Page 56 of Homecoming

“Oh, he’ll take care of them alright. I just don’t think there’ll be a cat there when we get back though.” Digby smirks. “Maybe a new grave-shaped garden feature in the flower beds.”

“Stop it. Stop being so awful. He won’t hurt it… will he?”

“I dunno,” Digby shrugs. “This is Darius. Who knows how he’ll react? You better just hope that cat stays asleep and doesn’t wake up or it might end up as cat toast.” He continues laughing as he stuffs more steak into his mouth. Swallowing, he looks up, and his face drops. “Holyfuckin'crap… What the hell does he want now?”

Rhys steps from the back seat of his car and saunters across the lawn. With his expensive designer shades, he looks up at the sun and takes a breath. “Looks like a great day for a party, Klaus.” He smiles as he steps forward and joins the others.

“Wait… there is no way in damn hell that you got an invitation to this. This is a private party—familyonly.”

“Digby, you might have your newly adopted twin there, but last time I looked in the mirror, I was still family too,” Rhys sneers.

“Noah isnotmy brother—well, at least not officially yet. I’m stillwaitin’on the test results.”

“You did a test?” Rhys frowns. “A DNA test?”

“Yeah, but we’re stillwaitin’on Marcogettin’the results. I just wanted to know for sure.”

“Okay,cuzthat’s going to change the way you feel about him, right?”

“Oh, I don’t know. Now shut the fuck up and tell me what the hell you’redoin’here.”

“Brother, you need to relax—take a chill pill orsomethin’. I’ve got a good supplier for that if you want one.” Rhys smiles. “I think, this pack leader stuff is really stressing you out. Maybe you need a hand with it. I could step in. You know, I can help you out here. Maybe take some of these gorgeous single she-wolves off your hands. I mean, I doubt Kat’s gonna be open to you servicing half of these—or any of them, actually. Youdoknow that’s what’s expected of a pack leader—it’s one of the perks?”

“I don’t need perks. I get plenty of sex. Not that it’s any of your damn business. Oh, and I knew it! I knew you didn’t provide that champagne for no reason. You thought that was your way to get an invitation. Well let me tell you, you’re not wanted here, not today. So go get in that fancy new car of yours and drive away. Go back to Rhys Kingdom and leave mine alone.”

“Oh…” Rhys smiles ignoring him, “there’s Riley… and is that his bride to be, Amy? Hm… she’s lovely. Ohc’monbrother, just because you can’t take advantage of being pack leader, doesn’t mean I can’t. And I was thinking, maybe it’s time I found myself a permanent mate—get me some pups of my own. I mean, why keeppayin’for sex when I can get it all here for free, right?” he grins then raises a hand and waves. “Riley… Hey Riley…”

“Fuck,” Digby sighs as he quickly follows his brother across the lawn.

“Riley, my man. I just thought I’d drop by and help you celebrate the impending nuptials—maybe pick up a mate of my own. There has to be some pretty little she-wolves looking for a sugar daddy around here somewhere, right? Hey, I’m justjokin’,” Rhys laughs. “Though there are some fine-looking wolf hotties here this afternoon.” He takes off his glasses and looks Amy’s mom up and down and growls. “Hm… so you must be Amy’s ravishing sister, right?”

“Oh…” Mary-Lou giggles, “no. No I’m not her sister—though I have to say that has been said before. No, I’m her mother—Mary-Lou Forrester. Pleased to meet you.”

“Wow, really… Now I don’t believe that. You don’t look old enough.” Rhys takes her hand and kisses it as Amy’s mom continues to giggle. “How about we get you some more champagne? I’m sorry, how rude, I didn’t introduce myself properly. I’m Rhys, I’m Ryan’s more mature and much better endowed older brother.”

“That issonot true,” Digby growls under his breath. “Rhys you need to go. I told you this was forclosefamily only.”

“Oh no, it’s fine. Really, he’s more than welcome to stay,” Amy smiles. “Oh look, Rosie’s here now… Hey Rosie… Rosie over here,” she calls waving enthusiastically. “I think that must be her new boyfriend?”

“I guess it must be,” Riley smiles. “I haven’t seen her so happy in a long time.”

“Hm…” Rhys squints. “What the fuck is hedoin’here?”

“Hey Amy, Riley… Diggs.” Rosie smiles and takes a breath as she approaches with the tall blue-eyed man on her arm. She looks happy, and the sparkle of life has returned to her eyes. Her hair is much more blonde than its natural auburn color and gone are the low-cut vest tops replaced with a modest summer dress and expensive perfume. Digby can’t help but notice how much more grown-up and womanlier she seems. The little ‘fan girl’ she once was replaced by a much stronger, more determined woman.

“How are you all?” she smiles. “Oh, I’m sorry, where are my manners? I should of course introduce you all—though I think some of you already know him from the club, but this gorgeous man is my new boyfriend—Tyler.”

“No,screwyou!Ifhe can’t be here on time, then don’t bother. No, I’m not making another damn appointment. He said he would be heretoday,and he’s not. Now you’re telling me to schedule another fucking appointment? Forget it! There are plenty more architects looking for work.” Darius sighs as he cuts off the call, and throws his phone to the desk. “Fuck!”

He rubs his hand over his head and leans back in the chair. Taking a breath, he closes his eyes to enjoy the warmth of the sun as it filters through the specially tinted windows.

In the quiet of his office, he listens perplexed by the faint sound of scratching and a quiet whining cry.

He sits up, leans forward, and listens with more intent. “What the fuck is that noise?”

Standing from the comfort of his leather seat, Darius heads to the door and opens it. Immediately, his attention is drawn to the floor and there, sitting in the doorway, he spots the tiny ginger kitten.

“What in the… What the fuck are you doing here? Go away. Go on…Shoo!Grrr…” he growls and bares his teeth. “I saidschoot!”

---