Page 30 of Dark Auctioned Mate

“Just brotherly conversations,” Silas murmured.

"Uh-huh." She smiled, eyeing them both. “Well, your brotherly conversation is making Isa anxious. She was going to visit her uncles, but I told her that the grown-ups were being noisy and cranky.”

As if being summoned, Isabella Weston-Jones appeared at the doorway. She was three with dark hair and green eyes. She hesitated a moment and looked into the room. A big smile broke on her face when she saw Rael.

"Uncle Rael!" She squeaked, running with her tiny legs on the hardwood floor. Her two hands caught hold of the leg of his trousers.

Rael scooped her up, resting her on his hip. "Hey, little wolf. What are you doing up? Isn't it nap time?"

“No nap,” Isa hugged her arms around his neck. “I am big now. Big girls do not nap.”

"Is that right?" Rael's lips curved into the only genuine smile he'd had all day. “Well, since you're such a big girl, where were you when the grown-ups were holding their meeting?”

"Painting!" Isa's eyes lit up. “I painted a picture of wolves. You wanna see?"

“I would love to see it.” Isa snuggled against his chest, her little hand toying with the neck of his shirt.

“Why did you yell, Uncle Rael?” She asked softly.

Rael sighed. “Well, Uncle Javi and I had a slight argument “

"About what?"

“Adult matters. Nothing to be troubled about.”

Isa pouted. “Mama says whenever people yell, they should apologize and have cookies. Would you like cookies?”

His body vibrated with laughter. “Very good advice. Your mama is a clever woman.”

"The smartest.” Then she turned in his arms and looked around. "Where's Uncle Javi?"

“He had to check on something. He will be back.”

Isa's face fell. “But I wanted to show him my picture, also.”

Just in time, the door opened again, and Javi entered, looking a little less angry than when he had walked out. He paused at the sight of Isa in Rael's arms, and his face softened completely.

"Uncle Javi!" Isa immediately reached for him, her little arms outstretched.

Javi walked closer and gently took her out of Rael's arms, settling her against his chest. Isa reached up and pinched his cheeks with her fingers, giggling.

“Ow. What was that for, little menace?”

“You are in a bad mood and grumpy. Mama said whenever people are like that, you have to squeeze their cheeks till they smile.”

Javi's lips twitched. "And does it work?"

Isa tightened her grip and pulled his face into a grotesque smile. "See? It works!"

Javi threw his head back, chuckling deeply. “Yes. I am feeling much better now.”

"Good." Isa stroked his cheeks, looking pleased. “You should come to see my picture. I painted wolves, trees, and a big moon.”

"A big moon, huh? Sounds impressive. But you know what? I believe I should keep you. Your parents can have another child. You are mine now.”

"No!" Isa giggled and twitched in his arms. “I am Mama and Papa's!”

"Are you sure? Because I'm pretty fun. I could teach you all sorts of things your papa wouldn't approve of."