Quadruple Checkmate

Apology

A week later...

"Mrs. Blake, can I help you with dinner?" Julia asked as she walked into the kitchen

"No, it's ok dear you just rest. You've had so much shock that you need to relax, besides I think your pup is helping out the boys outside. He won't let them inside the house if you're wandering around. So protective," Rose chuckles.

"Yes, he is. Sorry for taking up all your time Mrs. Blake," Julia apologizes.

"Call me Rose my dear please. You haven't taken up any of my time trust me. I haven't had another woman in the house to talk to in years. You have been a god send, finally someone to discuss trouble with men and other things," Rose laughs.

Julia smiles and looks out the window seeing all four of the guys each with a bouquet of flowers in their hands. Lykos was standing on the porch growling at them.

"Uh oh someone doesn't want them to come inside Rose," Julia says with a chuckle.

Rose looks outside and sees the scene. She lets out a laugh as well.

"I see that. Maybe you should call off your wolf and let them come in to apologize at least," Rose suggested.

"Lykos sweetie let them come in they won't hurt mama," Julia calls out.

Hearing her voice Lykos lets down his guard and the boys walk inside skirting around him on their way in. Julia chuckled as she watched the men give Lykos a wide berth. She snaps her fingers to bring Lykos to her side.

"Be nice big guy," she said petting her wolf.

Pedro bites back a groan. He doesn't want to give away the fact that he was the wolf who cuddled with her a few nights ago when Lykos was laid up.

"We heard that your favorite flowers are roses, so we all got you some," Bucky says handing her his bouquet.

"How sweet. Thank you very much," Julia replies with a smile.

The other guys hand her their bouquets and bite their lips not quite sure what their next move should be. Rose sighs and shoves Loki towards Julia.

"Umm I thought maybe you'd like to have a nice inside picnic by our fireplace. You can say no I..." Loki begins to stammer.

"I'd love to thank you Loki, maybe later today," Julia replied, "Rose do you have enough vases for all these beautiful flowers? Maybe we could put some in the living room to brighten it up?"

Rose smiles "Of course we do and I think that would be a lovely idea. Loki you can help me make up the lunch for you two. Until that's ready why don't you have a seat on the porch dear and have a swing to relax."

"Thank you Rose," Julia gets up and Lykos follows her as usual.

As soon as she closes the door behind her the guys sit at the table and take a breath in of her scent. They all lick their lips.

Rose laughs "I swear you four. The way you look at her it's like you want to eat her right up."

"Ma, geez!" all four exclaim

"Well, it's true. You four follow her around like lost puppy dogs and don't think I didn't catch you cuddled up with her a couple days ago my little Pedrito," Rose says.

"Mama, I didn't want her to wake when her own wolf wasn't feeling well. I didn't think she'd notice the difference," Pedro says looking down.

"Shh its ok. Soon when you four are ready you should tell her what is going on and if you don't, you'll lose your chance. I see the love in her eyes, and I know she'll forgive you for hiding what's going on. Please don't leave it too long alright?"

"Yes ma," they murmur.