“That’s good.” Fox got a breakfast tray and went about fixing two cups of coffee—one for himself and the other for Alistaire just the way he liked it. Noticing the box of freshly baked cinnamon rolls from Sweet Bite’s Cafe, he grabbed a couple for them to have with their coffee.
“Hey, mom. Can I ask a question?”
“Of course, you can ask me anything you want.” Aria pulled out a chair beside her for him to sit down.
“When did you know you were in love with Dad?”
Aria smiled. “It was our third date, and he took me to an amusement park. You know your father is deathly afraid of heights.” Fox nodded. “Well, we’d enjoyed playing all of the games and watching the delightful performances, but we never got on any of the rides. I mean, who goes to an amusement park and not get on the rides? We were about to leave, and he saw me staring longingly at the Ferris wheel. I didn’t know at the time he was afraid of heights. Before I knew it, he’d dragged me over to the ride entrance, and we got on. The entire ride, your father held on to the handlebar as if it was his saving grace. It made me realize I wanted to spend my life with a man who’s willing to face his fears just to make me happy.”
Fox leaned back in his chair, absorbing Aria’s story.
“I think you have it wrong, love.”
They both looked up when Barret entered the kitchen and walked over to Aria, taking her hands in his. “I couldn’t believe you still wanted to go out with me after I threw up on you.”
“That wasn’t so great, but I forgave you.” Aria chuckled. “But it didn’t stop me from wanting you any less.”
Fox watched his parents for a couple of minutes before he felt like a third wheel. Grabbing his tray, he was about to walk out of the kitchen when his mother’s words stopped him.
“Crevan, dear. I’m happy you’ve found your mate, but next time remember to pick up after yourself.”
Fox blushed as flashes of last night came back to him of Alistaire having them both naked before they’d gotten to his bedroom. He tried hurrying back to his bedroom but not before he heard his father’s words. “I never knew they made boxers that large.”
Dammit, I thought I cleaned up everything.
“Trust me, dad. Neither did I.”
Chapter Fourteen
Fox walked out of his bedroom and heard yelling coming from the foyer—it sounded like Zev and Corbin. He stayed hidden inside the family room, not wanting to intrude. It was bad enough he was already eavesdropping.
“Where the hell are you going?” Zev yelled.
“Out!”Corbin shouted.
“That’s all you fucking do lately is go out. If I hadn’t dragged you away for the weekend, gods know where you’d have gone.”
There was silence between them for a few seconds, and Fox thought they’d left and was about to leave his hiding spot when he heard Zev’s voice. “Baby, talk to me. Tell me what’s wrong?”
“I ca…can’t.”
Seconds later, Fox heard the front door opening and closing.
“Fuck,” Zev cursed.
“We should go after him.” Fox heard Moressa say.
“He doesn’t want us,” Zev said.
“I don’t believe that,” Moressa said. “He loves us just as much as we love him.”
“Then why is he pulling away from us?” Zev yelled. “He doesn’t even want to paint anymore. Remember when he said we were his muse and inspiration? Did he find someone else?”
“Zev, please stop talking like that. Don’t even think like that.”
“I can’t help it. I feel like we’re losing him.” Zev’s voice cracked, and Fox felt his heart breaking for them.
“We won’t lose him. Corbin is our mate, and we all belong together. He’ll come back to us.”
