“Eli-fucking-jah,” he says, grin wide. “It’s about time.”
They hug like brothers, the kind that survived something deep and painful together.
His eyes flick to me as they part. “And this must be Ava.”
I nod, suddenly self-conscious.
He takes one look at me and smiles—really smiles. “You’re even prettier than he said.”
“Elijah talks about me?” I tease, glancing at him.
He barks a laugh. “Constantly. You’ve ruined him. It 's fantastic. By the way, I'm Gabriel Sinclair. A pleasure to meet you lovely.” He says, while leaning to give a small kiss on the cheek.
Elijah groans. “Please ignore everything this man says. And get your hands off my girl. Go find your own.”
We’re ushered inside where Sebastian is already setting out wine and some appetizers.
He’s quieter, softer than I expected. Elegantly handsome with dark, observant eyes and a calm that feels practiced. Beside Gabriel’s warmth, Sebastian is the still water you know runs deep.
“Hi, Ava,” he says, reaching out a hand. “We’re really glad you came.” I shake his hand and smile.
We sit around the table in a kitchen that smells like rosemary and sugar and years of peace hard-won.
Dinner was amazing—not just the food, which was rich and comforting, but the way Elijah’s laughter filled the space, his eyes crinkling in that way I love. The conversation flowed like we’d known each other forever, and watching him so at ease made me fall just a little harder.
“You know,” Gabriel says with a sly look, “Elijah used to scare the hell out of everyone. He'd show up, and people would vanish like smoke.”
Elijah grunts. “Don’t start.”
“No, no, let her hear this,” Sebastian says, and there’s a soft smile on his face—not mockery, but memory. “He was the only one who didn’t flinch when I told the family I was in love with Gabe. Everyone else acted like I’d spit on the name. Eli? He just poured a drink and said, ‘About time you stopped lying to yourself.’”
My heart tightens in my chest.
Gabriel nods. “We wouldn’t have gotten out without him and his help. He did everything he could to help us. I still feel guilty about it.”
“Don’t,” Elijah says quietly. “You gave me a reason to leave.”
They look at each other and something passes between them. Brotherhood forged in fire.
And I realize: this is what loyalty looks like when it costs something.
Elijah gets up to pour himself a glass of water. Something in me stirs—an unease I’ve tried to keep quiet—but the words come before I can stop them.
“I know maybe I shouldn’t ask this,” I begin, my voice trembling slightly, “but how are you all so calm? About the new… Don, is that what he’s called? You’re not worried he’ll come after you—afterus? I’m sorry if I’m overstepping or if I don’t fully understand, but… I need to know we’re safe. I already have a stalker to deal with—I can’t handle more unknowns.”
I brace myself for offense, for guarded looks or silence. But what meets me is something softer—understanding. Affection, even.
Elijah sets the glass on the table and kneels in front of me, eyes steady, full of something deep and patient. Gabriel steps closer, resting a comforting hand on my shoulder.
“Never apologize for asking something completely reasonable, especially not in this situation,” Elijah says, his voice catching ever so slightly. “Okay, my sweet baby?”
“Yes, Daddy,” I whisper, instinctively, and I see the way Gabe glances between Elijah and Sebastian. No judgment—just quiet acknowledgment. Sebastian gives a small nod.
“Good girl,” Elijah murmurs.
Then, more firmly, he adds, “And to answer your question—we’re not worried because the man who took Sebastian’s place would never hurt us. He’s not just some outsider. He’s one of Sebastian’s closest friends. He’s loyal to us, to the family, and that loyalty runs deep.”
I take a breath. “I think… maybe it’s better if I don’t know who he is.”
