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“Tag?” Daniel repeated and seemed confused. “Like, tag you’re it?” He leaned over and hit Mark’s shoulder.
“Yeah, but there’s words to go with it.”
“Oh, you mean,” a long smirk drew across Daniel’s face, “‘suck it, sucker, you’re it’?”
Mark’s eyes bugged out, and Savannah burst out laughing as she fled the room.
“Your brother got me last night.” Daniel rolled his eyes. “I thought I’d keep it in the family.”
“That’s cold, Daniel, cold!” He stood and pointed a finger in Daniel’s face. “Be happy you’re immune from me right now because—”
“Because what?” Savannah chirped from somewhere, laughing so hard she could barely speak.
“Savi!” He raced out of the room, and she yelped.
“Welcome to the house, Beckett.” Daniel winked as Savannah raced back in and fixed her shirt, out of breath.
“Shall we continue?”
“That depends. Are you it?” I raised an eyebrow at her and thought how carefree and nice it was here. I hoped over time I’d get to that point of carefree living. Savannah smirked.
“Me?” She waved me off. “I just tossed Cole in his path.”
“Ruthless.”
“You’d be wise to remember that.” She pointed to leave the room. “All right, let’s keep going. Up here,” she pointed upward as we climbed the stairs, “will be your team’s wing of the house. The rooms are empty now, of course, Team Blackstone used to be there, but now they stay in family cabins farther out on the property.”
I couldn’t help but feel odd with all the vacant space around me. It wasn’t the kind of space I was used to or that I enjoyed. I’d be glad when there were men here to fill the void.
“As team leader, you get this room.” She continued as she pushed open a door. I was shocked at how huge it was. It looked like an apartment, with everything you could imagine in it, even a fireplace and mini fridge.
“This really isn’t necessary.” I felt completely out of place.
“It is to us, Ty.” Her face softened. “You’re to be the leader of a new team here at Shadows. Do you have any idea how many people we looked at for that position? Hundreds, until Frank came in and handed us a short stack and said he thought you were the best one for the job. I’m not sure how well you know Frank, but he never puts his name on anyone. Ever. You might not think you’re worth this, but he does, my husband and I do. The entire team does. Though Cole made the final call, all those men down there had their say. Don’t sell yourself short just because you’ve been living over there all these years. You’re needed here now, and this is what you’ve earned. Besides, this room isn’t all that different from the others.”
I forced back my discomfort and nodded.
“Thanks.”
“Good.” She looked around while she held on to the door handle. “This room holds a lot of good memories for me, and I hope it will for you, too.”
“This was Cole’s room, then?”
“Yes. Later, I’ll show you something cool about that wall over there.” She pointed. “But I’m sure you’re tired, so I’ll leave you be.”
“So, no other room is being used right now?” I looked down the massive hallway.
“They’re mostly all empty.” She smiled warmly and left me to get settled.
I looked at my bags. Someone had brought them up here, and I didn’t know where to begin. The bracelet Halim made me was in my pocket. I pulled it out and hung it off the light on the nightstand. The wolf dangled in the air, and I thumbed the engraving. Hard to believe I wouldn’t be going back there. I knew I had to get my head back on straight and gave myself a mental shake.
I reached down and grabbed one of my bags and tossed it on the bed. As I did, I heard a noise in the hall and went to check it out. Ivy stood in front of one of the doors. She seemed to be unsure and held out her hand and studied it like she was a bit shaky. I could hear her as she took a deep breath and let it out with a huff.
“Are you okay?” I called, and she gave a little squeak and jumped at the sound of my voice. “Sorry if I scared you.”
“No problem. It’s just been a day.” She gave a small wave. “Good night, Ty.” She disappeared inside the room and closed the door with a firm click.
So, I do have company on this floor.
