Page 5 of Dimitri

The driver was gone from the vehicle before I could respond. He disappeared into a building, and when I looked out the window, I realized we weren’t in a very good area. I tried to open the door but found it either locked or somehow secured. True to his word, the driver came back into view only moments later, but he wasn’t alone. I rolled my eyes. There was no way I was going to wait around and find out what they had planned because I knew it wasn’t in my favor. I bent down in the cab and simply used magic to transport myself home. I would have done that at the club if I’d been able to, but my mind had honestly been preoccupied, much like it had been for most of the week.

I found myself in my bedroom at my condo and sighed in relief. This place was my sanctuary, and although my brothers and fathers had been to my home, that was the extent of others who had been allowed to visit. I’d purchased it after my last relationship had ended, and although since then it had felt like home, that hadn’t been the case in recent times.

What did that mean? Was it time to move on? Did I need to start over somewhere else? Sebastian had done that, although he became an enforcer, and that wasn’t necessarily something that interested me. I was more than capable of doing so, but I was much more someone who was happier behind a desk than out in the field, chasing bad guys. Did the council have positions like that? Was that the answer, or was it simply the fact that my baby brother had found his forever and had started a family?

I wanted that, more than anything. I had thought that I possibly would be able to have an unconventional family with my ex, but he wasn’t having it. For him, it was with his fatedmate or no one. I couldn’t fault him for that. I would love nothing more than to find my fated one and have my own family. But at this point, I was beginning to believe I would need to go the adoption route. Would I love a child I had adopted? Absolutely. But as a warlock, I could only adopt each child that was paranormal. Unfortunately, for me, it could be difficult to locate an orphaned paranormal child.

Remembering that my phone had vibrated just as the driver was returning with what was most likely bad news, I pulled my phone out of my pocket to see what my brother had to say.

Sebastian: When do you think you will arrive? And of course, you can stay here with us. Drew would have it no other way. But I do understand if you would like to be able to get away from Flora for a bit. She can be quite disruptive at night when she is hungry or needs to be changed.

I smiled at my brother’s message. Did I want to stay with him and Drew? I never wanted to impose, and although Lorenzo and I used to stay with Sebastian when he was in enforcer housing, neither of us had stayed there since he had mated.

Me: I need to pack a few things, and then I will be there. I appreciate the offer, but I will be staying at Uncle Rainier’s cabin simply to give you and Drew the privacy that you both deserve. But don’t worry, I will be spending plenty of time on Treasure Ridge with you and your family.

Sebastian: They’re your family too. But I do understand. Drew is excited to see you again. Will Lorenzo be joining you this time?

I thought about our brother and what he was most likely up to currently and smiled. There was absolutely no way that Sebastian could know that Lorenzo was, without a doubt, currently fucking some willing bottom.

Me: No, not at this time. We might be able to get him to join us later if he has time. But I know he has a lot going on this weekend.

Not to mention the fact that Lorenzo often spent entire weekends in bed with a surprisingly agreeable and willing partner. I hadn’t seen him pick anyone up, what kind of partner he had found, but I also knew that despite his playboy ways, he could be a tad picky and didn’t take just anyone to a hotel.

I packed up everything I would need for the weekend, not that I couldn’t just magick something if I needed it, and then I thought about the charming cabin that Uncle Rainier had secured for us. I found myself standing in front of it moments later and quickly realized my mistake. It was November in Montana, and there was a drastic temperature difference between here and back home in Spain. I opened the door, swiftly removing myself from the biting wind, and then walked through what was basically a family vacation home.

My parents, my brothers, and I weren’t the only ones that used it. I knew that our cousin Frederick’s family had stayed there on more than one occasion when they were in the area to visit. After I tossed my weekend bag on the bed, I pulled out my phone again and found Uncle Rainier’s contact to send him a message.

Me: I thought I would spend the weekend in the area and visit with Sebastian and Drew. I hope it is all right if I use the cabin?

I probably should have asked before I just showed up, but if there was someone who already had plans for the place for the weekend, I would simply accept Sebastian’s offer to stay with him.

Uncle R: The place is yours. You know you are always welcome to stay whenever you come to visit. There are no other plans for the cabin until next summer at the moment. Stay aslong as you wish. I heard from Benedict a little about what has been going on at the firm. In truth, I’m surprised you haven’t come to visit sooner.

I had just about popped myself up onto Treasure Ridge but stopped myself for a moment to reflect on what Uncle Rainier said. Work had been…rough. The firm had been dealing with a large case, and it had meant a lot of long hours for everyone involved. Even Father had been staying late, much to Papa’s displeasure. I knew eventually something would have to give, but I wasn’t sure what would be the cause of it.

But the fact that Father was talking to someone else about things, even in passing, was telling. I already knew the game though: the deeper we dug, the more corrupt our client was turning out to be. It was Father’s final decision on whether or not to continue with the case, but we’d never dropped a client before. Was Father going to be stubborn enough and refuse to drop him?

Me: Thanks. I’ll only be here for a long weekend. Lorenzo has other plans for his weekend off, but I thought about spending my time spoiling a certain little princess.

Uncle R: Enjoy your time. If you have a free moment or two, be sure to drop by and see Étienne. He always loves to see you when you are here.

I grinned. I enjoyed spending time with him as well. Our family dynamic, much like many paranormal ones, was a bit odd. Living several centuries made for larger families, and, well, sometimes cousins that were your age were actually parents’ cousins. Or actual uncles. It could be confusing, and most of the time, we all just considered ourselves simply family.

Me: I will. I have to be back at work Wednesday morning, sadly, but I will make sure I have time to stop and see him. Thanks again for letting me use the cabin.

My phone vibrated before I could pocket it. There was another message from Sebastian, and I chuckled.

Sebastian: Did you change your mind? I know it’s late in Madrid. It’s afternoon here, and I’m home from work. Flora is just going down for a nap though, so she will be out for the next couple hours.

My shoulders slumped with that news. I had looked forward to seeing her.

Me: I’m here. I’m getting settled into the cabin. I’ll be by in a bit. Give me about an hour? That will give me time to get to the store and grab something to eat.

My stomach growling at me told me it had been too long since I’d last eaten, and I had to think about when I had, in fact, eaten last. It had been a quick sandwich at lunch, at my desk, and that simply wasn’t sustainable. Technically, I didn’t need to stop at the store, but it would give my brother and his One some time alone while their little one was napping. I knew that was precious to new parents, especially paranormal ones.

Sebastian: All right? Everything okay?

I chuckled and shook my head.

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