Page 42 of Laken's longing

“I was… erm… yeah… just coming to get Emmy.” He made sure to keep his voice down, ensuring it didn’t carry intoBooker’s office. “I heard Booker talking. I was waiting till he finished.”

An unusual tension radiated off Jupiter, and the smirk disappeared, causing that feeling of iciness to turn into a waterfall.

“What did you hear?” he demanded in a harsh voice, so unlike him.

“Nothing… not really…”

He could feel the sweat gather on his skin at how Jupiter was eyeing him. He’d never felt threatened by Jupiter—until now. “What is it, nothing or not really? Because they mean something completely different.”

His low, dangerous voice sent chills through Isley, and he found himself taking a wary step back. Isley hyperventilated and struggled to hold Jupiter’s threatening gaze when he moved forward with him.

“Got you covered… magic… everyone knowing… me… Frey,” he babbled, not making any sense whatsoever when held captive like a fly in a web, making him want to confess as long as Jupiter lost that scary glint in his eyes that spoke of trouble—the crazy kind.

The sound of Emmy crying gave Isley the perfect excuse to hustle ass. “Got to get Emmy,” he mumbled when Jupiter didn’t ask him to reiterate what he was trying to say.

At Booker’s door, the man appeared carrying Emmy in his arms. He glanced between Jupiter and Isley, a frown forming. Isley didn’t give him time to utter a word and snatched the baby from him like he was in a kidnapping movie. He was absolutely convinced he wore a guilty expression as he tucked her into his arms, startling Emmy into quietness.

“I’ll sort her, Booker,” he stated, hurrying down the hallway towards the elevators, not breathing until he was inside.

He slumped against the wall and stared down at the whimpering baby. “Never listen at doors. Nothing good ever comes of it.”

He was lucky he hadn’t pissed his pants at Jupiter’s scary face. Did they do diapers in adult sizes? He might yet need them for when Jupiter came after him.

Fiddlesticks, should he mention this to Laken? Was he stepping into a family minefield? It sure as hell felt like it with Jupiter’s strange behavior and Booker’s conversation. But what did it have to do with him?

Chapter Nineteen

Alphaholes

Silas:This family meeting tonight, do I need to bring Ziggy with me? Your message wasn’t clear Dad.

Dad:Yes, it’s wise to. What we are discussing requires the whole family to be present because it could affect all of you. Rue, I’ve sent you a team call link that is secure to use. Ring when you’re home.

Taylin:I was going to ask the same about Hollis. I’m sensing I’m missing something. Something serious?

Booker:A brain?

Kodi:If only I had a brain.

Booker:If only I had a heart.

Silas:Why the fuck are you two reciting lines from the Wizard of Oz? Dad, what is going on?

Taylin:Good catch Booker… oh yeah, I forget you loved to sit and watch it every Christmas, Silas. Will you be making it a Christmas tradition with Ziggy this year? I’m sure I could find you a pair of red sparkly shoes to wear.

Silas:Fuck off, dipshit. I haven’t watched it in years. And I forgot about the Christmas present you made me, motherfucker. This year will be payback.

Kodi:Whatever happened to those red shoes? I’m sure there’s a picture with you wearing them.

Kari:That new copy of the Wizard of Oz that got delivered a few months ago… that wasn’t yours?Right on Kodi, I think it’s in one of the Christmas albums Popi has in the library.

Silas:Seriously, do you wanna go there about what you have delivered to the house, Kari? And if any of you show that picture to Ziggy, payback will be epic, mark my words.

Rue:So it’s alright for Kendrick and Monty to be present during the call?

Dad:Yes Rue, that’s fine. The rest of you, why does it always end up like this? How can grown men revert to teenagers in the blink of an eye?

Jupiter:It’s a talent. And I do believe you burned the picture, Silas, in a fit of temper when Booker showed it to the boy you both wanted to date… can’t remember his name, but he looked like a young Tom Hardy.