, but for the first time since I had met him, his silence didn't feel distant. It felt heavy. Focused.

And then, his voice broke through, low and smooth. "What did you do today?"

I blinked, startled. He never asked questions like that. He wasn't one for small talk. Clearing my throat, I shifted the tie from one hand to the other, suddenly too aware of his eyes flicking to me before returning to the tray he pulled out.

"I went out with Draven," I said. "He… wanted me to meet some of his friends."

River didn't even look surprised. He just gave a quiet hum, almost approving, and set the steaming tray down. The chicken glistened, perfectly browned, herbs spilling their fragrance into the air. My stomach tightened with hunger so sharp I nearly forgot my words.

He worked silently for a moment, plating and dressing with precision that made even the simple roasted chicken look like art. My mouth watered just watching him drizzle a thin sauce across the edges of the plate.

But then, footsteps and laughter echoed down the hall. I turned toward the door just as Oscar and Draven appeared.

"Well, would you look at that," Oscar whistled, a mischievous grin tugging at his lips. "River's actually cooking. Rare sight. Someone write this down before the world ends."

I couldn't help it... aI laughed.

Oscar didn't waste time. He came straight to me, leaned in, and stole a kiss without hesitation. His lips were quick, teasing, but warm, and it made my chest flutter. I smiled back at him despite myself, though I could feel River's gaze burn like fire from across the counter.

Oscar winked before moving toward his older brother.

Then Draven was beside me, a slow grin on his lips. His kiss lingered a fraction longer than Oscar's, more deliberate, his hand brushing against my arm as if to ground me. The kitchen suddenly felt hotter than it should have.

With the two of them in the room, everything shifted. The air filled with voices, warmth, and playful bickering.

"Eva," Draven said, dropping into the chair next to mine with exaggerated ease. "You have no idea how lucky you are tonight. River's the best cook among us. He could put Michelin star chefs to shame."

I blinked, glancing at River, who just continued slicing onion as if he hadn't heard.

"It's true," Oscar chimed in, snatching a piece of lettuce off the counter before River swatted his hand away. "Guy's wasted running businesses and whatever broody things he does all day. Should have opened a restaurant. Too bad he hasn't cooked for us in… what, years?"

"Busy," River said simply, shaking his head as if already tired of their chatter.

I stared at the spread on the counter - roast chicken, soup, salads, bread, side dishes so vibrant and fragrant they made my stomach ache with anticipation. Could River really be that good?

Oscar laughed. "Poor Kieran. He's missing out on the miracle."

River ignored him, methodically sliding perfectly sliced chicken pieces into a box. His movements were precise, almost ritualistic.

"What are you doing?" Oscar finally asked.

River didn't even pause. "Packing for Kieran."

And just like that, the teasing quieted. River sealed the boxes in a big bag, wiped his hands, and called in a calm voice, "Sera."

The kitchen door opened almost immediately, and Sera stepped inside as if she had been waiting just outside. River handed her the dinner bag without a word.

"Deliver it to Kieran."

Sera nodded once before vanishing back into the hall.

Then it was dinner time.

I helped Draven and Oscar set the table, though River was already ahead of us, carrying dishes with that same quiet efficiency. Soon the table was full, warm light glinting off polished cutlery, steam rising from the food.

The moment I sat down, my stomach tightened with hunger again. I picked up my fork and took the first bite of chicken... and nearly moaned aloud. The flavor burst across my tongue, tender and perfectly seasoned, balanced in a way I had never experienced.

I froze when I realized no one else had started eating yet.

Three pairs of eyes were fixed on me.

River's jaw was tight, his gaze so intense it made me squirm. Draven leaned back in his chair, his lips curled in amusement, and Oscar smirked knowingly.

"It's… amazing," I admitted, my voice soft, almost reverent.

River's shoulders relaxed the slightest fraction.

"See?" Draven grinned, kicking Oscar under the table. "Told you."

Before I could take another bite, Draven suddenly stood and switched places with River, nudging him toward the chair beside me.

River didn't protest. He moved quickly, almost too eagerly, and took the seat next to mine. The air shifted again, heavier, charged, as though his presence alone filled the space between us.

Without a word, he picked up the ladle, poured soup into a bowl, and set it in front of me. His movements were quiet, careful, as if the act itself meant something he couldn't put into words.

"Try it," he murmured.

I lifted the spoon and tasted the soup. Heat spread through me, not just from the broth, but from how good it was. "It's delicious."

The corner of his mouth twitched, almost a smile.

And then, the strangest thing happened. For the next few minutes, he picked out one dish after another, setting portions onto my plate, waiting for me to taste them. The others didn't interrupt, only watched as I ate and described how each bite melted on my tongue.

I had never eaten food like this. Not in my pack, not in the Academy, not in the neighboring human city, not anywhere. It wasn't just good... it felt like comfort, like safety, like someone had poured care into every detail of each dish.

When I finally looked up, cheeks warm, I met River's eyes.

"You are incredible," I said softly.

For a second, I thought he might actually blush.

But instead, he just picked up his fork, as calm and unreadable as ever, though the faintest warmth lingered in his gaze.

And in that moment, with Oscar and Draven there, the table full of food, and River quietly watching me, I realized something... this dinner wasn't just a meal. It was a memory being carved into me.

Something I knew I would never forget.