Page 7 of Nines's Time

MEADOW

Tension, like any other, takes over my body. I swear if I could, I’d run home quicker than a person can say ‘Cracker Jack’. Unfortunately, Gavril drove, and there’s no way he’ll be leaving anytime soon, considering we just got here. He hasn’t spoken to anyone as we stand a few feet behind the other two men we’d come inside with.

But the moment Storm and Chelsea spot me, some of the tension eases from within me. Mainly because Gavril said I was safe here and safer than anywhere else I could think of being. I didn’t understand what he meant by that, but I trust Gavril more than anyone.

“I brought goodies.” I smile and hold the containers up for Chelsea and Storm to see.

“Awesome,” Chelsea remarks.

“You didn’t have to bring anything,” Storm says, smiling. “Though goodies are never turned away. Come on, we’ll put them in the kitchen for the time being until we’re ready to set everything up outside. The guys will be grilling in just a bit.”

“Oh, am I too early?” I glance from the two women whom I call friends to look around the room, mainly seeing all men and only one other woman who’s standing in the embrace of what I can only assume is her father.

“Nope,” Chelsea says, taking the containers from me. “Now, let’s go see what you brought for us.”

I love the way she seems to ignore the others in the room like they’re not even there. I follow her as Storm states she’ll join us in a few minutes.

“So, you’re a Dragomir?” Chelsea asks.

“What?” I frown at the sudden question.

“You were standing with Storm’s grandfather and his men. One of them spoke directly to you.”

“You mean Gavril?”

Chelsea lifts a brow in curiosity and cocks her head slightly. “If that’s his name, then yeah.”

“I’m not related to him. He’s, um . . . a friend.” I don’t want to get into my past right now.

“Right.”

Storm joins us before Chelsea has a chance to question me further and with her is the other woman whom I’m guessing is Storm’s mom, and I’m right when Storm introduces me. “Meadow, this is my mom, Rain.”

“Nice to meet you.” I smile and stick my hand out for her to shake.

“Same.” Rain smiles.

I don’t know what it is, but being around her makes me nervous. Especially when a man comes into the kitchen and wraps his arms around her. But what makes my nerves spike is how familiar he looks and the reason for the similarities. It can’t be possible. God knows, I hope not.

* * *

I spend the next couple of hours talking with Chelsea and Storm. The amazing part is meeting Storm’s three baby boys.I noticed right off that Storm’s man stuck close to her if not directly next to her the entire time.

The way he seemed to always keep an eye on Storm and help her if she needed it with the babies, I have to say is sweet. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a man do that. Though when would I, considering what my life’s been like?

Gavril finally introduced me, after he met with the rest of the men, to the two we walked in with, Dorin and his son, Caturix. I thought it strange that his daughter was named Rain while his son is named after a god. When I blurted this out, I got a grin from all three men.

“I made a deal with my wife that for a son, I’ll name him, and she was allowed to name our daughter,” Dorin explains and lowers his voice. “However, I would appreciate you not speaking outside those who know about Rain.”

I nod, understanding his meaning, and end up rambling, “I know how to keep quiet. You can ask Gavril. I see but speak nothing of what’s before me, so I won’t do that to you. I mean, I like Rain and your granddaughter. Storm’s become a friend since I moved here.”

Gavril tucks me into his side and chuckles. “Calm down, little one,” he murmurs.

“Right.” I nod and swallow nervously before excusing myself.

A short while later is when I really feel myself on the verge of a panic attack. This is due to the man who looks familiar. I learn he’s Rain’s husband, and he sits across from me at a picnic table.

“Can I help you?” I ask, unsure of what else to say.

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