“He got horns. He got wings. I got a Wolf. I want some damn wings or something!”
“Your Wolf is pretty magnificent,” Valerie said.
“Yeah, but he can’t fly, and if he gets stabby he’s gotta go find a damn knife. That ain’t easy without opposable thumbs,” Maverik said.
Boon snickered as he pulled the front door closed behind himself. He’d only had the opportunity two or three times since Elijah was born to spend any time at all with Angelle. And even so, it was a few hours, then he’d be taken home by Tempest or by his sister, Lily, returning to pick him up. This time, though, Lily had suggested he stay for a few days instead of just visiting for a few hours. He’d thought it unlikely that it would do any good since he’d have to stealthily cross the highway that ran between the two properties to get from Tempest’s house to Angelle’s and back again, and there was a chance Daniel would limit their time anyway, not to mention the chance that he could be seen while crossing the road. But then Lily explained that Maverik lived just about thirty feet away from Angelle’s home, on the same property. That coupled with the fact that Maverik had a special bond with both Angelle’s parents and herself and Tempest made it clear that it might actually be a good idea. If Maverik was welcoming and it didn’t impose on him in any way, that is. Lily brought him to Maverik’s house the night before, and after he quickly agreed that Boon was welcome at any time, Boon found himself assigned a bedroom, was told he was one of the family, and to help himself to whatever he needed. Maverik and Valerie had even told him that if they didn't have what he wanted, to tell them what he needed, and they’d get it. In the nine or so hours Boon had been there, he’d even become quite attached to Maverik, and Maverik to him. Their personalities complemented each other, it was a toss up as to which was more sarcastic.
Boon paused on Maverik’s front porch to slip his feet into unlaced hunting boots before stomping down the wooden steps and jogging across to Daniel and Avaleigh’s house. He couldn’t help the smile that curved his full lips as he knocked and waited for someone to answer. If he was lucky, it’d be Angelle herself.
But naturally he couldn’t be that lucky.
~~~
Daniel, sitting at the table across from Avaleigh as they sipped their coffee, eyed the door sharply as they heard the knock.
Avaleigh’s gaze went straight to the clock hanging on the opposite wall. “It’s just now 7:00 A. M.,” she said.
“I got it,” Daniel said, getting up and walking to the door as he sipped his coffee. He pulled open the door without checking the peephole and stood there wearing an irritated expression as he simply looked at Boon without saying a word.
“Good morning,” Boon said.
“Yep,” Daniel said.
“I was wondering if Angelle might be available to come have breakfast with me,” Boon said.
“She’s sleeping.”
“When she wakes,” Boon said.
“Where? Where exactly did you plan to take her for breakfast?” Daniel demanded with a pointed look at his horns.
Boon smiled as he half-turned and gestured toward Maverik’s house. “Maverik’s. We’ve set up breakfast outside on the porch so that you can easily check on her at your convenience.”
Daniel’s brows bunched up over his eyes as he leaned out of his front door and glanced toward Maverik’s house. He could seefood set up on the table, but not quite make out what it was from here. “Maverik know that?” he snarked.
“Yes, sir. He does. I’m staying with him and Valerie for a little while.”
Daniel’s snarky grin fell. “How long?”
“I’m not sure, yet. But for at least a few days.”
“Who is it, Daniel?” Avaleigh asked, walking up behind Daniel.
“Him,” Daniel said drolly.
“Him? Oh, Boon! Good morning, Boon,” Avaleigh said.
“Good morning, Ms. Avaleigh. I was just explaining that I’m staying with Maverik and Valerie for a little while, and I’ve arranged for breakfast outside on his porch so that Mr. Daniel can keep an eye on Angelle at his convenience.”
“Oh, how thoughtful,” Avaleigh said.
“She’s sleeping,” Daniel repeated.
“But she’ll be awake if we wake her,” Avaleigh said, rolling her eyes at Daniel.
“She doesn’t like to be woken before she’s ready,” Daniel said.
“I’m pretty sure she’ll be alright with waking up early to share a meal with Boon,” Avaleigh said, walking away from Daniel as she shot him warning looks.
