Page 72 of Surviving in Everton

“Dibs on distracting Rowen duty!” I call out.

The guys all groan because they didn’t think of it first, but Rowen giggles, so I don’t care.

“Okay, I get it. I won’t get my hopes up and Ayden will keep my mind off of it. Can we get this over with now?”

Declan glares at her, but gets the cup and hands it to her. “Watch it,A Stor. Don’t make me sic Nate on you. I know he’d love to turn that ass red.”

She just bites her lip and flutters her lashes in response before slowly sipping and swallowing until the cup is empty.

“So… is everyone just going to stare at me for the rest of the night? You already said it’ll take time. Nothing is going to change tonight, so stop staring. You’re not gonna miss anything.”

“I’m good with staring, thanks,” Quinn retorts.

“Yes. Me too, Kitten. I will stare at you all I want.”

She groans and shakes her head as the rest of us voice our approval of the stare at Rowen plan.

“Don’t y’all have anything better to do with your time?”

“Nope!” we answer together.

She starts to yawn as we continue to stare at her. After a few minutes of the yawns getting bigger and closer together, Nate finally has enough.

“Alright, everyone out! Come on, Kitten, I’m taking you to bed.”

“I thought it was Ayden’s turn for sexy time.” She looks at him with squinty eyes. Tilting her head to the side until she falls over.

Nate catches her and picks her up, bridal style this time. “No one is getting sexy time, Kitten. You’re going to bed. You can pickoneperson tosleepwith you. But no hanky-panky. Iwilltan your hide.”

“Fiiiine.” She sighs dramatically then rests her head on his chest, closing her eyes.

He smiles down at her and shakes his head as he leaves the room. She didn’t exactly pick anyone to stay the night, but I already called dibs. So it’s gonna be me. Declan starts cleaning the potion mess up, even though there’s not really a lot to do, I go help him while the others head back to the kitchen. When we join them, West is breaking down his setup and it looks like everyone is actually preparing to leave. Good. Doesn’t look like anyone’s going to argue about me staying the night then.

“Of course no one's going to argue that, Ayden. When was the last time you spent alone with her?” Declan asks with a raised brow.

Jesus, I don’t know. When we played Scrabble probably.

“Exactly. You’re overdue. Just remember to take it easy with her tomorrow. She’s going to be tired with all of that magic coursing through her.”

“Yes, Dad. I know. I’ll take care of her. Don’t worry.”

“Oh, that’sexactlywhat I’m worried about.”

I just shrug. Can’t really blame him there.

“She’s asleep. Be careful when you get into bed. Don’t wake her up,” Nate orders.

Damn, where the hell did he come from? He’s way too fucking sneaky sometimes.

“I won’t. I’ll go to bed after I get Violet to bed.”

“Good. I'll go get Logan and we can leave. I haven’t seen Vi all day. I want a hug before I go,” he grunts and promptly leaves out the back door.

Well, okay then. A few minutes later, the three of them come back inside. Violet looks exhausted. It’s definitely time for bed. She had a busy day today. First school, then playing with Logan, then The Hive, followed by more playing with Logan. She’s gotta be wiped.

Everyone says goodnight and heads out. Leaving me alone with a five-year-old that can barely keep her eyes open. I chuckle to myself as I watch her stand there swaying back and forth as her eyes flutter shut, snap open wide, then repeat the process.

“Alright, Angel, to bed with you.” I scoop her up in my arms and carry her up to her room. Taking extra care walking up the stairs so I don’t fall. Have you ever tried carrying a sleeping kid up stairs? It’s not very easy. Just saying.

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