Page 57 of Freeing Hawk
Tiberius barking woke me early the next morning and I frowned. “Dog.” I snapped. “Cut that out.”
But he merely hopped off the bed, rushed to the door then came back to look at me as if asking,“are ya comin’?”
Irritated, I climbed out and followed him. Instead of going to the backdoor, he trotted toward the front, bum wiggling the entire way. The bell rang before I could reach for it and I quirked a brow.
“Tiberius, to the living room.” I pointed. “Go.”
He walked back toward the room but sat in the hall, watching me.
Close enough.
When I opened the door, Leta flailed and flung herself into my arms. “Surprise!”
“Whoa!” I laughed, hugging her. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming home?”
“What part of surprise don’t you get?” Leta asked before stepping back to grab her bags. “And besides, Nikau said you weren’t feeling so well.”
I grunted and took her bags from her. She stepped in and immediately was bum-rushed by Tiberius. She toppled to her back with him all over her. Leta didn’t mind. She spoiled him more than I did.
When I finally managed to pry the two apart, I poured Leta some coffee.
“Romeo is staying with me.” I told her. “He stays here when he’s working at Alpha.”
“Oh.” She sipped. “The drive home every day would have been murder on him.”
I nodded. “So, are you ready to tell him how you feel yet?”
“I can’t.”
“Do you want to end up like me?” I asked.
Exhale.
Inhale.
“I’m sorry, okay?” I turned to fill my mug.
“Want to talk about it?” Leta asked.
“Can I get a hug instead?” I asked.
Leta set her mug down and opened her arms. I didn’t realize just how emotionally exhausted I’d become until I was standing in my baby sister’s arms. Each breath felt like my first, each exhalation was like being reborn.
She rubbed my back. “You know, as your sister you can have both hugs and someone who’ll hear you out.”
“I’m just talked out, you know?”
“Sure.” She rubbed my back. “Well, your baby sister is here, and I’ll make sure you’re okay.”
Standing back, I framed her face and kissed her forehead. “It’s good to see you, sis.”
I hugged her again.
Chapter 13
Hawk
Kingston’s baby came a little early. I supposed the stress of him being kidnapped, almost dying and returning had a bit of an effect on that. Add to that Mia’s lecture and almost kicking his ass—well, stress made labour happen.
