Page 65 of A Reluctant Boy Toy
“You’re really good at this.” Molly stood by the bulkhead, looking on like a benevolent goddess.
I shrugged while I fussed with the blankets. “I’ve dealt with sick people before.”
“You’re good with Sebastian, but I think maybe you’re just a really good guy in general. It makes me want to meddle in your private affairs, Stone.”
“What do you mean by that?” It never ceased to surprise me how forthright Molly could be.
“I’m only guessing, but I wonder if you understand Sebastian so well because you have unresolved issues from your past too. I’m a PA, not a therapist, but if there’s anything I can do to help you, anything you’d like to talk about with a friend, please let me know.”
“Thank you.” She nodded once and then went back to the main cabin.
“Molz is a brick,” Sebastian murmured sleepily.
I rested my head against the headboard. Sebastian didn’t snore exactly since his upper body was raised, but he whuffled. Little bursts of air puffed his cheeks adorably until his lips parted with a pop and a rush of breath.
I caught sleep in snatches here and there. Every so often Sebastian would try to turn, and I had to put my hands on his shoulders so he wouldn’t hurt himself. Each time, he muttered nonsense under his breath, fighting captivity, I guessed. I’d smooth my hand over his forehead, brush the hair off his face, and say something soothing like, “It’s okay, Sebastian. It’s just me. It’s Stone, and I’ve got you.”
After that, he’d quiet down for a while. I hoped that meant he trusted me—that he knew I was there for him, that I wanted to help—and he could rest easy with the knowledge I’d do whatever was necessary to protect him.
Hours passed, the plane landed, and the process of deplaning was like boarding in reverse. Two fit men came and took care of us, carrying Sebastian carefully down the stairs and transferring our luggage to a hired car, which took us to New World Wolf Sanctuary and deposited us at Ariel and Taggart’s doorway.
I couldn’t believe how glad I was to see them.
“Oh, Stone.” Ariel hooked one arm around my neck while cradling Artemis in the other. She pulled me in for a much-needed hug and held me there, giving me the deep connection I craved to the strength within her. “You look absolutely beat. Come into the living room with your guests.”
“Let me introduce you. Ariel, this is Sebastian Keye and his PA, Molly Braeburn.” Tag and I were so alike it probably wasn’t necessary, but I said, “That’s my brother Taggart behind her and the baby is Artemis Kivi Wilder, the newest member of the Wilder party. Gimme.”
“Not so fast.” Ariel pulled the baby away playfully. “Taggart, go help the driver put their things in Stone’s place. The rest of us can sit here and catch up while you help get things ready. I’ve made a fresh pot of coffee.”
“Coffee sounds amazing.” Sebastian followed her into the family room and let her fuss. She made him a nest in Tag’s oversized recliner and made sure all the animals knew he was off limits.
“No, Jitterbug!” She caught the cat when he tried jumping up. “Off.”
The rest of us arranged ourselves on a battered, blue, L-shaped couch and greeted Ariel’s menagerie—two huskies; the massive, grumpy Maine coon cat; and a bichon frise—as they caused mayhem around us. Morrigan always made herself at home closer to me than she normally did in Ariel’s house, I thought, because she felt like she was slumming it with the riffraff.
When Ariel brought coffee, she asked how Sebastian took his. To make it easier for him, she put it in a travel mug with a straw,
He smiled gratefully. “Thanks so much.”
Ariel caught his tiny wince and glanced at me, but I shrugged. Even his lightly fractured arm was bound to hurt for a while.
“Ariel.” I wasn’t above whining to get what I wanted.
“Fine. All right. You’ve been a good boy.” She finally handed me the baby. I took my first up-close look at my new niece, who was utterly perfect: skin soft as rose petals and eyes that were still the odd twilight shade that would change to the true color later on.
Her pout was pink as a plum blossom.
She squirmed fitfully in my arms, shoving a tiny fist out of her blanket to grip my finger like a heavyweight boxer, and I fell in love.
“She’s beautiful, Ari,” I whispered. “Let’s hope she has your looks and Tag’s disposition.”
“You came all this way to curse my child?” Ariel glared down at me. “I happen to think your brother is an extremely handsome man.”
They talked for a while. Ariel asked Sebastian and Molly mild questions about his job and how long he thought he’d be staying. If I hadn’t been so content sitting with Artemis in my lap, I’d have probably noticed more of what was being said and that Sebastian was fading fast.
Molly touched my shoulder. “We should probably head out. Sebastian looks tired.”
“What?” I glanced up to find every eye on me, even Tag's. When had he returned?
