“Where are Kai and Jude?”
“They stayed at home. I made them. They can both be…” Zayden pinched the bridge of his nose. “A lot.”
Sonnet laughed. “I made my sister do the same thing. She wanted to help me pack and wait for you guys to come, but…” She laughed again. “You met her.”
“I did.” Zayden pinched the bridge of his nose even harder.
A lightness eased Sonnet’s heart, and then a thrill as they approached the large gates of a prestigious neighborhood, rumored to be the mansions of actors, CEOs, singers, and practically anyone in a tax bracket Sonnet could never picture.
Zayden punched in the code to the gate and glided his car through as if it was no big deal to belong to an establishment like this. Sonnet had her face pressed against her passenger side window, mouth agape as they passed by each mansion. Each home was unique, with large yards keeping each house far from the other, and even larger green giants serving as firm walls.
At the very end of the loop rested a very modern, very dark house with so many windows and yet none of them looked like any sunlight could get inside. The grass was very neatly cut, as were the hedges leading to the front door, but there weren’t any other trees or flowers.
A slight swell of disappointment dropped in the pit of her stomach when she realized that house belonged to her mates. A house that looked nothing at all like a home.
What would the inside look like?
She was scared, but standing at the front door was the brightest light she had ever seen, welcoming her.
Jude.
Chapter 11
Sonnet couldn’t stop giggling as Jude charged at the car, throwing the door open and helping her unbuckle. He was smiling more than she was as he swooped her into his arms and spun her around.
“Welcome home!” He cheered.
“This is why I made him stay behind,” Zayden grumbled, slamming his door shut. “Jude, put her down and help us with her things. Jude!”
“Let him go,” Felix laughed as Sonnet was swept away. “He’s happy. And so is she.”
Am I happy?
Once inside, she looked at every ounce of the house, the entrance leading to the backyard and garage, holding not a single ounce of color or decor. Jude carried her up the first staircase, where she was greeted by more dark colors, more emptiness, the hallway to the left leading to a bathroom, gym, soundproof music room, and to the right, the open concept kitchen, dining room, and living room, all of which were filled with the first sign of color she had seen.
The ceiling was covered in balloons, some tied to the couch's legs and dining table. There were flower bouquets on the TV stand, the kitchen island, and the table next to the second staircase. There was a banner over the second staircase that saidWelcome Home!and a freshly baked cake that said the same thing.
She looked at Jude and laughed.
I am happy.
“Welcome home,” he cheered, finally releasing her.
“This is amazing. Did you do all of this yourself?”
A slight flush brushed against Jude’s cheeks as he scratched the back of his neck bashfully. “Well, Felix made the cake, but yeah. I just really wanted to make sure you felt wanted. Because you are wanted. I’m happy you’re here with us, Sonnet.”
Her knees felt weak, like she was going to melt. Her scent engulfed the room. Felix and Zayden didn’t say anything, but their scents danced with hers. Jude puffed out his chest as a strong wave of Funfetti cake fought against the others. She laughed.
“You baked the cake?” She asked Felix. “Can we have some?”
Felix nodded and she couldn’t help but notice the faint graze of his fingers on her back as he walked past her into the kitchen. She followed, mouthwatering as she stood over it. She dipped her finger in the frosting and hummed.
“That’s incredible.”
A teasing smile tugged at the corner of his lips. “Should I cut you a slice, or do you want to eat the entire thing yourself?”
“I guess I can share, but” she took another swipe of the frosting, “you have to promise to make me another whenever I want.”
