“Is he alright?” Renata asked.
Cristie thought about it. She had a duty to her best friend to keep his secrets, even if she didn’t understand them fully. But she also owed her Aunt Renata honesty. “Truth is, I’m not completely sure what is happening with him. But I do know that he’ll be okay. One way or another, he’ll find his way.”
“Should I go after him?”
“I wouldn’t. He needs some down time, maybe then he’ll be more willing to open up about what he’s struggling with.”
Renata’s gaze drifted away from Cristie and she looked out of the huge window in the living room that was the last place she’d seen the tail lights of her son’s car before he drove away.
“Maybe send a text and tell him that you love him and are available whenever he wants to talk, or just sit quietly for a while with someone who loves him,” Cristie said.
Renata smiled. “I think I’ll do just that.”
Cristie smiled and nodded, then went back to the extra bedroom to get the plate of food she’d brought for Kaiser. She took it back to the kitchen and set it down on the counter topnear the stove. She looked around the now quiet kitchen — everyone had gone outside to relax and eat their meals together. She picked up the plate, added two sweet yeast rolls slathered in butter, then went outside to join her family.
The minute she walked out onto the back porch, all eyes looked her way.
“There you are,” Riley said.
She smiled, convincingly, too. “I was wondering where everybody went to. Y’all moved the party out here.”
“Sure did. Come have a seat and join us,” Maia said.
Cristie nodded and made her way out into the yard. There were several places she could have sat, but she walked past them and hesitated beside a few available spots with Lucas and Richie’s families. “Do you mind if I butt in?”
“’Course not. Since when would you even ask?” Lucas asked.
Cristie smiled at Lucas’ comment, but her eyes were glued to Remi who sat with them. He was seated on a small wooden bench he’d pulled up to sit with them. He scooted over to sit on one end, rather than in the middle, leaving her a place to sit.
She sat down beside Remi. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome,” Remi said.
She heard female whispers from across the yard and turned her head to better hear them.
Tia, Keegan, and Amanda were off by themselves, sitting together under one of the trees.
“And now she’s going to sit beside Remi like she can have both,” Tia practically hissed.
“Remi’s her mate, idiot. He belongs to Cristie,” Keegan said.
Harper, who was sitting nearby with Sebastian, Clay, Cruz, and Summer got up to throw away her paper plate, but made a pit stop beside the three younger girls sitting together. “You ladies need to watch your mouths. When you piss off our young Alpha, don’t come looking to me for help.”
“I didn’t say anything!” Tia claimed defensively.
Harper pinned her with a knowing look.
“I was just saying I think I’m going to go check on Kaiser,” Tia said.
“I told her she’s a fool. Again,” Amanda said.
“Watch yourself, Tia. I wouldn’t want you to tread into a situation you have no idea about,” Harper said.
“I’m only being a good Pride mate,” Tia said.
“Mmhmm,” Harper said, then slowly strolled away looking back at the small group of teenage girls.
“Just leave him alone,” Keegan snapped. “He’s a grown male.”
