AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I held my breath, scanning the faces, but no one frowned or booed. They studied me with awe, not bothered one inch about who I was. Just that their leader had found someone who made him smile with giddiness, who held him close and tight. And at once, they closed in, hugging me, sniffing me to take my scent, offering words of gratitude.
A young girl approached me, and I crouched down to hug her. She whispered, “I like you. You make Reed smile more than I’ve ever seen him in the past.” Warmth engulfed me. I’d brought out that kind of cheer in their leader. By the time I’d finished with the greetings, Kahlo hugged me from behind, his arms laced over my stomach. “They love you,” he cooed in my ear. “And who can blame them? You have me enchanted.”
“They’re so friendly and welcoming,” I said. “I’ve never experienced so much kindness from anyone who didn’t know me.”
“Well, get used to it. Your life is about to change and for the better. And if you struggle, I’m there to catch you.” His eyes smiled, and he wrapped me in his arms, making me adore his strength and warmth. Having three men who cared for me felt strange, but it was growing on me fast.
“Shall we head to the treehouse?” Gage asked. “Someone’s calling us.”
Kahlo and I turned around to see Oryn up on the balcony. “Come on up when you’re ready.”
“You go up. I’ll join you soon,” Reed said before returning to his pride. It made me proud to see his attention focused on his family, the care he put into showing them they mattered. That was the reason I was drawn to him. Sure, his attractiveness played a huge part, but to discover the real man underneath had me captivated.
Kahlo led me by the arm, Gage on our heels. Halfway up the circular steps, Gage had his hand on my ass, squeezing. When I glanced over my shoulder, he smirked. “Just helping you up, sugar pops. Plus, it’s rare we get to see you in a dress.” He winked, and a tingle sparked in the pit of my stomach.
“Can’t argue with that logic.” Once we reached the landing, I gawked at the landscape over the veranda railing. There was a carpet of greenery in every direction. Mountains jutted out in the distance, their snowcapped tips telling me that might be White Peak realm, where the bear shifters lived. “Gorgeous.”
“Yes, you are,” Gage added.
“Wonderful to have you here.” A female voice joined us, and we turned to a slender woman with chestnut hair reaching her waist. She was beautiful; even dressed in a simple V-neck dress that fell to her knees with long sleeves, she exuded a feminine goddess feel. “I’m Scarlet, and you must be Elliana.” She closed the distance between us and took me into a hug without hesitation. She smelled of vanilla, freshness, and a touch of powder.
I held her against me, adoring her hospitality.
“I love having visitors over. Doesn’t happen often enough.” When she broke free, she turned to Kahlo. “Tiger shifter, right? I can see it in your eyes.”
He laughed and embraced her before she faced Gage, who puffed out his chest. “Bet you’ve never seen a real-life dragon?”
Her eyes widened, and she clasped her hands to her chest. “Oryn just told me and I jumped up and down—literally.” Her smile was contagious, and Gage didn’t miss a beat, already pulling his shirt up and over his head.
Kahlo stepped closer and clasped a hand to his shoulder. “Best not to strip the moment you meet a woman, you know!” He chuckled, and Scarlet’s reddening cheeks had me admiring her already.
“All right, I’ll go back downstairs, but be ready to be stunned.” Gage blew me a kiss, then vanished toward the steps.
A dark-haired man with soft features and a mischievous grin stepped outside, holding a baby in a yellow jumpsuit in his arms, maybe six months old. “Did I hear someone say ‘dragon’?” When he exchanged gazes, he nodded. I could see why Scarlet would have fallen for him. Aside from his strong cheekbones and gorgeous features, he carried a confidence about him. But with him holding a child, something in my chest shifted. I’d never given kids a second thought because my whole life had been about survival, but now things were different.
“Who is this gorgeousness?” I’d had no idea Scarlet had a child.
“I’m Nero,” teased the grown man as he placed his baby in my arms. “And this is my angel, Autumn.”
I cradled the little one, loving how tiny and soft she felt, yet when she looked up at me with huge hazel eyes, I was mesmerized. Her face glowed as if she lit from inside out. “Hello there,” I cooed. “Aren’t you adorable?”
“That’s what Scarlet says about me all the time.” Nero took Scarlet into his arms, holding her against him, kissing her, making it clear the honeymoon was far from over between the pair.
Kahlo was at my back, staring down at Autumn, his finger running the length of her button nose. “Beautiful.”
Just then, Oryn and another man joined us on the veranda, each carrying a baby and gravitating toward Scarlet.Wow, three babies.Their family was complete and the way they stared at her showed how much they loved her.
“Hey, I’m Dagen.” The new man shook Kahlo’s hand and offered me a side hug, kissing me on the cheek. He was captivating with honey-colored hair that danced across his shoulders. Stubble covered his broad jawline, and a scar lined his temple and hairline. “And this here is Alexy, and he”—he pointed his chin to the one in Oryn’s arms—“is Jay.”
“You’re blessed with three tiny ones to love,” I said.
“Don’t get me wrong,” Nero said. “I love them to bits, but even between the four of us, some nights, none of us get sleep when these three wake up and decide it’s feeding time.”
Scarlet laughed. “I wouldn’t change it for the world. But it’ll get crazier.” She rubbed her tiny belly, and her men drifted closer to her, watching her with awe and affection in their eyes. So much love that it made me gush.
“You’re pregnant? Oh heavens, that’s incredible. I’m so excited for you.” I hurried over and half-hugged her, Autumn between us. “You’ve got the most beautiful family. Congratulations.”
“Well, we had something to do with it,” Oryn said, arching a brow, his laughter loud and boisterous.
