The Erinyes's Bond (Wolfguise)

Chapter 25-Shade

Nana and Arthur had cooked half the garden for supper. There was more food than needed or at least I thought. That was until I noticed two extra place settings. I looked at them then at my grandmother. If Raymond and Penny showed up I would not hold my tongue. I would give my father a piece of my mind.

Eska stole Amelia from my mother and was sitting between Arthur and Madeline. My siblings had effectively sequestered her. She was chatting with the three of them like the rest of us did not exist.

Then came the knock. Everyone tensed, almost, Eska had the children thoroughly entertained. When she did not react like the rest of us, I relaxed.

"Shade, please get the door." Nana took a drink of water, a familiar glint in her eye.

"Yes, Nana." I pushed away from the table.

I jumped when someone pinched me. I looked at Eska and she was handing Amelia a carrot. Madeline had her hands over her mouth and Arthur was eating to keep from laughing. Keeping my distance I moved quickly past my mate. She kept her lips pursed, but could not hide the devilment from her eyes.

The knock came again and I quickened my steps. When I pulled the door open I was shocked by who was on the porch. I dipped my head and welcomed them inside. Sage and Lily fluttered past me into the dining room.

"Gran!" Eska's exclamation left me relieved. At least she was surprised too.

I took a deep breath. It was an odd thing for Lily and Sage to be here with Eska. Lily and Sage were family, yet having Eska as my mate made it feel, irrefutable. I hurried back into the other room and returned to the table.

Lily held up a bag. "Eska I stopped by your apartment and picked up some clothes and things. I thought you could use some fresh clothes."

"Thanks Gran. So, what are you up to." Eska did not look at her grandmother. Though I knew she sensed a trap.

Lily waved her hands at Eska, like her suspicion was unfounded. "Can't an old friend stop by for dinner. Eska I taught you better manners than that."

"You taught me to trust my gut. My gut says lies." She turned and stuck her tongue out Lily.

Sage began filling up her plate. "It's a family gathering Eska. This is the family, get used to having us around from time to time."

Ramona kept lifting her fork up and down, trying to formulate words. "Wait. She keeps calling you gran, Lil. Are you really her grandmother?"

Lily took a bite of squash. "I taught that girl how to be a feral woman. Helps that my blood runs through her veins."

"If by feral, you mean how to not get caught, then oh yes that you did." Eska handed Amelia more veggies. Which my sister grabbed up greedily. Amelia squeezed the carrots and beans in her fists and squealed. Eska turned back to her. Amusement bubbling through her. "You tell those veggies who's boss!"

Amelia held the smashed food towards Eska. Offering her the messy remains. Eska leaned down and snogged Amelia's hand. The baby giggled wildly. Eska pulled back then did it again. Amelia laughed harder.

"The way she dotes on the pup. It is pleasing." My wolf circled the edge of my mind.

"Yes. She is good with them." He was not wrong. I was happy our mate was good with young ones.

"She will be even better with our pups." He paced.

I pushed him back. "Now is not the time to be thinking about that. We have time before that needs be brought up."

He whined. "Look at her. How happy she is with the babe."

I waved him off.  "Do not think because she is happy with this babe she would instantly be happy with ours."

"You are afraid." 

I growled. "Of course I am afraid. I have only ever seen pups destroy a mating. Caring for my siblings is one things. Pups of our own is entirely different!"

The room was quiet. I looked around. Everyone was watching at me. "Did I growl audibly?"

Eska wiped her face and hands off. "Why don't we step outside for a moment?"

I stood quickly and headed for the back door.

"Everything is fine. I'll go sort him out then we'll be right back. Nothing to worry about." I moved Amelia's highchair moved across the floor. "Here Gran, have a baby."

"Eska? Is he mad at us?" Arthur's words cut me.

"No. I think he was arguing with his wolf. You didn't do anything. Now eat a little more and maybe Sage will share whatever she brought in that casserole dish." As soon as she came into view I could feel the aggravation though the bond.

"Don't worry loves, I brought brownies for everyone."

Eska pointed to the back door. She pulled the door shut behind us and pointed to further up the path. My foot falls were heavy, laden with my frustration. She was mad because I frightened the little ones.

I stopped when I was out of range of the house. Eska came round my body and pulled me into her embrace. I hugged her tightly. She turned her head so I was not smothering her.

"What did he say to make you growl so loud?" She rubbed my back.

I took a deep breath. "He was speaking of the pups."

She stayed silent waiting for me to continue. I rounded my shoulders so I enveloped her more. "He noticed how happy you were with them. It makes him eager for pups of his own. I am not eager. He told me I was afraid. I agreed."

Eska leaned back slightly to look at me. "Is it because of everything that has happened? Happened to you and to your siblings."

"Yes." My voice quivered.

She wiggled in my embrace and grabbed my face. "You're not him. Today proved that. The man I saw today stepped up for children that are not his responsibility. Much like the man that raised him. Tobin and Othella have taken in five children and have raised them like their own. You have nothing to be afraid of Shade. When the day comes you will be an amazing father."

I leaned down to kiss her. Eska's lips were soft and inviting, soothing my ache. "Little Moon, you have a way of making me feel better."

She smiled sheepishly. "You give me a lot to work with. If you didn't I couldn't help you. Keep showing up Shade. I like the man that is in front of me. He gives me hope."

Eska moved away and offered a hand. "Let's go back in before they eat all the brownies. Sage said there was enough, but I've seen all of you eat."

"Lead the way my mate." I would follow her anywhere.