“Wesson. Winchester,” Colt calls to get their attention. Their heads whip around to look at him, and he huffs a laugh. “The fiveof us are gonna watch a movie. If you two wanna join us, can you get the game room ready with blankets, pillows, and such?”
“Sure thing, big bro. I’ll also grab some popcorn and snacks while I’m at it.” Win hesitates for a moment before running over and wrapping me up in a quick hug. “I’m glad my dads didn’t scare you off. You’re a pretty cool chick, Lark.”
She doesn’t give me a chance to respond before she darts off. Placing a hand on my back, Hal guides me out of the dining room and into the foyer.
A massive, curved staircase dominates the space and leads up to the second floor. Polished marble with subtle veining, a shimmering gold chandelier, and dark walnut accents make the space feel luxurious but not gaudy.
We come to a stop at the foot of the stairs, likely waiting for Rook and Remy. Glancing around, I notice Colt and Remy’s dads are in a study of some sort with one door closed and the other open. I can’t quite hear what they’re saying, but I can make out the hushed sounds of conversation.
I want to groan when I realize I need to ask them something before I’ll never have to interact with them again. I’m sure they’re totally going to love my request, but, hopefully, they’ll listen before tossing me out.
Taking a fortifying breath, I turn to tell Hal and Colt. “I’ll be right back. I need to ask them something.”
I’m walking off before they have a chance to object or talk me out of it. My resolve is shaky at best. So, I gather up what meager courage I have and make the ten-foot trek to the study, which feels more like a death march than a casual stroll.
When I reach the open door, I hover uncertainly just outside it. Whatever bravery I had has worn off, and I have the urge to bolt. As I’m taking a step back to do just that, the four of them notice me.
I guess there’s no going back now.
“Hi,” I squeak, offering them a small wave.
I groan internally at my gift for making everything awkward as fuck.
Jacob’s mouth twitches up in obvious amusement at my discomfort. “You gonna stand out there all night or come inside and tell us the reason you’re here? We won’t bite, kid.”
Pulling on my big-girl panties, I square my shoulders and lift my chin before walking inside.
I owe it to Coop to try anything and everything to help him. No matter how much the four men watching me like I’m prey terrify me.
Coop and Charlie have been my rocks for the past seven months, and I don’t know if I’d be here today without them. As each day passes, I can see Coop fading more and more, so I know I need to find someone or something to help him.
When I’m inside the study, I fidget for a moment as I try to figure out how to start. When Alexander sighs in annoyance, I practically blurt, “So I know you all lost your mate.” At least, I’m assuming the woman they had four kids with was their mate.
At my question, the four of them tense up, and one of them lets out an eerie growl that makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up. With wide eyes, I rush to continue, “I just wanted to see if you’d be willing to talk to someone in the same situation.”
As they process my words, the tension in the air gradually fades. It’s replaced with understanding and a touch of pity. Alexander is the one to break the charged quiet. “Who?”
“My friend Coop. My sister was his fated mate.” I have to swallow a few times to get the rest out, the lump in my throat making it difficult to speak. “I don’t know if talking to people who get it might help, but I wanted to give him the option.”
They quietly discuss it between themselves for a few moments before they all turn to look at me. Elliot sighs andrakes a hand through his dark hair. “I’m sorry. For his loss and yours. We’ll talk to him. Here’s a card with my cell. Tell your friend to give us a call if he ever wants to talk.”
Cautiously creeping forward, I take the matte black card gingerly. After I tuck it into my pocket, I scamper back a few steps, not wanting to be too close to the four men who very obviously don’t like me.
Jacob takes a sip of the amber liquid in his crystal lowball glass. “Who do you have to talk to, kid?”
I stiffen and back up toward the door. “I don’t need to talk to anyone. I’m fine.”
Elliot lets out a low, raspy chuckle. “I hate to break it to you, but it’s clear to anyone who has lost someone that you’re not fine. All the things you’re trying to push down are going to come back up someday. Probably when it’s least convenient. Take it from someone who’s been there. Deal with it before it deals with you.”
Gritting my teeth, I turn around with a mumbledthank youand hightail it out of there. The last thing I need is getting psychoanalyzed by them. And even if they’re right, I’m sure as hell not going to talk to them about it.
When I’m clear of the study doors, I blow out a breath of relief that’s short-lived. One of the heavy oak front doors bangs open, crashing into the wall with an audible bang. Azrael stumbles through, clearly drunk, and I know my night is about to get a hell of a lot worse.
CHAPTER 21
LARK
Azrael looks around the foyer through bloodshot eyes. His gaze briefly skirts over the now-empty space before landing on me.
