Robyn shrieked and slammed the front door. “It’s freezing out there! I didn’t realize Texas had a winter.”
From the sectional by the TV, I looked over my shoulder at her. “Did you find Catcher?”
“He’s still guarding the property,” she answered while kicking off her shoes. “He probably thinks those Vampires are still out there, so he’s being Mr. Stubborn and wants to circle the house like a lunatic.” Robyn rounded the grey sectional where we were all cuddled up in our pajamas. “Should we build a fire?”
Melody finished her mint ice cream and stood. “I couldn’t find the matches. Tak said it’s not cold enough to turn on the heater, so it looks like we’ll just have to freeze to death.”
Robyn plopped down on the sofa. “One crisis at a time.”
The stone fireplace was in the center of the room, whereas the television and sectional were by a central wall. The windows weren’t anywhere near us in the spacious room, and I didn’t feel cold, especially huddled together under blankets.
Mercy surged forward, captivated by the old movie we were watching. “This is my favorite part.” Instrumental music cued when Cary Grant kissed the leading lady. “I never thought lovecould be like that. Sometimes when I can’t sleep, Bear sits up and plays his guitar.”
“You got yourself a good one,” I told her.
After returning from the kitchen, Melody climbed over the back of the sofa and sat on the chaise portion to my left. “Which Van Halen song does he woo you with?” she quipped.
Mercy tossed a small pillow at her. Everyone knew Bear didn’t play that type of music because we heard him serenading her nightly. On occasion he played for the pack, but only at our request. He was a private guy—humble and always serving others.
“Is she still asleep?” I squinted at Hope, who was lying on the connecting sofa with her head turned toward the back cushion.
Cecilia leaned over and peered at her face. “She’s still knocked out.”
“Must be all those pregnancy hormones,” Robyn said. “Do you get sleepy like that?”
I shrugged. “Sometimes. More in the beginning. Now it’s just my body that’s tired, but my mind is always spinning.”
Melody tucked her knees against her chest and covered her legs with her oversized shirt. “I feel bad about all that work you were doing. Especially in the beginning when we were hauling lumber and rocks. And what about that week we spent pulling poisonous vines? I still remember how flushed your cheeks were.”
I put my arm around her. “You didn’t know. Besides, staying active is healthy for the baby. Imagine if you were pregnant and Lakota ordered you to sit here all day and do nothing.”
“I swear to the fates, if he ever does that, I’ll make him live in the heat house. One of my aunts did that to her mate after he wished out loud that she was carrying triplets. True story.”
A shiver danced through me as the wind blustered outside. My cami top and sleep shorts weren’t a practical choice, butsince no one watched the news, we hadn’t realized a cold front would be coming through.
When the bell sounded, Hope sat bolt upright. “Are they home? What time is it?”
Melody stood. “That’s strange. Nobody called.”
Whenever the gate was opened, it activated a bell in the house to alert us. Lucian always kept an eye on the alarms, but since the men had gone to the Rabbit Lounge, they promised to call us before their arrival so we wouldn’t be startled.
We sprang to our feet and scurried toward the windows. When my phone vibrated on a nearby table, I checked my messages.
Atticus
Don’t be alarmed. I’ll be staying there for the week. I sent someone with my bags.
Joy
Tak is allowing it?
Atticus
Yes. Leave my luggage outside and I’ll take it to the heat house when I arrive. Be safe.
The thought of Atticus staying took me by surprise but also thrilled me more than I wanted anyone to know.
“I better get my weapon.” Melody jogged toward the back, but I caught her arm.
