“It’ll be easy.” I lie because it won’t be easy to break this bubble we’ve been living in. It’s going to be hell to go back to reality and pretend like Royal means nothing to me and that my heart didn’t go rogue and fall for him. I try to pull in a deep breath. “I’m just going to remember how mad I am at Valor for hurting my favorite cousin.”
Royal huffs. “Yeah, okay. You’re right. That’s going to make this a lot easier.”
40
ROYAL
DIFFERENT ISN’T A BAD WORD
We beatValor and Antonella back to their place. Parking the SUV next to where Valor usually pulls into the garage, I look in the rearview mirror at Kerrianne. “I want you to go in right away and feed Captain. Can you handle that, or do you need assistance?”
“I can do it.” Kerrianne, who gave Mom sass this morning, is still grumpy and takes it out on me with an aggravated huff.
There’s gotta be something in the water this holiday season that’s got everyone all squirrely. I’m not immune to it either. I practically confessed my love to Leticia in the shower this morning.
We go into the house, and Kerrianne darts off to the tortoise room, and Leticia maneuvers the hall to the kitchen. She starts digging through cupboards and pulling out a few things.
“I’m going to make hot chocolate. Do you want one?” Leticia offers as she starts a pot of water to boil.
“Yeah, that’d be good.” I don’t really want one all that much, but I think, like Leticia, it’ll be good to keep my hands busy doing something other than exploring her body.
I open up the security surveillance on my phone to a ping for the gate, Valor and Antonella pulling through now.
“They’ll be here in just a couple of minutes, better boil enough for all of us.” I gesture to the pot before wiggling my phone.
A few minutes later, as predicted, the sound of thegarage door rising, then closing, can be heard, and finally the door to the garage opens.
Kerrianne walks right past the kitchen toward the sound.
“Kerrianne, give them some space, come back,” Leticia whispers.
But the strong-willed seven-year-old stays glued to the corner, waiting.
Valor lets Antonella lead, and when she comes into view, it’s a whole new Antonella. I wonder if Leticia can sense it too. The way Antonella came across as poised and well-mannered before has turned into calculating and disciplined. She glances around the open space before there’s a shift. The atmosphere of the house changes as Antonella breaks her perfect posture to stoop, opening her arms for a hug to Kerrianne.
One dancing hug with Kerrianne, and their embrace is done.
Leticia’s next, and the cousins wrap their arms around each other, holding on tight.
Does she know how strong she is now that she’s a wolf? Not so tight.Don’t hurt her.I fight back a growl.
Not hurting.My wolf waves off my concern.
But there are tears in Leticia’s eyes when they separate, and she’s quick to wipe them away and smile. “It’s so good to see you.”
I move to Antonella slowly, not to spook her, wrapping my arms around her. My heart hurts with what I couldn’t say before, the words that felt so lost. I beg for forgiveness at a whisper level. “I’m sorry I didn’t call him faster.”
“I don’t blame you for any of this. I’m glad you’re okay,” Antonella whispers back. She squeezes me tight before letting go.
“Go sit, I’ve got cocoa started. Put your feet up, they’re going to get cold not wearing any socks.” Leticia shoos Antonella with a wave of her hands.
Leticia takes steps to the kitchen, and Antonella turns toward Valor. I can’t see what she tries to say, but Valor nods.
“I don’t think I have to worry about my feet getting cold anymore.” Antonella sighs as she takes a seat in one of the chairs.
Kerrianne has been patient in waiting for more cuddles, but the second Antonella sits, Kerrianne climbs into her lap, snuggling up against Antonella’s neck.
They look perfect together. Antonella is great with Kerrianne, and anger rises in me again.
