Page 69 of House of Kallan
Eventually, the crowd around Ryker, Tyrus, Bellamy, and Bael dissipated with everyone moving back to where they were. Raleigh joined us, pulling up a chair. He gave me a smile and a nod.
“You two know each other?” Jasper asked.
“We met briefly early today,” Raleigh said. “She was comforting our oni.”
“Well, we’ve adopted her so you two better get along,” Merrik said.
Raleigh chuckled, nodding. He kept his attention on me. “Did he tell you what’s bothering him today? He’s melancholy, but he won’t say what’s wrong.”
“He’s afraid that him being different is going to ‘mess up’ Bael,” I said.
All three men’s expressions turned sober as they looked at Tyrus. He had Bael back in his arms, staring into his face with wonder. I could see it from here.
“Not a chance,” Raleigh said.
“I agree. I think maybe he needs some subtle reassurance,” I said.
“I’ll make sure he gets it,” Raleigh said. “Thanks for the heads up.”
“I know he’ll be fine. I’ve watched him since the night he brought Bael in. Even with as weary as he made my entire department initially, I know they’d all agree that Bael is going to a perfect home.”
He looked at me, giving me an amused look. “Yeah?”
“You’re not convinced?” Jasper asked. “Probably should have said something before today.”
Raleigh chuckled. “Oh, no. These men turned to fucking putty as soon as they saw that baby.”
“But not you?” I asked.
He shrugged. “I told your colleague that I’m not huge on kids. I’m not going to neglect him or abuse him. I’m happy to parent with them. But I can tell you that they’re all a whole lot more excited than I am.”
Taylour hadn’t mentioned that, but I needed to remind myself that I needed to trust her judgment. My job wasn’t to oversee her. She was a director too. She was on equal footing. That meant I didn’t question her decisions unless I had legitimate concerns.
“You prefer to find your wife,” I guessed.
Raleigh shrugged. “On a scale of straight to gay, I’m closer to gay,” he said. “Much like your human. I’ve found that most humans who end up in this world and with monster families are not often overly excited about adding a woman to their homes.”
“There are exceptions,” Jasper said. “I was fucking stoked that I was getting three wives.”
“Ironic since you only bed slave for one of them,” Raleigh said.
Jasper shrugged, still grinning.
“Ansel Wyn is another exception,” Raleigh said. “I bet if you asked Aden he’d tell you that he was excited about the idea of a wife more than actually having one.”
I chuckled. “Yep, something like that.”
“For Jex and me—you met Jex, right?” Raleigh asked.
“Yes.”
“We’re just as content to remain a family of men. That’s not to say that we might not change our minds when our wife finds us, but…” He shrugged.
“Not into kids. Not into women. What are you into, Raleigh?” Merrik asked.
Raleigh turned a bemused expression his way, making Merrik smile widely. “Ah. Dick. I see.”
Raleigh sighed and looked at me. “I’m constantly surrounded by this. Take pity on me.”
