His eyes light up with happiness and he stands up opening his arms for me.
"Come here Little Ladybug."
I walk into his arms and he gives me a tight hug before pulling back.
"We thought we'd lost you forever.” He says quietly.
There is so much pain and sorrow in his eyes that it makes me realise the seriousness of the situation.
"I d-don't understand." I stutter, starting to feel incredibly overwhelmed.
"I know Little Ladybug, there is a lot of explaining to do about this and about the Soulmate Bond."
I'd almost forgotten that we were here about the Soulmate Bond, as several things are now fighting for dominance in my mind. I can feel the beginnings of a panic attack start as everything starts to overwhelm me but before it can fully take hold and consume me, Hunter is there and taking me gently into his massive arms. The comforting touch instantly starts to soothe my ragged nerves.
"Is she okay?" Micha asks worriedly.
"She experiences panic attacks when she gets overwhelmed.” Hunter explains.
I feel the rest of the guys surround me, and my nerves calm even more.
"I'm okay." I state, taking a deep breath and happy that my voice is fairly steady.
"Maybe you would like to come over to the house for dinner?" Mr. S, I mean Thomas says. "Your momma and Papa Joe will want to see you and we can explain more to you there without being worried that we are being overheard. It'll give you a chance to absorb all of the information we've just given you, before we tell you even more.” He finishes.
So many thoughts and questions are bouncing around in my head that I can't focus on one for more than a second before another one is fighting to be at the forefront of my mind. A reprieve would be good, I don't think I can wait too long to get some answers though.The thought of seeing my mom and Papa Joe for the first time in years makes me nervous and fills my stomach with butterflies.
"Yes, that sounds good." I finally reply sending a small smile to Micha and Thomas.
"Are you sure Little Star?" Jax questions.
"Yes, I'm not the most patient person, so it'll drive me nuts to wait any longer than that to get answers but, I need to have a reprieve to get used to the information I've already been given." I smile gently up at Jax loving that he's concerned for me and I reach up on my tiptoes to kiss him on the cheek, silently saying thank you.
His cheeks tint in a light blush and I grin.
"It's settled then, we will see you at seven, let me know if you change your mind and you are not up to it Little Ladybug, we aren't going anywhere." Thomas smiles a distinctly fatherly smile at me and I nod.
I glance between him and Micha, I can sense how hard it is for them both to let me walk out the door right now but I appreciate that they aren’t making me stay, that really would send me into a panic attack.
I'm sent spiralling back into my pit of questions as they writhe around in a frenzied blob in my too crowded mind.The journey from the office to the parking lot where the SUV is parked is a blur, the questions are still chasing each other around in circles. I am, however, vaguely aware of the blonde bitch from reception, trying to get the guys attention again as we walk past but we just carry on walking without a backwards glance. Without me having to say anything they know how close I am to the edge, dealing with her advances on them would not help me in the slightest.
Before I know it, we are back at the house and I'm sat on a large comfy U-shaped couch centred around an equally large stone fireplace.
I don't remember getting here at all.
"I'll make you a hot chocolate Titch." Mav offers giving me a soft kiss on the forehead before walking to the other end of the giant room, to the kitchen.
I'm in a daze.
I don't know how long I've sat here for, but I slowly start to become more aware of my surroundings.Someone has placed a soft blanket over my legs and my hands are cradling an empty mug.I must have drunk the hot chocolate Maverick made me, although I have no recollection of him actually giving it to me in the first place. I blink my eyes into focus slowly and almost jump out of my skin. Kai's nose is only a mere couple of inches away from my own.I raise my eyebrow at him in question.
Looking entirely serious, he exaggeratedly whispers loudly out the side of his mouth.
"Guys, I think she's back!"
I hear the other guys groan at his antics and Mav smacks him on the back of his head. Without taking his eyes off of me Kai reaches up and rubs the spot on his head where Maverick got him. I grin at him, my heart lightening at his antics.
My sweet Kai.
