Page 89 of Wedlock (Vampire Bachelor Games #3)

I can’t stop crying from the moment we land.

It’s been so many years since I’ve seen my parents, so many years of heartbreak and pain and fear, that when he tells me that my family can once again be part of my life I can barely speak for fear I’m dreaming.

Stumbling out of the helicopter, oblivious to the slowly winding down rotors, to Falcon’s steadying hand on my arm, to the soft rain starting to fall around us, I literally fall into Mom’s arms.

As she stands squeezing me, my dad, my brothers and their wives, surround me with their arms too, forming a giant net of love. And I don’t think I’ll ever stop crying.

Swept up in their embrace, Mom’s arm around my waist, Dad’s around my shoulders, we somehow manage to get inside, and as their questions bombard me from all sides, I slowly control my tears and regain the power of speech.

“I’m good, I’m good,” I smile, trying to discern who and what to answer first. “Yes, he’s good too.

No, I’m not a prisoner. Yes, I’m happy. That’s right, I was never suicidal.

Yes, I’m living with Yin. No, I can’t come home, but I’ll visit often now.

The questions and answers go on and on, until, catching Falcon’s eye where he stands in the doorway, his body language indicating he’s not enjoying the low conversation he’s having with the man standing with him, I finally wind down.

“So, are we going to eat?” I ask huskily, looking around at all my family members and smiling. “I’ve waited a long time for this Sunday roast.”

“Darling,” Mom kisses my cheek, “of course.”

Making our way to the dining table I fall in beside Adam and whisper the question that’s been on my mind since we’d landed.

“What’s Jag doing here?”

“He’s been living with us for the past few years,” he murmurs, “on and off.”

“Living as an Amish?” I raise my eyebrows.

“Protecting us,” Adam says quietly, “and you.”

I frown. I’ve only had bad thoughts about Jag since Falcon told me he knew about the twins. And since Falcon had found us it hadn’t occurred to me that Jag would still be working behind the scenes to do anything for me.

I take my place at the table, noting space has been left for the other two guests, still talking in low, serious tones in the living room, and knowing no one will start the meal until everyone’s seated.

As my brothers and their wives fuss over their children and get them organised, I take the opportunity to find out what’s going on in the next room.

“Ah,” I rise again, smiling at Mom and Dad, “I’ll just be a minute.”

Making my way to the two vampires, I frown.

“We’re about to eat. Are you two going to join us?”

“Why didn’t you tell me Jag was living with your brother and sister-in-law?” Falcon snaps.

“You didn’t ask,” I snap back. “Now, if you don’t mind, my parents are waiting for you at the table.”

Giving me a perfunctory nod, Falcon stalks towards the dining room as I place a quick hand against Jag’s chest to stop him from following.

“Why are you here?” I hiss.

Leaning forward, he whispers quickly into my ear.

“How else did you organise for your son’s cousin to visit you on the mountain-top?”

I gulp and lean back, staring into his eyes.

‘How did he know we’d called Suzume Talon’s cousin the day Falcon had seen them? How could he possibly know about her, unless…’

“You know?” I gasp, my mouth dry.

“I’ve known since before I visited you on the island,” he says quietly. “But you chose not to tell me the whole truth.”

“Thank fuck I didn’t,” I hiss. “You told Falcon I had twins, my asshole secret-keeper .”

“I told him you had twin boys ,” he shakes his head at me, “because Eleanor had already worked out that you’d switched children.

The truth was going to come out one way or another, and I needed to protect what you obviously wanted to hide.

Telling a half-truth was the only way. That, and ensuring Adam and Marianne were shielded from those who might ask any other questions.

What I didn’t know, and indeed still don’t know, is why you don’t want him to know you have a daughter. ”

“Don’t say it,” I gasp, looking over my shoulder, relieved when I hear Falcon’s low voice amid that of my family, “don’t ever say it out loud.”

“I’ll expect the truth one of these days,” he sighs. “And in the meantime, I don’t think it’s safe yet for you to be visiting regularly. I’ve put in place extreme measures for this visit.”

“Falcon said…”

“Falcon can’t have eyes and ears everywhere,” he whispers urgently, “play it safe, Angie, as you always have.”

I nod, my mood severely dampened.

“Angie?” Mother enters the room and holds out her hands to me. “Didn’t you say you were hungry?”

“Ravenous, Mom.”

Forcing a smile, I take her hands and allow her to lead me back to the table where everyone’s waiting.