Page 75 of Hawk
I was still so uncertain about how to react to everything that I chose to not say anything. Smiling at her, I looked at Colton for guidance. He stood from the porch and asked Hailey, “Have the kids gotten here?”
“They just got settled doing their homework. Jackal and Rose picked them up when they got Iris, and Rose is with them while I get changed,” Hailey responded, and Colton linked his hand with mine.
“Do you want to meet the kids?” he asked, and suddenly, I got nervous.
“They’re excited to meet you, Mom. You’ll love them,” Hailey added, and I tried to smooth down my nerves.
“We’ll let you get changed while I introduce Stella to everyone,” Colton said and, with a small pull of my hand, he guided me down the steps.
As we walked slowly back to the clubhouse, I worried Colton’s kids wouldn’t like me. I felt like he and I were starting on an adventure together, but if his children didn’t accept me, it would end before it’d even started. Feeling something under my hand, I looked down to see Zeus walking beside me, offering me comfort and support.
He always knew when I needed his affection, and as we got closer to the clubhouse, I spoke quietly to Colton. “Can you help me find a hotel for a couple days? I don’t want to be a burden to anyone.”
He tugged my hand, urging me to stop. Turning, I looked up at him as he spoke. “The cabin we were just at is ready for you to stay in, or you’re welcome to stay at the house with me and the kids. We usually spend the evening watching TV or playing board games, but I think you’d feel at home there. Whatever you feel is best, but there’s no need to spend money on a hotel when we’re all more than happy to give you a place to stay.”
I tucked a stray piece of hair behind my ear as I asked, “What if the kids don’t want me at the house? I . . . I don’t want to cause you any trouble.”
He leaned over and kissed me again before replying, “You’ve never been any trouble for me, and I promise, they’re going to love you. Just . . . give it a chance, and whatever you decide, I’ll support.”
Blowing out a deep breath, I said, “Okay.”
He guided me to the back door to the clubhouse, and when I walked inside and looked around, I was pleasantly surprised. There was a woman with black hair sitting with three children at a table near the side wall, comfy couches were scattered around the room, and soft music played overhead.
A large bar was along the far wall, the back lined with bottles, and a pool table and several dart boards were along the left-hand wall. When I glanced through an open doorway, I saw a long table in the middle of the room.
“The brother behind the bar is Basher. He took over for me during the week so I could be with the kids at night. And most of the brothers are still at work, so it’s quiet, but it can get rowdy after dark. Sadie will keep it lowkey for tonight, but I know we’ll have a big party this weekend to celebrate your arrival.” I looked up at him, ready to tell him I wasn’t worth celebrating when he added, “The Death Hounds will find any excuse to have a party, so don’t overthink it, okay.”
I nodded and was about to agree when a little voice hollered across the room. “Daddy!”
I looked to see a beautiful little girl, around the same age Hailey was when I was taken from her, waving from her spot at the table. Realizing that was Anna, I remarked, “She’s so cute.”
He spoke softly as we approached the table. “She’s a handful, but I wouldn’t trade her for anything. Fair warning, Matthew has anxiety from the last few years, so he may be standoffish at first. Just give him time and he’ll come around.”
We walked to the table, and the lady sitting with them turned to face us. She looked identical to the woman I’d met earlier, but I instantly knew she wasn’t her. “Rose, this is Stella. Rose is Violet’s identical twin, and the little girl to her right is her daughter, Iris.”
“Welcome,” Rose said with a smile.
“Matthew, Anna, can you come here for a minute?” Colton asked the kids, and they both diligently stood from their seats. Walking in front of us, Anna smiled while Matthew looked weary as Colton introduced us. “This is Ms. Stella. She’s Ms. Hailey’s mom and she’s going to be staying here for a while. Can you tell her hello?”
“It’s nice to meet you, Ms. Stella,” Anna said with a smile.
“You too,” I returned and looked at Matthew.
He saw Colton’s hand in mine and his head tilted slightly to the right before he asked, “Are you my dad’s girlfriend?”
Colton squatted down while keeping my hand in his as he asked, “How do you feel about that?”
Matthew took a moment, and I began to worry. Then he replied, “Will she leave like Araneta did?”
“Of course not. She’s going to be here for a while, and I wanted you to get to know her,” Colton reasoned, and the boy looked up at me. I felt like he could see right through me, but I stood my ground.
He looked to my side and saw an attentive Zeus. “Is he yours?”
I petted Zeus’s head and answered, “This is Zeus. He’s my good boy.”
Matthew slowly reached his hand out to let Zeus sniff him before Zeus walked up and sat down in front of Matthew to accept all the scratches. The boy’s face lit up with a smile as Colton stood from his squatted position, brought my hand to his lips, and placed a kiss on the back.
“You two finish your homework, and Ms. Stella and I will be back in a few minutes.” He looked at a smiling Rose and said, “Thanks for helping them today.”
