Page 31 of Dark Auctioned Mate

“Javi,” Silas called out in a tone full of warning and amusement.

"Like what?"

“Like how to toss knives, how to climb up really tall trees, how to steal cookies out of the kitchen without being detected—”

“Ah! Nope, not going to happen,” Elle shook her head.

Isa giggled, turning to Silas. “Papa, Uncle Javi is trying to steal me.”

Silas walked closer, with his arms crossed. "Is he now? And what did you think of that?”

Isa acted as though she was thinking hard, her little face scrunched up. Then she smiled and told Silas. “I believe you are still my favorite. But you see, you must not tell Uncle Javi, because that will make him feel bad.”

“Hey! I heard that,” Javi said mock-offended, giving her to his brother. Isa immediately threw her arms around his neck and gave him a big kiss on his cheeks.

“You will always be my first choice, Papa.”

“Good answer,” Silas said, kissing the top of her head. "Very diplomatic.”

"You know what?” Elle suddenly clapped her hands. “We should all have dinner together. As a family.”

“That sounds good,” Javi stated. “But I don't—”

“There are no buts,” Elle said firmly. She pointed to Rael. “And Alanis should come. She is family, too.”

Rael began to shake his head. “I don’t think that would be a good idea.”

"Why not?" Elle arched a brow. “Because Javi is being an ass?”

Javi frowned. “Uhm, I'm right here.”

Ignoring him, Elle continued. “He will get over it, and the pack will too. They will get over it faster when they see us accepting her. Or because you're afraid she will be embarrassed?”

“All of the above,” Rael confessed.

"Well, too bad. We are a family, and that involves your mate. In addition, Sara has been longing to spend more time with her, and I believe Alanis needs some normality.”

Rael opened his mouth and closed it. He did not know how Alanis would react.

“This is a bad idea,” Javi said without any heat in his voice.

“Your concerns have been noted and dismissed," Elle said with a smile. “Rael, make sure Alanis is here at six. I am sure Sara will help her get something to wear, if she wants.”

"Elle…"

"Six o'clock, Rael. Don't make me go to your house and drag her here myself.”

Rael glanced at Silas, seeking his help. "You know better than to argue with her when she's made up her mind."

“Fine,” he sighed, turning to Elle. “But should this go wrong…”

“It won't. Trust me.”

Rael nodded tersely. He would relay the message to Alanis with the help of Sara. Perhaps, it would be a good idea to have his sister with him to calm down some of the anxiety that Alanis was bound to have about the dinner, and maybe this might be a step toward getting her into the family on a proper basis. To make her feel like she was a part of this place. He could only hope Javi would behave himself.

***

Six hours later, Rael was standing outside Silas's house, his nerves shot to the roof, waiting for Alanis. Sara had sent him a message that they would be a little late, and Rael had been standing here the whole time, second-guessing the whole evening.