“What did I tell you about that tongue, Sweetheart.” Hunter growls, causing me to blush bright red. My usual sassy response abandons me completely.
“Here you are Darling.”
I smile appreciatively at Levi as he hands me a coffee made exactly how I like it, the interruption saving me from having to reply to Hunter’s comment. Not that I have a response, just a whole load of inappropriate suggestions.
I take a seat at the table and realise that it’s also laid out with, sausages, pancakes and fruit, not just the bacon that was the only thing that I originally saw. I load up a plate as the guys each do the same. There is a moment of quiet as we all tuck into our breakfast.
“So, what are we doing today?” I ask finally, after clearing half of my plate. I take a sip of coffee.
“Well we still need some information fromThomas about the Soulmate Bond, and you need to decide if you want their friend to unblock your memories.” Levi states seriously.
“I’m not sure,” I say honestly, “I’m terrified that the reason they blocked out that year, was because it was so utterly traumatic that it would’ve rendered me useless and they obviously needed me for something.” I swallow the knot of dread bubbling up my throat, “And what about the step bitch? How does she fit into all of this? Me being placed with her can’t have been a coincidence. I have so many questions.” I sigh heavily and begin to rub my temples, people in the movies do it when they’re stressed so maybe it’ll help, I did try it at Thomas’s house yesterday, but it didn’t do much.
Maverick and Kai each take a hold of one of my hands and as soon as their skin makes contact with mine the storm of emotions raging inside me calms to a dull roar.
“I know what Beautiful, how about we take a day to recuperate today and then go back to see your family tomorrow?” Kai says gently, placing a light kiss on my temple.
I nod gratefully and rest my head on his shoulder.
“I don’t think the Soulmate bond is complete,” Maverick suddenly says, “I think that’s why our tattoos look slightly faded. I want to ask Thomas about it when we see him tomorrow.”
All the guys nod in agreement.
“Well since we are going to be staying here for a while, I’m going to get Apollo and Trig.” Hunter says before standing up and getting ready to leave. All the guys just make sounds of affirmation and I feel my eyebrows dip in confusion. Obviously noting my confusion and deciding to take pity on me, Levi chuckles lightly before explaining.
“Hunters dogs, Darling. We have a friend who looks after them for us when we aren’t here.”
“Oh, I have always loved dogs.” I smile, it slightly shocks me that giant grumpy Hunter has dogs he so obviously adores, if the slight but gentle smile adorning his face is anything to go by, but I suppose he has already shown me that he’s not nearly as grumpy and gruff as he first comes across, he’s just guarded. “Since we are spending the day here, I was wondering if you would mind if I go for a run around the grounds? Exercise has always helped me think more clearly.”
“Of course, Darling,” Levi smiles at me, “there’s a gym in the basement, if you would like to use that too?”
I beam at him. My muscles are starting to feel twitchy from the lack of use. I wonder if I could convince one of them to spar with me. I quickly stuff the rest of my food in my mouth, ladylike I know, but now I have a plan for the day I’m eager to get started. Hunter gives me a kiss on the cheek on his way past to grab his keys from the counter.
“See you later Sage, I’m going to pick up the dogs.” He gives me one of his small smiles.
“I can’t wait to meet them!” I say excitedly.
I give him a small goodbye wave before jumping up and putting my plate in the dishwasher.
“Do you want some company on your run Beautiful?” Kai asks sweetly and stretches his arms above his head as he stands.
I get momentarily distracted by his abs as he twists and turns, they really are lickable. I shake my head slightly, forcing myself to focus. One glance at Kai’s smirk tells me he caught me checking him out. I grin back at him and shrug completely unashamed.
“Is it ok if I go out on my own?” I ask, before continuing, “Do you want to meet me in the gym after though?”
“Of course, it is, Beautiful!” Kai responds, and I look towards the others to see if they want to meet in the gym later too.
“Absolutely Titch. If you go across the back lawn there is a well-worn trail through the woods that loops around the property.” Maverick tells me.
“Awesome, thank you guys!” I place a kiss on Kai and Maverick’s cheeks causing the sparks to hum quietly.
I walk over to Levi and Jax to do the same. Taking a little extra time to kiss one of Jax’s scars. I love how the sparks react to each of my men and I have to force myself not to linger. If I didn’t have a ridiculous amount of shit to think through, I probably would have let myself linger and subsequently gotten distracted.
I go back to my room, mentally thanking Hunter for having the forethought to pack my workout clothes. I get dressed quickly bringing up a workout playlist on my phone that I added after the guys got me it, then put it in my sports bra. I don’t own one of those fancy arm holder things, but my bra works just as well. I jog back downstairs, using it as an opportunity to warm up, sending a quick wave towards the guys as I pass the kitchen on my way outside. I do a couple of light stretches, being really careful and testing my ribs for any pain, not wanting to push them too far and cause myself more damage which would mean a longer healing time. I’m surprised when I don’t even feel a slight twinge whilst I stretch. I’ve had broken ribs before, and they have never healed this quickly. I shouldn’t be too surprised though I did manage to fight a couple of days ago with barely any pain. I remember I never got round to asking Levi about it, maybe it’s something to do with the Soulmate Bond. Although to be fair Levi knows as much as I do right now.
I start off at a gentle jog across the lawn and onto the path Mav told me about. The path is extremely easy to follow and doesn’t require too much concentration, so I let my mind drift to all the things I need to sort through.
The first thing that jumps to the forefront of the mess that is my mind is, unlocking my memories. I want to remember my time with my parents but the year that has been blocked as well, scares the shit out ofme and the block seems to be starting to fail anyway, since I keep having flashes of memories from before I was taken.
