SIXTY
**-Indy’s POV-**
Scott went back to work, he mentioned something about sending emails. Ryan stayed with me and is busy with watching the TV. I sigh and roll over to Ryan. “What are you watching?” I ask him.
He looks at me and winks. “If you look at the TV, you can see it yourself…” I sigh. “Yeah, sure…” I whisper.
I fold my hands behind my head and stare at the ceiling. It’s been a few weird days, first the kidnapping and then the pregnancy. This morning my mental breakdown and I’m not even talking about what’s coming next. I need to talk with Raki and probably my old pack too. Oh, I can’t forget the almost certain visit of the boys’ parents, which haven’t been home for years. Yippie.
I wish I could talk to Fiona, but now Hunter is here, she has something else on her mind. I can’t blame her… I could ask if Autumn is free this afternoon! Yes, that would be amazing. I really can use some free-time, away from all the chaos that is in my life right now. And, without complaining about the boys, they’re a bit suffocating. They wouldn’t let me out of their sight, even when I’m going to the bathroom one of them is checking the room first. It’s insane.
“Ryan?”
“Hmmm…”
He’s not even looking away from the TV. “Can I enjoy the afternoon with Autumn, please?”
“No.”
“Ooh come on, why not? She’s still living with her parents and siblings, I’m just planning to go to her home, playing games and enjoy a normal life. If you’re with me, I’m constantly remembered about all the… well, chaos.” I answer with a pouty face.
Now I got his attention. “Really? But I’m here to protect you, babe. I’m not trying to imprison you. We can have a good time together too, right? What do you think of a nice hot bath together, hmmm?” He’s winking again.
I chuckle, I can’t help it. But it’s like he has just seen a green light and wants to accelerate. “No no no! Stop! I’m not going to make out with you right now. Ryan!” I try to push him away. Now he’s the one pouting like a little boy. “Really?” I ask. “But listen, I know you’re not planning to, but indirectly you are imprisoning me, Ryan. I just want to do girly things, hanging out with somebody from my age and perspective, somebody like Autumn.”
I stare into Ryan’s beautiful eyes and wait for his response. “Pleeaaseee?” I ask with the cutest voice I can produce. “Fine..” says Ryan, rolling his eyes.
“Yeaah!” I jump up and want to hug Ryan when he interrupts me. “But under one condition!” I sigh. “There it is….”
“I want Storm to be at their house too. He’s one of the best warriors we have. I’ll accompany you to Autumn’s home and Storm is there to watch you.”
“But I don’t need a babysitter, please.... Ryan!” I try to object.
“It’s this or nothing…” Ryan says with a firm voice.
“Fine.” I answer, not totally pleased by his answer but realizing I have no choice. “Can you mindlink her for me then? And ask if it’s fine?”
Ryan’s eyes clouds and I know he’s mindlinking. After a few seconds he answers: “Her shift ends at 2. She said you can come over to their house around 2 and she will meet us there. Storm is already there, watching the little ones because her parents are both working this morning.”
I clap my hands, feeling excited. “Thanks!” I watch the clock and see it’s almost 1 p.m. “We should hurry and grab some lunch!” I quickly stand up and hurry to the closet to get dressed. I’m still in the lounge-wear I put on this morning. I grab a pair of dark blue jeans and an oversized purple sweater. I quickly put on some white sneakers and a silver bracelet, that is coated to protect the werewolf skin.
The moment I walk out of the closet, Ryan is still in the same spot as he was before. “Are you coming?” I ask him.
He jumps up and smiles. “You look gorgeous as ever, my darling.” He grabs my hand and we walk to the kitchen together.
---
After lunch, Ryan has picked up our jackets and we start walking to the Brown-family. It’s a short walk, but I like being outside. We’re heading to the end of march, which means it’s almost officially spring! I can see the little flowers popping out of the ground already and on the lucky days we have a bright sun shining. It’s not very sunny today, but the temperature is pleasant. Not too cold, but I can still hide in my jacket. I look to my side, and it seems like Ryan is lost in his thoughts.
“A penny for your thoughts…” I poke him in the side.
He starts laughing. “I’m sorry babe. I just thought about next week. It’s going to be busy. But we’ll talk about that later, you can enjoy your day first. You deserve it.” He stops to give me a quick peck on the forehead and I hug him. “Thanks, Ryan.” We stand here for a few minutes, just enjoying the contact before we continue our walk to the Brown’s.
“Hi King!” I see a figure waving from one of the big houses in front of me. It’s Storm. Ryan raises his hand to let him know he has seen him. Ryan looks to my side with a small frown on his face. “Promise me you stay inside. Scott or I am going to pick you up before dinner, alright?”
I chuckle. “Yes, sir.” and I wink at him, making him smile instantly. “That’s my girl.”
We walk further and Storm enthusiastically shakes Ryan’s hand. He then focuses on me. “Hi Indy. Good to see you! It’s almost 2 p.m. I expect Autumn home in 15 or 20 minutes. You can go inside already, and meet her siblings. I’ll be there in a minute!”
I smile, Storm is very welcoming and I like him already. I give Ryan a quick kiss, but he pulls me into a more intense one, making me blush. “Bye.” I mumble, rushing inside while I hear Ryan laugh out loud behind me.
The moment I open the door, I hear noises and chatter. I curiously follow the sounds and walk through the hallway. I’m surprised to see the inside of the house, it’s almost even bigger than I imagined! But I guess that’s a must, when you have five children living in one house.
I open one of the doors and I walk in. Immediately the noises stop and I see three pairs of eyes staring at me. “Well, hello.” I say. “I’m Indy, Autumn’s friend. I bet you’re her siblings, right?”
It took them a few seconds to register my words and then they’re all jumping up to meet me. The littlest one is at my feet the first. “Hi. I am Maddy and almost four! How old are you?” I stare into her brown, curious eyes and I laugh. “Nice to meet you, Maddy.” I crouch to her level and whisper in her ear: “I’m 22 already, shhhh…” She chuckles and whispers back: “That’s super old!”
Then a boy is almost pushing me on the ground. “I’m Archie and way bigger and stronger than Maddy, look!” I see the boy flexing his muscles and I high five him. “Wooooh, your arms are incredible! How are you getting that strong? You should teach me one day.”
“Oh easy, I train with Storm every day! He’s learning me all the things.” Archie says proudly. I smile. “I bet you are! And how old are you then?”
“I’m eight, nearly nine!” He states with a smile on his face.
“Don’t mind him..” the oldest of these three are walking up to me. “...he’s a bit overcompensating because he’s the only boy in the house. Well, except for dad of course. Hi, I’m Audrey.”
I stand up straight and ignore the youngest for a while. “Hi Audrey, nice to meet you. I’m Indy.”
We talk for a while and I notice how calm and smart she seems to be already, but she can’t be older than twelve or so. Suddenly the kitchen door opens and Maddy and Archie run towards the persons who’re heading in. “Autumn! You’re home!” Autumn gives both of them a hug and smile. “Hey big boy, hi cutiepie! How was your day?” She talks a moment with the both of them and I look at Storm who walks in after her. “You’ve met all of them already? Good. I’m outside when you need me. I bet you and Autumn can handle it for a while, right?”
“Sure.” I answer and I watch him walk back to the same door he just entered.
“Why don’t you watch the tele for a moment, hmmm?” Autumn asks the youngest. “And you, Audrey, thanks for helping Storm this morning. You can go if you want, I’ll handle them this afternoon. Besides, I’ve a helper now, right Indy?”
I smile. “Yes, you have.”
“Thanks!” Audrey says. “I’ve to do some homework. I’ll be in my room!” Audrey grabs some fruit and water from the kitchen and walks away too.
Autumn hugs me and asks with worry in her voice: “Are you alright? How do you feel?”
I smile. “Don’t you worry, Autumn. I’m here as a friend today, not your patient. Relax.”
“Right, right. Sorry. I can’t help myself! Well, let me make us some food and then we can join the baby’s in the living room.”
“Baby’s? I ask Autumn.
“Yes, sorry. We call Maddy and Archie the baby’s, because they’re the youngest. Archie doesn’t like that though.” She chuckles.
I think about the bubbly and sturdy young boy and I laugh. Yes, I bet he’s indeed not liking that. I asked Autumn if I can help her make some snacks but she insisted I can sit and relax, so I did. I watch her walk through the kitchen and feel my muscles relax. This is going to be a nice afternoon!