Page 227 of The Broken Aztec Princesses

“Well, alright, then. Evie already has it on her agenda to allocate a house for you two, once the rest of Cade’s people leave. She’ll reach out to see if you have any specific requests for location or style. Until then, I know Brenda and Gabriel are giving you a room in their home, but if you want extra privacy, there are a few rooms on the right wing of the alpha floor you can grab now that Cade is gone. No pressure. It’s just an option,” I informed them.

Chris blinked at the sudden change in conversation and Violet narrowed her eyes suspiciously at me.

“Wait, that’s it?” she asked.

“Did you want me to be mean?” I asked, trying not to smile. Violet stood and huffed, crossing her arms. A little more seriously, I asked, “Bug, did you really think I’d try to separate you from the man you love?”

Violet ignored me. Instead, she stood and paced, throwing her hands up as if she were arguing with herself. I took a peek at Chris, who caught my worried look and smirked.

‘Prepare yourself, Alpha. You’re about to witness pregnant Violet in all her hormonal glory,’he warned with pride, shortly before Violet exploded.

“You’re exactly the same as Dad, Cory,” she accused. “You think it’s okay to pretend and make people worry. You kept us in limbo for weeks, Cory. Weeks! You weren’t mad at all, were you? You just pretended to go all alpha just to fuck with us?”

I paled a little. Violet rarely cursed. If she was doing so now, I’d really fucked up

“I wished you would have told me when it happened,” I told her honestly. It had hurt a little, but I had to admit Evie having kept her own pregnancy from me until she had no choice, was still a bit of a sore subject that I was sure was affecting how I kept reacting to all these other secrets. I was a reasonable guy. I wasn’t “growly” as Violet called me.

“But, you weren’t really mad that Chris was my guard and we fell in love like you made it seem,” Violet clarified.

“You’re my little sister, Violet. I had to make sure he was serious,” I said in my defense.

Bells warned me Violet might be pissed when she found out, but I had no idea at the time that pregnancy hormones were involved. I would have approached this differently. But, it was my job as the older brother to make sure Chris wouldn’t hurther. A job I took more seriously than ever after everything she’d suffered.

But, because she still looked pissed, and I hated when Violet was mad at me, I added, “Apparently, he’s as serious as taxes.” Violet’s lip twitched but she didn’t laugh. “Oh, so he says it and you giggle, and I don’t even get a tiny smile?” I asked indignantly.

Chris chuckled, and I saw what Bells meant when she said Chris made Violet stronger, and Violet made Chris relax. This was probably the most I’d seen the man laugh in the last five years combined.

“I love you, Cory, but if I get the chance, I’m putting itching powder in your underwear. All three of you!” Violet warned, walking around the table and giving each of us a kiss on the cheek.

I got a little bit of whiplash with her change in mood, but I’d take it. I’d even take the itching powder if it meant she was happy with me again.

“I was forced to participate. I’m under Alpha command,” James called out, making me glare at him.

It was his damn idea to do a triple threat intimidation. Initially, I only wanted to have a conversation with my sister and Chris when they got here.

“Nice try, James. This has you written all over it,” Violet smirked. “Cory’s an annoying, overprotective brother—"

“Hey!”

“—but he’s usually more direct,” she finished.

‘Food’s almost ready,’Evie reached out.

“You’re getting meaner, Bug. But, I’m so happy to see you smiling again. I’ll give you carte blanche to get back at us if it will keep that smile on your face.”

Jo and James nodded in agreement on either side of me, making Violet’s eye soften as she stood next to where Chris was sitting.

“Dinner is almost ready, but before we go eat I need to ask a serious question,” I told them, all teasing gone from my voice. Violet and Chris looked at each other before Violet nodded at me to continue.

“Do you know who the father of Bells’ kids is?” I couldn’t help asking.

“Yes,” Violet answered, looking uncomfortable to be talking about it.

“Who?” I asked.

“Not our news to share, Cory. When she’s ready, she’ll let you know,” Violet said, her tone telling me she wouldn’t budge from her answer.

I looked at Chris, who looked just as determined as my sister. While I was happy Bells had both of them while everything was happening up in Montana, I couldn’t help feeling annoyed.

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