Somewhere upstairs I hear children laughing.
Dogs barking.
Someone arguing about cookies.
Daria glances around.
“This is...”
She smiles.
“Loud.”
Rafe's deep laugh carries from the adjoining room.
“That means you're hearing it correctly.”
The Alpha walks in with the easy confidence of a man completely comfortable in his own skin.
Tall.
Powerful.
Protective.
His blue eyes settle on Daria.
Then soften.
“Daria Woods.”
She straightens instinctively.
“Mr.Maccon.”
He snorts.
“Please.”
“I'm Rafe.”
“And unless you're about to put me in timeout, you don't need the mister.”
She laughs.
“I think your wife already likes me.”
“She collects strays.”
“I heard that,” Charley calls from the kitchen.
“It's true,” Rafe answers.
“I resemble that remark!”she shouts back.
Daria looks at me.
“They're adorable.”
