“When are you going to have a baby like mum?” Ryker asks, making me wonder if he overheard his father and I talking. The kid was too smart for his own good, but I was also interested in hearing her answer.
“One day” She answers, smiling at him. Reaching past her, Reid looks at me before nodding and looking at Lily’s left arm. I nod, knowing he was trying to tell me which arm it was in, if it is still in her arm. I pour two mugs before handing him one.
Lily flipped pancakes while Natalia cooked bacon, sausages and eggs. After everyone ate, Reid stood up clearing his plate and so did I.
“Reid and I are going to organise the packs into housing and check on everyone” I tell Lily before kissing the top of her head before following Reid.
Lily POV
Aria relaxed all day while I started drawing and painting the wall in the room. Ryker followed me up and helped paint the background. I missed having him around and having so much family around. I never realised how lonely it actually was in this house. Like I knew it was lonely and always quiet, but I actually enjoyed the craziness and how loud the kids were as they ran up the halls. Made me think back to when I lived at my old pack house, which was always bustling with people and pack members.
It also reminded me of growing up with Amber. Ryker spent all day following me around helping with whatever task I was doing, whether it was mixing paint, cleaning brushes or just general cleaning. I could tell he wanted to say something but kept his lips sealed until I eventually demanded to know.
“What’s up with you?” I ask while I finish the last part of the background. It was nearly dinnertime, and I wanted to finish the background so hopefully it dries by tomorrow so I can finish it.
“Nothing, I just heard dad and uncle Damien talking this morning”
“About what?” I ask.
“Dad said you didn’t want kids, and that he was glad you came around to the idea and had some implant removed”
“So that’s why you asked this morning about when I would have a baby?” Ryker nodded.
“Why are you upset though?” I ask.
“Because dad said the implant in your arm means you can’t have babies, and Uncle Damien seemed upset”
“This is why you shouldn’t eavesdrop on adult conversations, Ryker. And I will have it removed and why do you care about me having babies?”
“Because mum banished you, you can’t come home till you're marked and mated” Ryker said, crossing his arms over his chest.
“That was before, I know your mother will let me visit. Damien and I were planning to visit soon anyway before all this” I tell him.
“So you will come home?” He asks excitedly.
“Yes, but not like before Ryker, this is my home now, but I can visit you and you me. You will always be welcome here buddy” I tell him, hugging him. Ryker places his arms around me, squeezing tight, when suddenly Aria walks in. She examines the wall.
“That is coming along nicely, Lil” I smile at her.
“Come on Ryker, dinner is done and then you need to shower and go to bed” Aria tells him. Ryker runs downstairs and I gather brushes ready to wash and leave out to dry for the next day. Aria walks over before wrapping her arms around my shoulders, hugging me. I could feel the little baby bump against me.
“You heard Ryker?” I ask and I feel her nod.
“You know Lily, I did that for you. You could have come home, I would never turn my back on you. I just needed you to give this a shot first. You have a right to be happy sis” She whispers.
“I know and I am kinda, well will be once all this is over” I tell her honestly.
“I love you sis” I tell her, leaning my head against hers.
“And I love you, I should have told you when Kade first escaped” She says just as Reid and Damien walk in. Both of them looked to the wall.
“Wow, that looks great, Lily,” Reid says.
“It's not done, yet” I tell him. Both Reid and Aria walk out, leaving me with Damien who was staring at the painting on the wall. I felt him step closer, wrapping his arms around me, and could feel the steady beating of his heart against my back.
“I had my doubts but glad I let you do it now, It looks great love” I nod before turning in his arms.
He looks down at me, a strange expression on his face. Layla purring in my head at his closeness.