Selfless: Book Two (bxb) ✔️

Chapter Four: Sing A Melody

Ace Villan

I whistled loudly I stepped into the foyer, and was instantly smacked with the smell of a ham roasting in the oven. Did she suddenly become a chef? I would bet my heart and soul that my Father was the one who prepared dinner for this evening.

Cade was behind me, timid as anyone who fucking warned him about my Mom could be. She really wasn't bad—she was amazing. Her jokes were on the darker side, but that was how she was. She loved with bullying, and truthfully, I did the same. It wasn't harmful bullying. It was the kind where you tell someone all the ways you could murder them, and then smother them with a hug.

I was much like my Mother.

I stepped into the kitchen and saw my Mom spin around with a wooden spoon in her hand. I instantly threw my hands up in surrender. "Put the spoon down—no one needs to be beaten bloody today."

She pointed to me with that damned spoon. "I think you're due for one, Sweet Angel of mine."

"That's a stretch."

Mom dropped the spoon on the counter with a shrug. "You're right." She finally smiled and trotted around the counter before engulfing me in her arms. "But I missed you anyway. I'm so happy for you, I do hope you know that."

I hugged her back. Yeah. I missed this. "I know, Mom." When she released me and stepped back to give me a once over, I snorted. "No, the dark clothes are staying. I learned from the best."

Mom's dyed red hair was longer than I was used to—and her leather jacket still in place as if she were still in college. She could pull it off. She hardly looked her age—I supposed those amazing genes ran in the family. I better get them or I was going to be so pissed.

"Oh, you are so much more adorable in person." I was an afterthought once she noticed Cade. When I turned to watch them interact, Cade was trying his best to smile. I hated putting him in this position. If he wanted to leave, we would. "I heard you have one of the copy-and-paste boys with you. But I think you'll be my favorite."

Cade lightened up slightly at that comment. "It's nice to meet you."

"You, too, sweetheart."

I snorted. "Don't be fooled. She's certifiably insane."

Mom smacked her hand into my chest. "Shush it, Child of mine. You know that saying?" Her green eyes flashed to mine. "I brought you into this world, and I can take you out."

Arching a brow, I crossed my arms. "And prison is just a cold cell in hell."

"I'll get away with it." She directed her attention back to Cade. "Don't listen to him. He decided to be the one to take after me. I'm nice to those who don't have my attitude. So, you seem to be safe en—"

"Damon Stryker, I will barbecue you alive!"

I chuckled quietly. "What did Uncle Damon do now? Tate sounds like he's about to go on a murder spree."

Damon came running into the kitchen, passing all of us like his ass was on fire. "I didn't mean to, Tate! Blame Sebastian."

Tate stomped through the kitchen with a stick in his hand, going after his husband. "Oh? It was Sebastian who threw snow in my face?! Did you swap bodies? Come here!"

I coughed, laughing nervously. "So, this is my family."

Emery breezed through us before realizing something was different. She slowly turned, arching a brow at Cade. "Welcome to our humble abode. Please do ignore my parents. Neither of them were hugged enough as children. Enjoy your stay."