Book 1: Chapter 68

*** Solaris POV *** 



I felt bad. The lightheartedness that we had when we walked into Maggies was sucked out of the air when I nearly died. Or I did die, as Noah continued to angrily remind me. Finn wouldn’t let me out of his eyesight, even for a moment. Which even included me going to the restroom until I finally slammed the door in his face. Nate seemed like a lost puppy, not knowing what to do or how to help. Silas was probably the most stable out of the four of them. He was a pillar and I relied on him more than the other three. It was nice to have someone mentally stable enough to continue as normal as he could.

Maggie was as sweet as ever, also being a pillar of strength but I knew this time I’d finally broken through her thick skin. Her kids came over with all their grandkids and I was able to ignore the guys for a night which was fun. I was attacked by Giana and Ben as well as Christian and Evie. It was a giant cuddle pile that ended with me leaning against Huey and the rest of the kids in various positions around me as we watched one of the more recent superhero movies. It was nice to have a normal time like always with my family.

We decided to head back on Monday instead of Sunday more because I asked for them to take an extra day. I used the excuse that I didn’t know if I was strong enough to make the whole drive back. Really, I just wanted to spend more time with my family. Derek brought his mate Kat and then I finally got to meet Peter’s mate, Naomi. Maggie was completely underselling just how opposite they were. She was much like me, leather pants, tattoos and a love of video games. I don’t think Peter ever played a video game in his life. She fit right in though and I completely approved of her.

Later in the evening, I pulled Maggie aside and told her that Naomi was pregnant but it was probably too soon for her to know. My eye showed me the same as I saw in Finn early on as well. Her excitement nearly had her breaking a glass that she was cleaning but I swore her to secrecy. No one should know before the couple unless she was ignoring the symptoms. There was just pure joy in the house and without anyone understanding why, Maggie baked a huge apple pie to celebrate. It was one of the most normal times I felt in a long time.

It couldn’t last forever and the guys loaded up the Jeep since I was told I was not allowed to lift even my own bag. Maggie came out, holding my favorite blanket I always used when I came out.

“Here, take this with you as well.”

I shook my head. “Maggie, I can’t. You need it for whenever anyone stays over.”

“No dear, this was always your blanket. I’d rather you have it if it brings you that much comfort. Please, take it. You’ve brought me so much joy over this weekend. I can’t even begin to thank you. You’ve always somehow managed to bring my family closer but now you’ve brought my two other nephews back.”

Smiling, I looked at Nate and Silas, pushing each other as they fought over how to pack the back of the Jeep efficiently. “I just hope they stick to it. Don’t be afraid to call them out now. They need to visit at least once a year. Otherwise, you get your ass up to the territory and kick them. For me, of course.”

Maggie laughed and nodded. I started to take the blanket from her but Noah stepped out of the house and scooped up the blanket from her.

“Nope. Not even a blanket.”

I huffed and shook my head, crossing my arms over my chest. “I swear to the goddess, I’m going to kill all of you before I cross over.”

Noah just snorted and shook his head. Finn came out and kissed Maggie on the head. “I’ll make sure to bring by our little nugget when I give birth. We will need as much as help as we can get.”

“You guys tell me when you need me and I can come up to the bar. I’ll help whenever you want.” Maggie patted Finn on the back. “Don’t let these two give you too much grief. You are carrying a precious gift. Don’t let them mess with your happiness.”

He laughed. “I won’t, I promise.”

I smiled and stepped behind Maggie, wrapping my arms around her. My chin rested on her shoulder and watched the four guys to fart around with the rest of the stuff in the Jeep.

“I think our family might just get through this as long as they rely on each other.”

She hummed as she brought her hands up and held onto my arms. “They are strong but it’s going to leave a scar on all of them. Me too. I love you so much, my dear. When I think this is the last time I just…”

Kissing the side of her head, leaned my head against hers. “You’ve given me so much happiness, so much hope over the years, Maggie. I’m sorry to make you so sad. I never meant to add to your sorrow. Not after your sister and mate.”

“I’d rather have you here with me for the short time then never have had you pop up on my porch all those years ago. I love you, Aelia. You are one of my own. If anything you turned out better than my own kids. You’ve helped them so much and you turned out to be the good one.”

I chuckled. “I’m not sure about that. I have made sure that you are covered. You will want for nothing, alright? All the details will be sent to you after I pass. Including Derek and Peter.”

Maggie turned around and looked up at me, tears shinning in her eyes. “Oh Aelia, you didn’t have to…”

Interrupting her, I brushed the stray tear that fell. “I did. You are my family. You have been my rock, even if I wasn’t around as much. I will do my best to take care of you, even after I pass. I promise.” I looked at the four guys who now were arguing about the best way to get back home. “I’ve made sure that they will all be taken care of, no matter what happens as well.”

“You’ve kept too many secrets from them, Aelia. They are still going to be lost if you don’t tell them more of your grand plan.”

I looked down at this woman who I always viewed as my mother more than my own mom. I didn’t even remember what my mom looked like but when I thought about it, it was always Maggie who came to mind. “I can’t. The more I reveal, the more they will start to reject it. If it all goes to hell Maggie…”

“I’ll be there for them. Don’t worry.”

“Thank you.”

She shook her head. “You don’t need to thank me. You know I will always take care of my family. Blood or not. Now go, before they start actually fighting.”

I laughed and kissed her cheek. Stepping down the stairs, I slapped Silas behind the head. “We are taking the highway home. Stop arguing about it. I’m fine. What we aren’t stopping for is second breakfast or third lunch.”

“But!” Finn started to talk back but I glared at him. “Fine. Let’s go then. I’m going to starve between here and home then.”

We all laughed and I shook my head. “You keep this up and I’ll make you sit in back.”

“You wouldn’t dare.”

“Watch me. You being pregnant doesn’t exclude you from punishments for being an asshole.”

He grumbled and got into the passenger seat. Noah was smirking but got into the drivers seat. Silas kissed my head and walked around, slipping into the backseat. Nate helped me up into the back seat and I gave a small wave to Maggie who was leaning against one of the pillars on her pouch. She was smiling and gave me a small wave as well. Slipping in next to me, Nate took my hand and held it in his lap. We pulled out and started out way back home.

At some point, I fell asleep but I woke up as we stopped for dinner this time. It was at some strip mall and I raised my eyebrow at Noah. He looked absolutely wrecked. Nate leaned in and  whispered in my ear.

“Finn has been absolutely terrible. He won’t shut up and finally he decided all he wanted was a shitty Chinese place for food or he would start throwing a fit.”

Silas groaned. “He pitched a fit a half hour ago.”

I chuckled. “Alright. I got it. Nate, you’re going to have to take the hit for this one.” He raised his eyebrow but I just kissed his hand. “Just know I owe you one.”

We all filed out but I had been in the car too long. My whole body gave out but luckily Silas caught me. Noah looked worriedly over at me as Finn chatted his head off about not pulling over soon enough to eat and now he was going to need more than normal. I gave him a smile and just had Silas help me walk into the hole in the wall Chinese place.

Silas leaned down as we looked at the menu. “Can you even eat any of this?”

I chuckled. “White rice should be fine. I’ll just have a bowl. I’m not really hungry.”

He nodded and ordered for me as Finn was still deciding on every dish he wanted. We sat down at the booth and when Finn finally huffed that he couldn’t fit between the seat and the booth, we pulled up a chair for him. I was quiet as all of them bickered amongst themselves. Apparently, Finn had grated on all their nerves while I was asleep. Finally, it got to me.

“Stop.”

It was a simple command but I let some of my Alpha command slip in and all four the them looked at me, a little shocked.

“Just shut up and eat. Finn, especially you. You’re irritating everyone.”

“But…”

I growled low. “Stop, Finn. I mean it. Shut the fuck up.”

They all were quiet as the food showed up and I took out my chopsticks, eating my rice as everyone else tucked into their food. We didn’t take very long but somehow, Finn finished all the dishes he had ordered before any of us finished our plates. Once we finished, we headed back to the Jeep. I put my hand on Noah’s shoulder, he looked like he was about to go into battle as he headed to the drivers side.

“Sit in back.”

His eyes went wide. “I’m okay. I can…”

“It’s not a suggestion, Beta.”

Noah nodded and moved to back door. Silas stepped up and got into the drivers seat. Finn looked a little confused as he stared at the open passenger seat.

“I’m not sitting in front with him.”

I chuckled hollowly. “Oh, I know. You’re being put in the back seat. I’m sitting in front. Let Nate sit in between you two, since he is the smallest.”

“I…but…”

Growling, I glared at Finn. “I warned you. You didn’t listen. You’re in the back now. Keep your mouth shut or I’ll order you to take a damn taxi by yourself.”

Getting into the front passenger seat, I moved the chair up to allow for more room in the back. Silas smiled at me and nodded to him. Nate got in the middle, finally realizing why I owed him. Finn was too upset that not only was he separated from Noah but also got into the back seat. He pouted in the back the rest of the trip but luckily, it was silent pout.