Chapter 81: Part 2

Stone let out a low grumble, muttering something unintelligible as he loosened his arms around Audrey, rubbing his forehead as if trying to soothe an invisible tension.

Audrey frowned, her gaze lingering on him. When had he last slept? She had caught him dozing briefly in the living room, holding her against him, but aside from that, he had barely rested. He had spent the night awake, watching over her, and she recalled that even the day before, he had only managed a short nap while in Vincent's infirmary.

Guinevere wasn’t much better. Despite her insistence that she would rest, she hadn’t taken the nap she promised. Instead, while she and Stone had spoken in the kitchen, Gwen had been upstairs, listening intently. Holding back her excitement, waiting until Alistair arrived home with breakfast to release her barely contained enthusiasm.

Audrey had no idea when Gwen last slept, but somehow, she remained as energetic as ever.

And she had certainly channeled that energy into what could only be described as an impromptu breakfast extravaganza.

With no planning whatsoever, Gwen and Alistair had taken it upon themselves to craft a feast—one Stone had tried, and failed, to keep under control.

Guinevere scrambled to flip pancakes, moving between skillets as eggs fried and bacon sizzled beside them. Sausages browned in the electric skillet, the air thick with the scent of cooking meats and fresh pastries.

The table had been overfilled with food—potato wedges, muffins, butter croissants—and, just for Audrey, Alistair had brought chocolate-covered croissants and a cup of warm coffee, which she’d had to reheat in the microwave.

Then, Gawain and Gunner arrived.

Fresh from their morning training, smelling of earth and crisp air. They had quickly washed up before slipping into the crowded kitchen, seamlessly blending into the energy of the group.

The space had been cramped, bodies pressing close as laughter bounced off the walls. No one bothered waiting for the food to be plated—whatever Guinevere managed to cook was snatched up almost immediately. She had refused to let Audrey help, and for the first time in days, there was levity—Alistair and Gwen teasing Stone mercilessly, poking fun at the way he hovered around Audrey, how he refused to admit just how smitten he was.

Audrey had smiled despite herself, watching Stone glower at his daughter. Gwen, of course, paid him no mind, humming cheerfully as if his irritation only fueled her amusement.

This was their family.

They had fought together, suffered together, survived together. Yet, through it all, they had managed to hold onto joy—to the simple pleasures of teasing and laughter, to the warmth of shared meals and deep bonds.

Audrey hadn’t been part of their world long, but standing in the heart of their home, she could feel it—the love, the loyalty, the connection that tied them together.

Could this be her future?

She wanted it to be.

The memory settled warmly in her chest as Gawain approached, extending his hand toward Stone in silent understanding.

No words were spoken.

Stone nodded, accepting what looked like skin-toned earplugs from him.

Feeling Audrey’s gaze, he glanced at her, smirking faintly before brushing his hair back and inserting the plugs into his ears.

“I told you—we all have excellent hearing. The noise from the city is relentless. This helps mute it a little.”

“We’ll still be able to hear you breathe from ten feet away,” Gawain added.

Well, that was unsettling.

Audrey glanced toward Guinevere , who had already settled comfortably into the back seat of the car. “Will she be okay with me for a few days?”

“She’ll be fine,” Stone assured her. “She spends the most time in the city out of all of us. She enjoys being around people.”

“And the shopping!” Gwen chimed in, waving enthusiastically from the window. “Come on, let’s go!”

Before Audrey could respond, Alistair scooped her up into an exaggerated bear hug, squeezing the breath from her lungs as he muttered something in rapid gibberish.

“Beta,” Stone said, his voice carrying quiet authority.

Alistair released her with a laugh, flashing a mischievous grin before stepping back.

Gawain smiled, offering her a small wave, while Gunner—true to his nature—simply gave her a measured nod. He remained silent, standing slightly apart from the others, observing rather than engaging.

At least everyone was fully dressed now. When she had first arrived, the lack of shirts had been noticeable. While she could appreciate their physiques from a respectable distance, being surrounded by them had felt like stepping into some kind of exclusive sausage factory.

Not that she was looking.

Except maybe at Stone.

But not in a way she was willing to admit. Not yet.

She was still engaged to Daniel.

With his ears plugged, Stone walked around the car, opening the passenger door for her.

She felt the warmth creep up her cheeks, but she forced herself to remain composed, slipping inside and buckling her seatbelt while he rounded the vehicle to take his own seat.

She and Gwen waited as Stone lingered outside for a moment, exchanging silent words with the others.

Then—finally—he climbed in.

This is it, Audrey thought.

The next step—the moment she had to face.

It would be painful. It would be difficult. But yes,t it was necessary.

She glanced at Stone as he buckled himself in, the low hum of the engine filling the space between them.

Catching her gaze, he offered her a reassuring smile.

And then, without hesitation, he reached for her left hand, fingers closing gently around hers.

His thumb brushed over her knuckles, steady and reassuring.

Audrey took a deep breath.

She had made the right choice.