Elisabeth woke to a medley of enticing aromas, which she followed into the kitchen. Jackson sat at the table peering into his coffee cup as if its contents held the answers to life's mysteries. "Ahem."
He nearly knocked the cup over when he jumped. "Oh, hi. How was your nap?"
She somehow managed to keep the amusement from her voice. "Fine."
"Good…um… there's stew and biscuits… and your favorite pie."
"I see."
"Would you like me to dish some up for you?"
"No, I can manage."
He stood and ran his palms down his pant legs. "Shall I leave you alone to eat?"
"Sssit down, Jackson."
"Right."
She filled a bowl with stew, and buttered a biscuit, deliberately dragging out the motions while the hunch of Jackson's shoulders increased with each passing moment.
"Mmm, delicious." She nibbled on the biscuit then raised her head to scowl at him. "Where are your cohorts?
He shrugged. "Hiding, I guess."
"Well, you are probably the only one who actually needs to hear the ground-rules I am about to set anyway." She flattened her palms on the table. "From this point forward, I will be locked in the holding cell for the full moon; every full moon."
"But…"
Elisabeth raised her hand. "You don't get to talk yet."
He pushed his chair back a bit and nodded.
"If you would like to spend the evening with me down there, you may. Sarah and Connor may visit, but… and you better heed this well, under no circumstance is my wolf form to be allowed to leave that cell." She stood and leaned across the table toward him. "Do-you-Understand?"
He swallowed and nodded again.
"I swear to you; if I ever wake up anywhere other than that cell, I will find a place to lock myself up and never reveal its location." She held his chin. "Are we clear?"
"Crystal."
She sat and resumed her meal with vigor.
"So, am I forgiven?"
"Not today."
"Tomorrow?"
"We'll see."
Sarah crept sidelong through the doorway. "Hi, enjoying the stew?"
"Mmm, it's wonderful."
She placed her hand on Elisabeth's arm. "I'm sorry about last night. I promise it will never happen again. We've learned our lesson."
Elisabeth pat her hand, her face noticeably softening. "I know. Let's forget about it."
Jackson stood, knocking his chair over in the process. "Why does she get a pass while I'm forced to do penance?"
She dismissed his indignation with a wave of her hand. "Oh, please. As if I believe for a minute anyone but you was responsible for last night's stupidity."
Jackson skulked to the drawing room muttering, "I need a drink."