"This is just perfect! I’m glad you’re here, Eron, because Di will let me go into the garage now and that’s where Mason kept all of his machines and tools and gizmos. We should go there later… Whoa, your back muscles are really hard! You working out, because there’s gym equipment in the garage too, and...”

"And this is where the library is, because Diwa loves books. We didn’t use to read when our parents were still alive, but now, she’s gotten us into it and we’re hooked so… Wow! These are pretty big biceps! What do you do for a living?”

"We have a playroom, too. We don’t keep dolls because they scawy but we have stuffed animals. I have a horsey and a big wolfie and lots of small cat plushies. I want to introduce you to them and… Oh geeeezzz, what big hands you haaaaave!”

"Guys! Guys! GUYS!” Di finally shouted with a small laugh. “Stop mishandling my future pa... renter! He won’t be able to pay for his room if he ends up in the hospital!”

"I don’t break that easily, Miss Diwana,” Eron answered with a laugh as he was dragged through the second-floor hallway, not really against his will. “I don’t have a fragile sticker on, last time I looked.”

Before Diwa could reply, all three youngsters started to talk in unison again. 

"Why do you keep calling her Miss Diwana? Bro! Just call her Diwa like we do.”

"Yeah, so formal. You sound like you’re in a classroom.”

“You’re making her sound so old…”

"Ok, ENOUGH! Let him call me whatever he wants.”

Eron’s thoughts: “Oh please, don’t say that Di… I might actually do that and you might get scared of me when I tell you what I want to call you. Ok… paying attention now to what she’s saying…”

“I really don’t mind him calling me Miss, if he’s comfortable with it. And can you please let go of him? I really want you guys to do something for me while I show him the available rooms.”

The three groaned aloud, knowing what was going to happen next.

"Let me guess, you’re going to ask us to go and prepare tea and snacks for the two of you, right?” Erica answered, her lips twisting and one eyebrow rising, while she crossed her arms over her larger-than-average breasts.

“Yes, please…”

“Awww, you never let us have any fun…” whined Katya, pouting while looking up at her surrogate mom. 

"That’s not true, because if you do this for me, you can join us for tea. And I’ll tell you a story about how Eron rescued me and Jack from an accident that happened this morning.”

"NO WAY! REALLY?!" shrieked the two girls in delight.

"Really… now go, and bring out all the best goodies we have in storage, but don’t overdo it, ok?”

“Ok! Thanks Di!” Erica said as she ran towards the stairs with a squealing Katya holding her hand. “We won’t overdo…”

"Yes, they will overdo," Diwa whispered to herself, which Eron heard. “But that’s fine. I can always make more desserts.”

“I can help you with that too, Miss Diwana, if you need my assistance in any way.”

“Oh… sorry, you heard that?”

“I have very good hearing…” 

"And very fast reflexes too, based on what you did a while back…”

“That’s just my adrenaline pumping, it was really nothing…”

They didn’t seem to notice it, but their voices were starting to get lower in volume and pitch…

Their eyes were holding their gazes in place…

Their faces were now getting closer… 

“Ahem!”

Both adults suddenly stopped and, as if they had just been pulled out from a daze, they turned towards the boy who had just interrupted their “deep” conversation.

"Eron, I really am glad that you’re here, dude, but I’m telling you now, if you ever hurt my mama, you’re gonna get it from me! Got that?”

Diwa’s eyes widened in surprise at Macky’s serious statement. She almost couldn’t believe her ears since this lad, although very protective of her and his sisters, had never directly confronted another male with this kind of warning. Before she could reply, Eron placed his large hand lightly on hers with an assuring pat, while flashing her a quick, small smile.

She blushed a little at his actions, which were not lost on the young Macky who was still waiting for Eron’s reply.

"Macky, I promise you over my grandmother’s grave that I will never EVER hurt your mama intentionally. Not even you and your sisters. Take my word for it.”

"Ok, and if you break it?”

“If that ever happens, I promise to give you my motorbike.”

Now it was Macky’s face that showed shock. “NO WAY! REALLY?!”

“I’m a man of my word. I’ll let you see her when we finalize my staying here with your mama… I-I mean, here at your house, alright? Meanwhile, you go ahead and help your sisters. Deal?”

The boy’s face was now lit up like a Christmas tree in Times Square as he took the hand that the newcomer was offering him and shook it heartily. “DEAL! Later, Eron!”

The widow’s eyes were also beaming as Eron turned his smiling face back towards her. “Looks like it’s final. I’ll just have to choose a room now, Miss Diwa. Shall we?”

It took a while for Di to nod in agreement, as the warmth in her heart made it difficult for her to react at once. To be honest, she really wanted to hug him with all her heart for what he just did. However, he could read her intentions on her face, and she was unaware.

She decided not to do it.

He really wished she would.

They were both very regretful about it later on, but for now, they were both very happy. 

And they weren’t really sure why…

+++

Antoine was still standing at attention at the farmhouse door, weapons in hand, and was not sure why his boss hadn't finished with his meeting yet. Well, it wasn't really a meeting, since this seemed more like a personal visit but the tone of the Discussion - which he couldn't help but overhear with his enhanced wolf hearing - seemed to be getting less and less friendly and comfortable as the talk progressed inside the house.

"Virgil, no... I understand what you're both trying to tell me but I won't abandon my husband that way."

"You won't be abandoning him, Alicia. You'll just be transferring to the packhouse, you and your children while we continue with our plans."

"Beloved, it's to assure that you and the children will not be easily Discovered. And if by chance he does find out, then you'll be in a very safe and secure place."

"And what about you? If he finds out that you've been helping his precious runaway assassin, would you be safe from him? And will the pack allow me to go and rescue you if that happens?"

A long pause ensued...

"I didn’t think so..."

"My love, in the first place I would not want you to put yourself in danger in any way, even if it meant my life..."

"Well, you are my life, Hero. I cannot be at ease at the thought of me being safe while you are still in danger."

"The pack will take care of your husband, I guarantee it. We just feel it's a better option for you and your kids to be- "

"Virgil, I do thank you for the offer and I will accept it, only when my mate has already left his employer. We will then BOTH transfer to your packhouse and become part of the Silverclaw pack. Until that happens, my children and I will be staying here where my husband and their father can easily reach him, and vice versa. Now, if you will excuse me, it's time for Myrrh and Victor's nap."

Antoine would then hear light feminine steps walking away and a door softly closing. A few minutes later, the two men who were inside the house exited through the front door. They would be walking a few feet away from the pilot/bodyguard, but he could now hear their talk even more clearly.

Well, he was used to his boss trusting him like this, anyway. After all, he had always proven himself dependable and trustworthy.

"Bro, I'm sorry, but when she uses that tone..."

"I know. My own mate does that too when she wants to stick to her guns, so I can relate."

"Wait a tick, I think you have something there..."

"What? About me relating to you?"

"Your wife, bro. I think she can help us here..."

"Hmmm... It's a long shot, but I think Helena would understand our point of view. She has a soft spot for children, and she would want to meet the woman who had contributed to her twin's escape..."

"Alright, you go on and talk to her. I'll find my own way back to the governor's mansion after I pacify my mate and spend more time with my kids. This may be my last chance of doing this for quite a while."

"Just be careful, brother. Under no circumstances should he know about your mate or your true nature. It's a risk that you can't afford to take."

Antoine watched the two men give each other a brotherly hug, slapping each other on the back as they did so. Within a few minutes, he was already back in the helicopter's cockpit with only his Alpha sitting behind him. He then turned on the engine and soon they were off the ground and rising swiftly into the air.

Meanwhile, Virgil looked at the farmhouse once more, wished the best for the family that lived within it, then brought out his phone. He typed in a message...

His text: “Princess, I'm on my way back there. Please meet me at our apartment suite when you can. I can't believe that I already miss you.”

The reply came about half a minute later.

"Believe it. I miss you, too. Love you, and see you in the bedroom."

Virgil could no longer hide his smile as he put his mobile back into his suit's jacket pocket. Count on his mate to always make him feel so amazing every damn time...