“Yes.” I pause. “My sister Aria is in one with the twins, Seven and Severo, as well.”
“Fascinating.” And I can tell she truly is.
“We’re unconventional around here.” I shrug, opening my door. Coming around to her side, I expand, “Luther and Ariel stayed with Lake, Nolan, and Damien. Carver and Meadow have a house here on the property. They’re alone now that Saint built a house on some land close by, and Scotlyn is in Maryland.”
“You have a lot of family.” Her comment is envious as she climbs out of the SUV. “There’s another girl, though, isn’t there?”
“Hadley. She’s the rebel. Her parents, my Uncle Castiel and Aunt Talia, live up the road, and she has one brother, Hendrix. Currently, however, she lives with her man, Ashton, in the city.” Her head bobs as I talk, absorbing what I say, and I’m hoping her genuine interest indicates she wants something more between us.
“So, who are you closest with?” Opening the back door, Sawyer nearly falls over into my arms as I unbuckle him.
Carrying him up the steps, I reply, “The twins and I have always been close, mostly because of their interest in Aria, I suppose. But Nolan, Bishop, and I have always gotten into shit together.”
“That’s a bad word,” Sawyer’s sleepy voice mutters, making us both laugh.
“Yes, it is. Don’t ever say it.”
“Okay.” He yawns and settles down.
I nod for Noelle to open the door, and she hesitates before doing so. Immediately, we’re greeted by two of the friendlier dogs, Belle and Bear, Belgian Malinois. They’re perfect for hanging out with Sawyer.
My parents also wait patiently by the stairs. If I didn’t know better, I’d think they were excited for Sawyer’s presence.
“Sit!” I bark the command to settle the animals down before they startle the boy in my arms.
“Cool,” Sawyer mumbles, working on getting out of my grasp. As soon as I set him down, he plops between the two dogs, who lay beside him, their tails thumping so hard it echoes around the house.
Noelle kneels to pet them both too. “That’s Bear.” I point to the larger of the two and darker in color. “That’s Belle.” They were originally bought for guarding, but they were too sweet, so Mom brought them inside, and they’re just regular house pets now. Or that’s how she explains it. I think she wanted someone, or something, to fuss over again.
“They’re so lovable,” Noelle says as she stands.
“They are impeccably trained. With the hope of many children running around soon, we had to make sure all the dogs on everyone’s properties were well-trained,” my mother pipes in, and Noelle’s eyes widen from her implications.
“Noelle, this is my mother, Lilith, and my dad, King. Mom and Dad, this is Noelle and Sawyer.” I watch Noelle as she shakes Dad's hand because he’s an intimidating person until he decides if he likes you, and he doesn’t like many people.
“It’s nice to meet you.” Noelle’s smile wavers as she pulls back.
“Well, the girls are waiting upstairs. Let’s get you dressed.” Mom grasps her hand and drags Noelle behind her as they go upstairs.
Sawyer doesn’t even notice her absence as he continues to pet and play with the dogs.
“I like her,” Dad says. “She has demons, though—big ones. Be prepared, son. I’ll see you tonight.” With a last look at the boy on the floor, he walks into his office and closes the door.
Sawyer’s laughter as Bear licks his face is contagious, and I realize that if Noelle is going to stay with me, the boy is coming along too. It didn’t fully sink in before, but she treats him like her own child. He’s a part of her.
A part I’m not against keeping too.
* * *
Noelle
Lilith won’t let go of my hand as we enter what looks like a teenage girl’s room. It’s not pink, but it’s got enough accents to confirm my assumption.
“This was my daughter Aria’s room. She moved in with the twins a month ago after a slew of begging from the boys.” She doesn’t seem too concerned that her daughter is in a relationship with two men.
“You’re okay with that?” I ask, hoping not to insult her.
“With Aria being with two men? Yes. Then I always know that she is protected. It’s not often either of them leaves her alone. When one isn’t with her, the other is.” Makes sense, and I can see why that would be comforting.