First Meeting
*GWENDOLYN*
The noise finally lures Faye out, too. She comes tapping down the stairs, still tired from her afternoon nap. Now, however, she halts, blinking at the three new people with her eyes wide. This is new for her. She knows I never bring anyone into the house who is a stranger to us. I have been very careful, but her anxious look now is another reason for me to feel guilty for the life I have subjected her to.
“Sweetie,” I reassure her, reaching out my hand. “These are friends. Remember, I told you about them.”
She takes a jump down the last step and takes my hand.
“You don’t need to hide your name,” I say.
At that, Faye beams. “I am Faye,” she exclaims.
Felix smiles brightly at her. “I am Felix.” He points at the other two. “This is my brother Dario, he is super smart. And the cool woman is my friend Charlie.”
“Felix is my mate,” I tell her honestly. She knows what it means, and I don’t see any reason to lie to her.
Faye’s mouth drops open. “They are really wolves!” she exclaims joyfully.
I am surprised at her joy. It seems like she immediately warms up towards them the moment I told her what they are. Goddess, this girl needs a pack to belong to! She is doing okay here with Marina and me, butokayis not enough. She needs more.
“You truly are a little angel,” Felix says. “Like Gwen said.”
“I am not an angel, I am a princess,” she exclaims.
Felix grins at me. “You need more of her attitude!”
I elbow him. “One princess in this house is enough.”
Faye runs to the box with her dolls and plushies, and pulls two dolls out of it. “I want to play,” she beams, holding out her dolls. I love her, but roleplaying with dolls or plushies is seriously something I hate doing, and I am so bad at it.
Fortunately, Charlie jumps in. “I will play with you.” She grins at us. “Step aside, peasants, and let the professional do the work.”
I didn’t believe she would be willing to do it, but apparently, she really means it. Sitting down with Faye, she immediately playsnurserywith her. Of course, Faye plays the teacher.
“Wow, Charlie is really good at that,” I mutter.
“Yes, she has a little brother,” Felix says. “She dotes on him all the time. I think he is about Faye’s age.”
“A bit younger,” Dario muses.
“Dad says I spoil him too much,” Charlie grins. “But I can’t help it. Besides, he is one to talk.”
“It’s his first baby,” Felix says. “I bet we are all going to be the same. Liam was like that, too.”
“Liam?” I ask.
“My oldest brother,” he tells me.
“Mom’s the only sane one,” Charlie adds. “She told me she was scared of becoming a mother, but she is so good at it.”
I start to put the pieces together, eyeing my mate carefully. Charlie notices my curiosity, too, and grins. “It’s not a secret,” she tells me. “You can ask.” When Faye tugs at her arm, she gestures towards Felix. “Ask him, instead. I am busy here.”
“Charlie’s mom is actually her aunt,” Felix tells me. “Her parents both passed away. A couple of years ago, they found Charlie and adopted her.”
I smile, happy that they trusted me enough to include me. “Thank you for telling me.”
“Say, Gwen,” Dario says. “May I use your restroom for a moment?”
