Mellifuous ✔

Chapter 20: Movie night

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The soft glow of the setting sun spilled through the windows of Santiago and Will's home, casting everything in a golden light. The living room was quiet at first, except for the sound of Santiago and Edward padding about, pulling out blankets and pillows. Santiago's movements were unhurried but purposeful; he wanted everything to be perfect—a warm, safe haven where the children could gather, far from the chaos of the outside world.

"Do you think Eli will like it, Dad?" Edward asked, his voice soft but tinged with eagerness.

Santiago crouched beside him, placing a reassuring hand on his son's shoulder. "He'll love it," he said warmly. "You've done an amazing job."

Edward beamed at the praise, his chest puffing up slightly with pride. "Good. I want him to feel happy tonight."

Before Santiago could respond, the distinct thud of hurried footsteps echoed down the stairs, growing louder with each second. He turned just in time to see Liam appear in the doorway, his broad shoulders and confident stride a stark contrast to Edward's quiet diligence.

"What's going on down here?" Liam asked, his voice carrying the lazy drawl of a teenager trying to act uninterested, though his eyes lit up as he took in the blanket fort dominating the living room.

"Movie night," Edward answered without missing a beat, still arranging the table. "For Eli. You can join if you're not too cool for it."

Liam snorted, rolling his eyes in that exaggerated way only a fifteen-year-old could manage. "I'm not too cool for my baby brother, thank you very much." He plopped onto the couch, stretching his long legs out as if claiming his territory.

As if on cue, the sound of more footsteps—these lighter and quicker—announced the arrival of the twins. Mason and Matthew burst into the room, nearly tripping over each other in their excitement.

"Whoa!" Mason exclaimed, his sharp eyes darting around the transformed space. "This is awesome!"

"Who built all this?" Matthew asked, already diving into the pillows with an enthusiasm that left little room for decorum.

"I did," Edward piped up proudly, adjusting a bowl of chips that had nearly been knocked over in the twins' wake.

"With Dad's help," Santiago added, chuckling as he rescued a blanket from under Mason's feet.

"Eli's gonna love it!" Mason declared, flopping onto the floor with a dramatic sigh.

Matthew nodded vigorously, sitting cross-legged beside him. "Yeah, he deserves it after... well, you know." His voice trailed off, and the room seemed to pause for a moment, a quiet acknowledgment of the day's earlier events.

Santiago stepped in smoothly, his tone light but firm. "Tonight is about making sure everyone has a cozy little night, okay?"

The twins nodded, their youthful energy quickly returning as they began to discuss which movies Eli might want to watch.

A soft knock at the door was followed by the sound of it creaking open. Grace stepped in, her arms full of snacks and her expression tinged with a mix of exhaustion and amusement. Behind her trailed Harper and Damion, the young alpha carrying an extra pillow under one arm and a bag of chips in the other.

"We come bearing supplies," Grace teased, setting her haul down on the kitchen counter.

Santiago turned to greet them, his lips curling into a tired but genuine smile. "Perfect timing. We're just finishing up."

Grace smiled. "Fort-building? You're pulling out all the stops tonight, huh?"

Santiago gave a small shrug, the corner of his mouth twitching. "We could all use a little comfort right now." His gaze softened as it landed on Damion, who had already made his way to the couch and was carefully arranging the pillow he'd brought.