“Hey, hun. I’m okay. Just getting by, I guess. How are the kiddies?”
“They are all fine, I just got them to bed and thought I’d call. How are you and the family today?” I smiled. Having five toddlers to handle was no small feat.
“We are all doing okay. We have some answers. I’m not sure if Liam’s told you, but Kat had a name and a pack name, so we are getting somewhere.”
“I’m glad. No, Liam didn’t mention that. He should be coming back tomorrow. I’m thinking of you. You know, if there’s anything you need me to do, I’m here, or if you just need to vent.” I knew she was; Liam was still at the burnt-down country home, trying to scavenge for any hint or anything that could help.
“You two are already doing so much, I mean, you have the kids and the pack, Mom and Dad have been here, and Liam’s not home.”
“I can handle the kids with ease! Besides, I do have help, but they miss Zuzu. She’s the ringleader, and without her, I think they feel it. I’m just hoping things are sorted soon.” Her tone was softer towards the end, her worry and concern for us clear in her voice.
“I’m sure it will be,” I replied. “Thank you, Raven, for everything.”
“Nothing to thank me for. That’s what I’m here for.”
We ended the call shortly after, and I smiled down at the phone. She was such a good friend. Goddess, I’m grateful that she came into my life. I tilted my head; I couldn’t remember how we became friends… did we become friends after she was mated to my brother? Or did I know her from before? I brushed my hair back, frowning, and pondered over it for a moment.
I shook my head and stood up, being extremely careful not to disturb Dante, and silently left the room, heading back downstairs. The sound of my heels echoed in the silence. My mind wandered to what Alejandro was planning on doing. I didn’t agree with it, but I also knew he was not going to listen.
I turned the corner when suddenly someone grabbed my elbow, spinning me around and straight into their strong arms. I smiled as the intense sparks coursed through me, his intoxicating scent hitting me hard. I closed my eyes for a moment, enjoying it as I wrapped my arms around his neck. I looked up at him slowly, my heart thumping. His body moulded against mine oh so perfectly.
“Can I help you, my love?” I asked, kissing his neck.
We had been fine during dinner and everything, but that disagreement between us still remained, and I just felt recently we were having far too many of them. He didn’t reply for a moment, his cold eyes staring down at me.
“Do I need a reason to hold you?” I bit my lip as his hand travelled down my back.
“Not at all,” I replied, feeling giddy.
“Good.”
And then his lips were on mine, one hand tangling in my hair as he yanked my head back and kissed me roughly. We broke apart after a few moments, the intensity of the kiss leaving me lightheaded.
“You know, if you two are done, the drinks are getting cold!” Raihana’s voice came from the living room. I heard a light chuckle, and I blushed, realising the door was open.
“Babe, you can just keep the drinks hot,” Chris’s drawl came. “That’s not hard for a smoking hot bombshell.”
I pulled away, and Alejandro wrapped his arm around my waist as we both entered the living room. Rayhan was seated in the corner with Delsanra in his lap, a blanket over her shoulders as he cradled her body, running his fingers through her hair. Maria was next to them, carrying little Sienna, who was the only one awake from the kids, with Mom on the other end of the sofa, her leg draped over Dad’s.
Chris and Raihana were on the other sofa, their arms around one another. Alejandro took a seat in the armchair, and I picked up the remaining two mugs, which were steaming hot- something I knew was courtesy of Raihana and her magic. I walked over to Alejandro, and he pulled me slowly into his lap before taking his mug. With the kids all in bed, it was a lot quieter. Even Sienna was falling asleep in her grandmother’s arms.
I took a sip of my hot chocolate while resting my head on Alejandro’s shoulder as Mom and Maria made small talk. When silence fell, Chris spoke up.
“So, when are you planning on doing that spell?” He asked, his eyes fixed on Raihana. She looked at Alejandro, and I looked up at him, hoping he’d reconsider.
“Soon. Let me just finish this drink,” Alejandro replied, glancing at me for a split moment. I sat up straight, looking at Mom and Dad. Everyone in the room knew the plan.
“Do you guys actually agree with this?” I asked, keeping my gaze on Dad.
“He isn’t planning to torture the child,” Dad said quietly. I pursed my lips.
“But it’s a child.”
“Who is in a bad position. This may be better for him, Kiara,” Mom reasoned quietly. Okay, even she was okay with it… I looked at my nude acrylic nails and then up at Raihana and Maria.
“Am I the only one who isn’t okay with this?”
“Is it a feeling you have, or you just generally don’t think it’s right?” Rayhan asked, raising an eyebrow.
