Chapter 65

Chapter 65
Talia PoV

I wake slowly, my head throbbing.

Please tell me I’m not going to spend the day nursing a headache. That would really suck.

I went to bed early, much earlier than I’m used to, but playing with Aria all day really took it out of me. She decided she wanted to stay in bed with me, like we used to back in my father's pack, and who am I to say no? I love having her close. Even if she does snore.

Im glad she had fun. I’m glad she likes Zade. She’s still a little unsure, but it’s progress and I’ll take it. I’m not sure how I’m going to tell her about James, maybe I was too harsh. But I’m her parent, not him, and he needs to accept that before I let him near her again.

Tristan slept in his office, which he didn’t seem happy about, but he didn’t argue about it either. He knows that aria needs me, and he seems to have accepted that.

I slowly get out of bed, waking the little terror up. “Come on Aria. It’s time for breakfast.”

She groans, rolling over and ignoring me.

Time to bring out the big guns.

I tickle her hips, the exact spot that always makes her snort with laughter, and it’s the cutest thing.

“Stop red, stop.” She giggles, opening her eyes.

I stop and smile down at her, “I knew that would work.” I wink.

Aria’s smile widens, but then she frowns. “I’m hungry.” She complains, grabbing her stomach.

“Let’s go get you some food then, little wolf.” I say, helping her jump off the bed.

She runs for the door, swinging it open and bashing it cost the wall. She runs straight into Tristan who’s trying to knock.

“Good morning.” He laughs, letting her pass him.

“She’s hungry.” I say. Rushing out the door.

He follows us, “that’s actually why I was coming to get you, breakfast is ready.” He says and then blushes. “I made it myself. Made enough for everyone.”

I turn, taking his hand as we walk, “that’s nice of you, is everyone else down there?” I ask.

He nods, “yeah. We were just waiting for you two.”

“I hope there is coffee.” I complain, rubbing my temple. “I have a splitting headache.”

“I can get you something for that if you want?” He asks, squashing my hand with his.

I shake my head. “No thanks. I’ll be fine. Just need coffee.”

“You don’t talk much on a morning.” He laughs, moving forward to help an unsteady Aria down the stairs. “And you’re obsessed with coffee.”

“I am.” I agree. “I didn’t used to drink much of it before I came here, never liked the taste.”

“There are different styles of coffee.” He says, “I buy the one that’s mostly smooth.”

“Well, I like yours.” I say.

We walk into the kitchen to find Silas and Zade in the middle of an arm wrestle. I laugh, and shake my head.

“What is it with men these days?” I joke, but I also kind of mean it.

They jump back suddenly, like they’d both been stung.

“It’s just friendly competition.” Zade says, face flushed.

“What he said.” Silas interjects.

I laugh again, choosing to sit across from them. “I’m not stopping you, as long as it doesn’t turn into a fist fight.”

Aria climbs on the table and plops her little arm down, “Zade wrestle me! I’m strong.” She says, determination written all over her face.

Silas laughs, Zade smiles and Tristan shakes his head and walks towards the kitchen island where all the food is.

Zade looks torn, but takes her little hand anyway and lets her win him by a mile.

“See.” She boasts. “I’m going to be stronger than an alpha one day.”

“I’m sure you are.” Zade says, ruffling her hair.

Silas smiles and holds out his arm, “me next!” He says to her.

Aria smiles brightly and takes his hand, I get a little nervous at first, worrying that Silas might accidentally hurt her, but he doesn’t. He’s as gentle as a feather.

Aria wins again.

“Damn.” Silas says. “You really are strong.”

Aria puffs out her chest. “Told you.”

Tristan piles plates onto the table, “well if you’re going to become stronger than an Alpha you need to eat.” He poked her arm gentle. “Got to get these muscles big and strong.”

Aria moves backwards and sits down, pulling her plate high, there’s no way she’ll eat all that food. But I’m happy she’s trying.

Tristan sits down next to me and smiles. “What do you want?” He asks.

“Pancakes and bacon please.” I say softly.

He piles pancakes on a plate and covered them in syrup, just how I like them, then he adds the bacon to the top.

Silas walks away for a moment and comes back with a steaming cup of coffee, just how I like it.

“Thank you.” I say with a smile. “Thank you both.”

They both beam at me.

We all did I to our food, watching Aria devour more than she looks like she can handle.

“Go steady, little wolf, you need to listen to your body.” I say, wiping sauce from her cheek.

“Can I go play now?” She asks, eyes wide.

I nod, “go ahead, but stay close to the house ok?”

She nods back at me. “Ok red.”

“I’ll go out and watch her.” Zade says, standing up.

“Thanks.” I say, happy he wants to protect her.

They leave through the back door and I watch as she drags our brother straight towards the swings. I hope he doesn’t swing her high, she’ll definitely be sick if he does. But he should know that. Or at least, I hope he does.

Silas smiles, watching me eat. “drink your coffee, Talia.”

I nod, taking a large gulp.

This is going to be a good day, I can tell.