Page 204 of The Chosen One Universe: Volume One

“Yes, I’m Magdalen,” the sweet one said. She glanced warily at the other woman then back to them with a soft smile. “This is Helena.”

“It’s lovely to meet you both,” Henry said.

Draco ambled over, giving both women the stink eye before burying his face in Sawyer’s neck. Sawyer snorted out a laugh and shoved him away. “Go back to sleep. We’re fine.”

Both ladies eyed Sawyer and Draco curiously and raised brows when Draco released Sawyer and pulled Henry against him instead. Henry kept one eye on them even as Draco nuzzled into his neck.

“You want me to have Vivian make you a coffee?” Henry asked.

Draco nodded pitifully. He’d not been sleeping enough with all the training they’d been doing prior to leaving the house and from the way he’d tossed and turned in the bed at the back of the bus the night before, that hadn’t changed. But Henry knew better than to suggest that he go back to sleep. No way would he leave Sawyer without claws and fangs at his side while strangers were around.

“Take my chair. I’ll be right back. And be nice, this is Eduard’s family.”

Draco sucked in a breath and straightened. He pecked a kiss on Henry’s lips before donning one of his pretty smiles for the ladies.

Henry escaped into the house as Draco began introducing himself, pouring on the charm he was capable of when he made an effort. Luckily, Vivian was in the kitchen and he didn’t have to hunt for long. He was really curious about Eduard’s cousins and didn’t want to miss the conversation. “Hey, Viv. Can you make Draco one of your super powered coffees please? We have company and he’s a cranky kitten.”

She snickered but nodded. “Company? Do you need anything else?”

“Uh… I don’t think so? We had lemonade out there from earlier.”

She rolled her eyes and shooed him out the door. “I’ll send Cecil out with Draco’s coffee and to see if anyone needs anything else.”

“Yes ma’am.”

She mock-growled at him. “You’re lucky you’re cute. Get out of my kitchen.”

Henry snickered and hurried back outside. Helena was still glaring off to the side, but Magdalen and Sawyer were chatting about the trip. Even Henry could see the awkwardness of the conversation, but he had no clue how to fix it. Luckily, he didn’t have to worry long. Eduard and Andvari appeared at the edge of the path. Eduard didn’t look overly thrilled to see their company, but he masked his displeasure quickly.

“Helena, Magdalen. I’m surprised to see you.”

Finally, Helena’s ice began to thaw. She rose and almost smiled at Eduard. “Cousin. It’s good to have you home.”

Eduard kissed both of her cheeks before turning to Magdalen. “Mags, how are you doing?”

“I’m well,” Magdalen said with a smile. “I’m glad you’re home. It’ll be nice having you back.”

Eduard smiled again, kissing both of her cheeks before looking at the three of them. Draco seemed as puzzled as Henry was at Eduard’s actions. He was usually proper, but there was a coldness to him that didn’t quite fit. Sawyer stood and reached for Eduard’s hand and he took it with a smile.

“Hello, love. Did you have a good swim?”

“We did. I can’t wait for the pool at home to be finished now. Although you should know that Henry on a float is extremely dangerous. We may have to hire a lifeguard to protect us from him.”

Eduard laughed and pulled Sawyer closer. He kissed him sweetly then turned to Henry with a smile. “Causing trouble again, I see.”

“Hey, there’s gotta be one in every group, right? And it was Sawyer’s fault.”

Eduard grinned as Cecil came out of the house carrying one of his polished silver trays. He sat a latte in front of Draco before giving Eduard a quick bow.

“Is there anything you need, Master Eduard?”

“No, thank you, Cecil. We have a few things to attend to, so we’ll be heading inside after a short visit with my cousins.”

Draco gestured Eduard toward his chair before taking his coffee and escaping to the other side of the pool. One of the vampire guards had stopped there to talk to Andvari so Draco joined them, escaping the chatty conversations he didn’t enjoy.

It constantly surprised Henry how different they all were the moment someone outside their immediate circle came around. Whether it be one of the vampire guards or simply someone stopping to talk to Draco the rare times they’d left the house in the past few weeks, the man clammed up like it was an affront to his very being that someone dared speak to him. It hadn’t taken Henry long to realize that Draco actually got really anxious around people. It was funny that he was forced into a situation where there would be at least nine of them once the rest of the guardians arrived. Then again, it didn’t bother Draco to be with them, and Cecil and Vivian didn’t bother him either.

Sawyer, on the other hand, seemed to flourish around new people, so it had been hard to see him so tied up in knots after the mailman incident. His trust had been broken, and Henry couldn’t imagine what that must feel like. Although he’d been welcoming to Helena and Magdalen, the line of tension along Sawyer’s back hadn’t eased until Eduard returned.