“When were you going to tell me?”
“When you let go of my ear!” She finally released me, and I held my hand to my ear. “We met kind of recently,” I explained. “I was going to bring her over once things were more settled and serious.”
“She’s your mate,” mother said. “It was serious as soon as you met.”
“She’s human,” I explained. “It’s different. We’re learning as we go.”
She looked mildly appeased. “And a child?”
“She has a kid from a past relationship. She’s an alpha shifter as well.” My fist squeezed as I pressed down my anger about that. “Aria's about four.”
My mom let out a sigh. “Fine. But I want to meet them soon. If I’m welcoming a new grandbaby to the family, I need to prepare. What kinds of things does she like? I’ll make a list.”
She fluttered inside, and my father and I followed her. “She likes this odd cartoon about rabbits and coloring. And she can eat more chocolate chip pancakes than I thought possible.”
Though it had only been a few days, I realized I knew more about her than I thought. And I wanted to learn it all. I wanted to know everything about that little girl and give her everything she’s ever wanted.
“That’s good,” my mother said, jotting some things down. “I’ll pick some things up for her to play with here.”
“Thanks, guys. I should get home to them.”
“Yes, here.” She shoved fresh baked bread into my arms. “I know Leo keeps you well-fed, but no one beats my bread.”
Though that was true, I would never say it aloud to Leo. “Thank you.” I hugged them both goodbye and made my way back up the mountain to my mates.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
HARPER
Istood at the edge of the counter as Leo was preparing dinner. I could see some remnants of his earlier baking, as well as preparations for dinner. “Do you need some help?” I asked him.
When he stood and pushed her dark hair from his eyes, I noticed he was wearing a green apron. Something about it was hot—really hot. “I’m okay,” he said. “I thought about maybe spaghetti and meatballs.”
“Sounds great. I love spaghetti.”
I leaned on the counter and watched as he moved around. I checked on Aria every once in a while, but she was doing one of the writing workbooks I brought her and very concentrated. It felt odd not to have anything else to do. I’d normally still be at work or getting us dinner myself, but it was all taken care of.
It made me feel like I hadn’t been giving her enough attention. Though I did my best, I was only one person. Seeing her here, so happy to be around so many people, made me happy.
The door opened and Jasper walked through. He was in his blue scrubs, and his clinic jacket on. Gods, when did all the men in my life get so hot? And when did they all become mine?
“Hey guys,” he said as he toed off his shoes.
“Jasper!” Aria cried in excitement. She grabbed her book and wiggled off the chair, running over to him. He picked her up and swung her around, and she giggled loudly. Seeing how easily they all fall into this caretaking role made me feel for them even more deeply.
“Look!” Aria said, holding up her workbook. “I’m practicing my W’s.”
“They look great! Why don’t I go get changed and we can practice some A’s for Aria.”
“I’m great at A’s,” she confirmed.
“I’m excited to see. I’ll be back in a moment.” He set her down and walked over to us, kissing us each in greeting before going upstairs to change.
He came back quickly and sat with Aria exactly as he said he would.
“Are you sure you don’t need help?” I asked Leo for the third time.
“He’s sure,” Jasper cut in. “He may be nicer to you, but I’ve been chased out of that kitchen more times than I can count.”
