“Anytime.” Alistaire chuckled when he was pulled into a hug, realizing he no longer shied away from others’ touch. A new feeling washed over him, and all he could think washaving a family changes everything.
Alistaire steppedinside Sirius and Alphonso’s house and smiled, hanging up his coat just as Brigid ran up to him the second she saw him. She squealed happily as he lavished her with kisses.
“Is Alphonso ready?” Alistaire asked.
“Almost, he’s finishing up a phone call,” Sirius answered.
“How are you doing?”
“I’m pregnant and always hungry.” Sirius chuckled. “I’m surprised you called your brother to hang out. I thought you'd be spending time with your mate,” he teased.
“He wanted to spend some time with his family.”
Crevan had called him around lunch and asked him if they could meet later than they had planned. Alistaire was a bit disappointed he wouldn’t get to see his mate after getting off work, but once Crevan explained he needed to talk with his parents, he understood. Since he had some free time Alistaire decided to hang out with his little brother.
“I like that look on your face,” Sirius said.
“What look?”
“He means happiness.” Alphonso walked into the room with Tamia sitting on his shoulders.
“Hi, Unca Stare.”
“My lady Tamia.” Alistaire did an exaggerated bow making her giggle. He reached over and kissed her chubby, adorable cheeks.
Alphonso put her down, and she ran out of the room, followed by Brigid, who enjoyed following her big sister around.
“Are you ready to go?” Alistaire asked.
“Yeah, give me a couple of minutes. I need to help Sirius tuck the girls in for the night.”
“Take your time,” Alistaire told him, then walked into the living room and relaxed on the couch. Alistaire looked around his brother’s house, smiling, wondering if one day his home would look and feel the same. It was warm and comforting, and the sprinkling of kid toys that littered the room gave it a lived-in feel. In the corner of the room, perfectly decorated, was the Christmas tree reminding Alistaire he still needed to shop for his family, Genesis, and his mate. He wasn’t sure what to get Crevan since it seemed the man had everything he wanted. He was pulled out of his thoughts when his cellphone rang, and he noticed Synder’s name on the screen.
“Dad, what’s up?”
“How soon can you get to Valleywood?”
It would take him more than an hour running on foot versus going by car, which was two hours. “You should know the answer to that.”
“Well, get here. Ava was just arrested by the cops for stealing. Kayne and I will bail her out. Meet me at home.”
“I’ll be there soon.”
“What’s wrong?” Alphonso asked, coming down the stairs.
“I gotta go to Valleywood. A friend of mine was just arrested. Dad and Kayne are bailing her out. I’m heading to their house now.”
“Are you talking about that kid, Ava?”
Alistaire nodded and went to get his coat shrugging it on. “I’m going with you.” Alphonso grabbed his leather jacket, putting it on.
“You don’t have to do this.”
“Shut up and let’s go.” Alphonso opened the door, and with his vampiric speed he was gone before Alistaire could object again.
It took them less than an hour to reach Synder and Kayne’s house. By the time they got there, some of his anger had dissipated.
“Where is she?” Alistaire walked into his parents’ home.
