"I can't believe how amazing she is, even when it's just giving a simple tour of her own house." 

Eron couldn't help but say this to himself as he watched her show him around the second floor. They've gone through the girls' rooms, the boy's room, the playroom, the library and the other three remaining empty rooms, and he fervently wished that the tour was longer so he could just hear her talk while they were alone together.

“And this is the last of the vacant rooms on this floor. If you still aren’t sure about it, you can always take the other rooms on the ground floor. They are slightly smaller than any of the rooms here, but they are more easily accessible than up here. There are also other rooms upstairs and, in the attic, but then you’d all be on your lonesome. We hardly go up there, you see, since all of us sleep on this floor and have the library and playroom here as well.”

The Charmer had not really been paying attention to the quality of the rooms being shown him within the last quarter of an hour. What he was focusing on was the location of each room and he hasn’t found the one that satisfied his needs.

"Oh, I see. Well, I could choose to stay downstairs so there would be someone sleeping there, Miss Diwana. But as you said earlier, the rooms here on the second floor have their own bathrooms and I do prefer that.”

The minute they got near enough for Di to open the door; his nose began to pick up scents that showed him that this room was the one he was looking for. He entered the doorway, breathing deeply, making sure that it was indeed the one he was looking for, even while his future landlady kept talking about the second-floor apartments.

"Yes, it is a luxury to have your own toilet and shower, so it’s better to be up here on the second floor. Besides, you’re supposed to be a boarder, not our security guard," she said with a giggle that sent little tremors of pleasure up and down his spine.

"Well, I don’t mind that since I was a security guard back then,” he said, inspecting one of the rooms. What he was actually doing was sniffing the scents from the other side of the wood and plaster, and he was happy with what his wolf senses were picking up. “It’s actually the only job I ever had so I think I’m pretty good at it.”

"I… almost can’t believe… that…”

He paused, sensing her hesitation. "What don’t you believe, Miss? That I’m a great security guard?”

"Oh no, I really believe you’re great… I-I mean, great at… anything… you do… I mean, your job. But I just can’t believe that you’re just a… security guard…”

Despite biting his lower lip, Eron’s smirk was hard to hide, especially upon hearing Diwa’s words. It took a while for him to swallow his amusement and pull on a more serious look as he faced her.

"You’re not the first one to say that, Miss Diwana. I think you won’t be the last.”

"Well, I just feel you're more than that. I see you almost as a bodyguard, even secret police or… maybe a spy?”

Eron laughed half-nervously. The widow was hitting a little too close to home, and he needed to find a way out… and fast. Just in time too, since he was already sure about his hunch and what his senses were telling him...

Her room is just beside this one.

"Well, I’ll take that as a compliment, Miss Diwana. And speaking of which, I’ll also be taking this room. Would that be all right?”

It took a while for the widow to reply, since her mind was now a bit jumbled with thoughts and emotions...

"YES!" she said to herself. "He took the room next to mine! But wait, isn't that a little awkward? Didn't he say he has a keen sense of hearing? But what if he hears me while I... Oh no no no, that can't happen, can it? No man can hear through walls, can they, not unless he puts his ears on... Stop it Diwana! How dare you think such things about him! He just saved your life, and has been a real gentleman to you and even a wonderful new friend to the kids. No, he doesn't deserve that from you so just tell him you agree because, look at him, eagerly waiting for your go. Come on, girl. Just tell him yes!"

"Alright then," she finally smiled, to Eron's relief. "Yes, you can have this room."

The visitor, now a new renter, smiled widely in response. If he only knew the doubtful thoughts going through Di's head, he would have immediately explained that he wanted to be near her room so he could protect her more effectively. Considering what he had learned since his arrival, this compassionate little lady has had her share of stalkers and he would be more at ease at the thought of her being safe, even if it meant that he would personally handle it. 

Of course, he couldn't tell her that he sniffed out her scent from the room beside this one, so he was just happy that she had let him rent this particular room.

"Alright, but how much will I be paying for this?"

"Well, your meals will be included in your rent, along with water, electricity, use of the stove and even your internet. You will have to take one domestic task along with cleaning your own room, since we still can't afford to pay for someone to do that for us on a daily basis, and I don't want the kids to feel they're servants in their own home. So, all of that will only cost you..."

Eron heard Di give a price, and his jaw dropped in shock. "You gotta be kidding me! That's too... cheap! I mean, it's too low a price for such a room, with food and utilities included!"

Again, she giggled, giving him delightful goosebumps as he listened to her reply. "That's because you're still cleaning your room and will be responsible for one domestic chore, Eron. We can't give you an expensive rate because you won't really be a guest."

"I know, I get it. From where I came from, we have our own responsibilities too and it's something we're not paid to do so we feel we're part of a community... Even a family... But that rate is still dirt cheap!"

"Eron, this is not the city where everything is expensive. Everything here is affordable because people grow their own food and create their own tools. Items, clothing, decor, and even furniture. Besides, you said it yourself. Family... We can't be forcing high rates on those who are family, right? I mean, and speaking of family, let's get to the kids before they eat all the cake they've served."

His thoughts: “Family... She probably isn't even charging the kids anything since she sees them as her children... What part of heaven did you fall from, Miss Diwa? You're just too good to be real!”

It took a few seconds for him to realize that he was already standing alone inside his chosen room because his landlady was already outside the door, waiting for him to follow her. Soon he was being handed the key, and he was handing her a few paper bills to cover for his advance payment.

As she entered her room - and yes, it was beside his - to write him a receipt, he dared ask her the question while standing outside her door...

"Miss Diwana, about the kids... How did they end up being with you? That is, if you don't mind me asking..."

She was already walking up to him then with the receipt in her hand, so he stepped aside so she could pass. Her eyes already had that faraway look that he could now recognize easily as her sifting through her memories. 

Even Eron was amazed at how he could easily recognize it now, after just a couple of days of speaking with her...

"Well, I can tell you later while we're having tea with the kids. They won't mind. And we did promise them the story of your heroic rescue, so..."

Within a few minutes, they were both smiling as the children received them at the patio table. It was now loaded with different kinds of pastries, several types of tea and all the tea things that were needed. 

And then, it wasn't long before the stories started to flow...