Page 81 of As The Shifter World Turns

81

A BIT OF A MIXUP

Neil

“Guess what, Neil?”

I tensed, assuming Toby’s dad wasn’t far behind. Our relationship had been strained since I’d refused to move in with Martin and Toby. I loved them both. Adored father and son, but 2B was my home and safe space. And moving in together was a big step. I’d come so far, dealing with my issues but leaving Sunshine Manor wasn’t going to happen. Not now and maybe not ever.

Martin couldn't quite grasp how us living in an apartment close to the manor was all that different from actually being in the building itself. It was hard to put into words but this was my universe. It used to be my entire world and I rarely ventured behind these four walls. While being in a big open space would never be my favorite place, I could go to dinner, coach soccer, have coffee with friends, and do what most people considered ‘normal’ activities.

“Bet you can’t,” Toby insisted.

“Probably not.” I peered over his shoulder looking for his dad. Maybe Martin had finally given in and told Toby he could have a dog.

“We’re moving to Archer’s place.”

My stomach roiled and I winced. While I’d said no to living with Martin, I didn’t want father and son to leave the manor. Archer had mentioned that Ron, his dad, was spending more time at the assisted living facility and when he did return to the basement apartment for a weekend, he had trouble getting around. They’d agreed that in future when he did visit, he’d stay in a small guest room on the first floor of the main house.

And while Archer and Micah didn’t need the money thanks to the sale of Micah and Daire’s company, there was no point in leaving the apartment empty. But they only wanted to rent to someone they knew. It made sense for Martin and his son to live there so they’d have more space and Toby would have his own bedroom.

“Not so fast, son.” Martin strolled through the doorway and placed a hand on Toby’s shoulder. “It’s not a done deal.”

I studied Martin’s face for signs of anger or that he was pulling away from me emotionally. But he bore the same smile he always did when he caught sight of me, so I replied with a grin of my own.

“Archer has offered us the basement apartment and we’re going over there now.”

“But we’ve seen it before, Dad. Remember? When we had the facial and foot massage.”

“Yes, but I wasn’t looking at it with the idea of moving in.”

Toby was bouncing on the balls of his feet. “And it has a garden and guess who lives in the house upstairs, Neil?”

I tapped my lips. ‘Gosh, let me think. I know. Micah.”

“Yes, but who else?”

“Archer. I’m right, aren’t I?”

“Neil,” Toby protested. “You’re being silly.”

“Of course you’re thinking of Elune.”

Toby had obviously had enough of this game. “Patch. I’ll be living with Patch.”

“Not exactly,” Martin interrupted. “And we haven’t made a decision yet.”

Toby grabbed his father’s hand. “Let’s go.” He glanced over his shoulder at me. “Neil, come with us.”

Super awkward. What should I say?

“Just as a friend,” Martin said. “No strings.”

A friend. Had I been put in the friend zone because of my refusal? I sensed a cloud of depression heading my way. But Martin clarified, “More than a friend. You’re the person I love most next to Toby.” He jerked his head toward the door. “I’d like your opinion, but if it’s suitable, it would be great for Toby to have Patch there and we’d be a two-minute walk from Sunshine Manor. And you.” He held out his hand, and I took it.

“I love you too.” I hoped this was a sign our relationship was back to what it had been.

“Wait, Dad. I forgot something.” Toby raced up the stairs and returned with two plastic swords.

“He’s been reading about medieval history and is fascinated with the stories of kings and the knights who served them,” Martin explained. He nuzzled my head as we wandered hand in hand toward Archer and Micah’s place. Toby skipped ahead and chatted about his plans to build a fort in the garden where he and Patch could pretend they were knights fighting the king’s enemies.

When we reached the house, Archer stood at the front door, his pregnant belly on full display, and told us to go around the side to the basement’s entrance. It was a beautiful location because the house was built on a slope and so the apartment below looked out on the garden. Toby dropped the swords and tumbled onto the grass. Archer let Patch out, who jumped on Toby, and the two rolled around with the dog licking the young boy’s face. Toby yelled, “I might be coming to live with you, Patch.”

“Don’t you want to look at what might be your bedroom?” Martin asked.

“Yes.” Toby ran inside with Patch at his heels.

The kitchen and bathroom had been renovated and the living area was spacious with big sliding doors leading outside. Both bedrooms were a good size though anything would be an improvement on their current situation where they only had one bedroom. And it was furnished.

“What do you think?” Martin asked his son.

“I love it. Please can we live here, Dad?”

“Let me talk to Archer first.”

“Okay. Come on, Patch.” The pair raced into the garden.

“About the rent,” Martin began.

That was my signal to join Toby. It was none of my business what Archer wanted for the place and as I wouldn’t be sharing it, me being here would be super awkward. “I think that knight is looking for his king and I’m it.” I gave a half wave and joined Toby. He insisted on bowing and saying he’d lay down his life for me.

We were so involved with the game, I didn’t notice Martin and Archer bringing out lemonade and cookies.

“You’re looking at my new landlord,” Martin told me, indicating Archer.

“Congrats. I’m so glad, This is the perfect place for you and Toby.” While it would be different not having them in the manor, this was the next best thing.

There was a cry from inside the house. Elune was awake and Archer went to get her. Martin, Toby and I chatted while nibbling on the fresh cookies Archer had baked until footsteps on the path coming toward us told us it was probably Micah. But he wasn’t alone and I heard Daire’s distinct voice, along with Nate’s.

Micah froze when he saw us. “Hello.” He glanced around. “Where’s Archer?”

We told him and he replied, “He'll be pleased when he hears my news.”

‘“Let me guess. You’re cooking up an idea for a new business,” I suggested.

“Nope,” Daire grinned. “Though we’re always tossing around ideas.” He grabbed a cookie and took a bite.

“Let me show you the place,” Micah told Nate and Daire. “Have you ever seen it?”

I cocked my head, wondering what they were talking about. Daire had been in Micah and Archer’s house countless times.

Daire mumbled something I couldn’t catch but Nate spoke up and said, “I haven’t. ”

“Hi, love.” Archer walked outside with Elune in his arms. The little girl put her hands out to Micah and he took her and kissed her.

“Hello, my darling girl.”

“Hi, guys.” Archer nodded at Daire and Nate.

“You’re going to be so proud of me, babe,” Micah said to Archer as Nate peered through the glass doors into the apartment. Oh no, I had a bad feeling about this. I nudged Martin who was studying his phone.

“What?” he asked.

“I think there’s been a mixup,” I whispered.

“Huh?” he replied

Archer held up his hand. “Before you go any further I have news too.”

“I’ve found us a tenant.” Both Archer and Micah spoke at the same time.

“What?” Archer shrieked and Elune’s lower lip quivered and she snuggled into her alpha father.

“Sorry, sweetheart. I didn’t mean to frighten you.” Archer gave his daughter a quick kiss.

“I told you,” I hissed at Martin. “But you got here first so the place should be yours.”

“What are you talking about?” Micah asked his mate.

“Martin and Toby are our new tenants,” Archer announced.

“No. Daire and Nate are. I’ve offered it to them. That’s why they’re here.”

I rubbed a hand over my face. What a mess.

Toby had been in a far corner of the garden investigating a hole Patch had dug. When he saw Daire, he ran up to him. “Guess what? I’m going to be living here. I know you’ll be sorry we’re not at Sunshine Manor any more, but I hope we can join you every Friday night on the roof.”

“Ummm.” Daire shared a glance with Nate while Micah fumed. “I thought we were going to discuss this before offering the place to anyone.”

Archer put his hands on his hips. “Well, if that’s the case, why didn’t you consult me before speaking to Daire and Nate.” Archer’s wolf was close to the surface and Elune, who’d picked up on the tension between her parents, started to cry.