“So, how long do you plan on hiding out in the house?”
Fox looked at Dilen, who was leaning against the windowsill. He was on the bed playing with Genesis, who was growing and changing every day. Her hair was starting to turn red at the tips, and there was a slight hint of green in her eyes if anyone looked closely at them. Fox wasn’t sure what to make of the changes. But since she was a Demi-god thanks to him, he could do nothing about it.
“What are you talking about? I’ve left the house.”
“When? It’s been three weeks since you’ve been out of the hospital. Every time I visit, you’re in the house.”
“I drove to Valleywood the other day,” Fox told him. “And I’m meeting with Ava later today.”
“What?” Dilen walked over to the bed and sat down. “Why were you in Valleywood?”
“Because I’ve decided to move there. I started school a few days ago. And instead of having my books shipped to me, I went to pick them up myself. While I was there, I checked out a few places to live.”
“Did you find anything?”
“I did.” Fox smiled, thinking about the two-story, four bedroom house he’d fallen in love with the second he saw it. It was unfurnished, so he’d have Aria to help him with decorating it.
“Have you told the rest of the family?”
“Not yet, but I will later tonight. I wanted them to be a bit more settled after Moressa had the baby.”
Fox picked up Genesis and started getting her dressed for their outing. Ava had called him last night to ask if they could meet up. She missed both him and Genesis and wanted to know if they could meet for dinner. Fox had been so happy to hear from her, he’d readily agreed, and they’d promised to meet at Bella’s diner.
“Hey, I’m heading out for a bit. Tell everyone I won’t be home for dinner.”
Dilen nodded. “Hey. You’re not running away from whatever is going on with you and Vale, right?”
“Nope, I’m simply doing what he asked me to do.”
“And what’s that?”
“Stay the hell out of his life.”
Fox walked out of his bedroom, heading straight to his car. After getting Genesis settled, he drove off, not looking back on the past. He had a future to make for himself, with or without a mate. Fox scoffed, realizing he’d learn a lesson far too late in life. He was a young god who had given up everything for love. But now he knew he had to be careful in the future and he would be all right—his heart would mend. No matter how broken it could be.
“So, how are you doing?”Fox asked Ava, who was peppering kisses all over Genesis’s cheeks.
“I’m doing better. Alistaire told me what happened to my dad.”
Fox reached over and touched her arm. “Oh, baby girl. I’m so sorry.”
“It’s sad, and I think about him more than I used to. But I know with you, baby Gen, and Alistaire in my life, I’ll be okay.”
“Of course, we’ll be here for you.”
Ava set Genesis back down in her car seat. “Aren’t you going to ask about him?”
Fox worried his bottom lip and looked away from Ava. Of course, he wanted to ask about Alistaire, but he’d promised himself not to spend their time talking about his mate. He grabbed the menu and opened it, hoping Ava would do the same. But the girl was very tenacious.
“When can I come home? I miss Grandma Aria and Grandpa Barret. I can’t wait to hold baby Phelan instead of looking at him on video chat.”
“I don’t know, baby girl. Things between Alistaire and me are complicated, right now.”
“There’s that word again,” she grumbled. “He used it the other night, and now you. I think adults use that word when they know their explanation of the problem is stupid.” Tears welled in her eyes. “Why are you two breaking up my family? We’re supposed to be happy.”
Fox stood and went to sit beside her, pulling Ava in his arms. “It’s going to be okay, I promise.”
“It’s not,” she cried. “I want my family back. Please, can’t you forgive him for what he did?”
