Now that everyone has plates full of food, Nyx stands up before digging into her plate herself. “Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. I just want to take a moment to thank every single person at this table for everything they have done for me. Not only did most of you sitting here help rescue Kyra and myself, but you have also supported me in many more ways than one. I cannot wait to be able to celebrate more holidays with you guys.” She finishes her little speech before sitting down and taking the biggest bite of food. Nyx washes it down with a large swallow of wine with a soft smile on her face.
Resting my hand on her leg, I give it a little squeeze. Just letting her know that I am always there to support her and love her. Leaning over and brushing her long dark locks away from her ear to have a clear shot to whisper to her. “I love you, LittleFox.” A blush lines her cheeks before she gives me her heart-stopping smile. Nothing but pure joy radiating off of her.
We all eat in comfortable quietness. Small conversations pop up randomly between mouthfuls of food. I do have to say I did a pretty damn good job at this meal. I am lost in my own thoughts about ways to keep Nyx safe in the future when Bill speaks up.
“I am so thankful to have you home, Nyx. While we know this threat has been resolved,” His eyes glance between Graham and I and we give a slight nod of our heads. “But what will we do to safeguard against losing you again for two weeks?”
“Bill, what do you mean? Are we expecting more people to appear out of thin air to snatch me and Kyra up again?” She has a confused look on her face.
“Little Witch-,” Graham tries to speak up, but she cuts him off.
“No, I will not live in constant fear of another freak trying to rip me off the street. Nope, not happening. I will wait to go back to work like you all suggested, but I will go back to living my life as soon as possible.” Her voice says at this moment there is no room for negotiations, or even further talks.
“Fine.” Bill spits out with a touch of anger lacing his words. “Can we at least have the guys install a tracker under your flesh to satisfy our own fears?” He is trying so hard to keep his calm and to acknowledge that she wants her freedom, but we also need a little peace of mind.
“I am open to that idea, as long as it is only used for safety purposes. If I find out any of you,” her eyes turn to look at Graham. “And I mean any of you are using it to follow me around just for fun, I will take a knife and cut it out of my own damn flesh. Do you understand me?” This was not the time I thought this conversation was going to be had, but at least Bill took the brunt of her anger and she cannot get mad at us for it. Even though we definitely thought about it.
Everyone finishes dinner with quiet conversations amongst themselves, and I just absorb every moment I can with the family I have built with my best friend. I know that Nyx is happy with us and loves us, but I am starting to wonder how everything with the three of us will work long term. The doorbell rings, and Graham jumps up from the table to go answer the door with a huge smile on his face. I hear his mom’s voice first.
“Where are my other two sons?” Her voice is full of happiness at seeing her oldest.
“Two sons? What do you mean by two?” Callum calls out before rising from the table himself.
She laughs as she walks into the dining room and looks around. Her smile always brings such warmth to any room she is in. Graham and Callum definitely get their looks from their mom, all golden hair and tan skin. I am of absolutely no relation, but their dad looks like he could be more related to me than the beach bum appearances of the other three.
“There’s my other boy.” She walks over to me, and I stand to give her a hug. She knows my relationship with my family is strained at best, and she always treats me just like another son. “You look so happy.You all do. What is going on?”
“Mom, I want you to meet Nyx.” Graham spits out before snatching Nyx up from her seat to place her by his family. She has a mouth full of sweet potatoes, and she just laughs before swallowing quickly.
“Hello, Mrs. Hutchinson.” She sticks her hand out while still trying to finish her bit of food.
“Oh, don’t be silly, dear.” Before Nyx knows what hits her, she is wrapped up in Graham’s mom’s arms. “I am Amanda, or you can also call me Mom. Demitri usually does.”
“Amanda, it is.” Nyx giggles, and my heart flutters in my chest. That is a sound I could definitely get used to.
“This is my husband Ben.” Amanda takes a step back and makes room for Nyx to greet Graham’s dad.
“It is so nice to meet the woman who has stolen these stubborn boys' hearts.” He also wrapped her up in a hug and then continued the introductions for everyone else in the room.
We all settled into the living room for coffee and a delicious apple pie that Amanda had brought over. I could get used to calling all these people my family.
CHAPTER 58
NYX
What a great weekend. Graham and Callum’s parents stayed the whole weekend. It was nice to have them here. They made me feel like part of the family. Amanda has already started referring to me as her daughter, and it warms my soul. I have a feeling the boys are up to something, and honestly, for once in my life, the unknown isn’t terrifying.
Aly, Kyra, and myself are taking some girl time this morning. We are going shopping. It’s Kyra and my first time out of the house since we were rescued, and we’re feeling a little smothered by the guys. While Graham and Demitri have been going into the office for meetings and work stuff, Callum has been attached at the hip. If we are in the gym, he is there spotting our lifts. If we go for a walk on the property, if he is not right there making conversation, he lingers a few paces back from us. Even when Aly is visiting, he is right there or the next room over.
So, to solve that, Aly suggested we take some time to go out. She has been at the house a lot with us, the two of us teaching Kyra some self-defense moves. All of our bodies are peppered in bruising from hours spent working through our demons in the gym. We got dressed to leave for the day, trying to hide ourbruises as well as we could. The gate buzzes, letting me know that Aly is pulling up to the house.
“Ky!” I holler up the stairs. “Aly is here!”
I hear the guest bedroom door shut, and she comes scurrying down, fixing her hair and lip gloss.What the actual fuck?She looks like a girl caught in the act of something, but I don’t see Callum or anything.
“Ready to go?” Kyra slings her purse over her chest and slides on her adorable black boots. They give off the vibe of a hiking boot, but they are just from Sketchers. Grabbing my bag, I head for the door and open it just seconds before Aly can knock.
”Woah.” Aly takes a step back.
