Chapter 20

**ARIA**

The big day has arrived, today is the day I meet Adam’s family and I have to say I’m pretty nervous, I never met THE family and it's kind of a big deal. He told me a lot about them and the person I am most afraid of is Leila, she seems to be quite judgmental and protective of her family. But all of this gave me an idea, I talked to Riley who agreed. I’m going to talk to Austin and Adam about it this morning at breakfast.

I walk down the stairs with my summer dress and sandals on my feet. Over the past few days a routine has set in, the boys wait for me outside the dining room, we have breakfast together, Austin goes to work in his office, Adam goes to do I don’t know what for an hour or two, he joins me, we spend our time either outside or in the library, we all meet for lunch and in the afternoon I spend time with Rosalie or Riley or Adam. Austin has been pretty busy lately so he doesn’t really have time for me, which I can understand. But I know he feels bad about it and since our conversation about Rachel something has changed with him. I hope that my proposal will be good for all of us and I think it will help me make my decision.

Once we are seated, Riley gives me a slight nod of encouragement.

“Meeting Adam’s family gave me an idea. I was wondering if you would be willing to accompany me next week to my father’s house in Boston. He keeps asking me when I’m coming home and I’d like to see him and Cassius and...it would be nice if...if you both came with me.” I finally ask anxious.

“You want to introduce us to your father and brother?” Austin asks me surprised and I nod.

“As what?” He asks me unsure.

“As friends. I asked Riley and David to come too. It’ll look less suspicious.”

“Suspicious?” Adam asks me amused.

“Yes. You know they’re both very protective of me so I can’t see myself telling them I have to choose between the two of you.”

“I will come with you.” Adam is the first to respond.

“I’d love to but...”

“But nothing.” David cuts Austin off. “Garrett will take care of the pack with the deltas. We’ve prepared an organization to follow while we’re gone. We’re just waiting for you to validate it. We all think you need a break. You deserve it.”

Austin clenches his jaw, I don’t think he’s too happy that David is prepared for all of this without telling him. I place my hand on top of his, on the table.

“I know you have a lot of work to do and a lot of things to deal with but I think it would be good for us. And it's just for a couple of days.” I ask pouting.

He looks at me for a few seconds as if thinking about it and finally nods. “I’ll come too.”

“Great!” exclaims Riley very excitedly.

Well, now that we’ve agreed, I have to tell Dad that we’re going to show up at his house. I need to see how we’re going to arrange accommodations because there are five of us and I hope that everything will work out between Austin, Adam, my dad and my brother. And especially that Cassius won’t freak them out. I know he can be intimidating, but I don’t think he’s a threat to a werewolf and a hybrid.

“So ready for this day?” asks Riley.

Today I spend the day with her taking care of the pack kids. Well, of a group of ten children or pups as they say here. What I have learned about life at the pack since I arrived is that everyone here participates. Some of them have a specific job and for people like Riley, who don’t have a steady job, they help the others with childcare during their after school time, maintaining the grounds, cleaning the common areas, you name it. I think it’s pretty cool so when Riley found out she was going to be taking care of a group of kids today she offered to help out. I’ve never taken care of kids before so hopefully I’ll end the day in one piece and so will they.

“I hope it goes well. I’m not used to kids.” I reply.

“I’m sure you’ll do great.” Austin comforts me. “But watch your fingers.”

I raise a questioning eyebrow in his direction.

“They’re young and have yet to master their wolf.”

“I hadn’t thought of that.” I say in a low voice.

“But don’t worry I’ll be there and I’ve never seen a pup bite someone.” Riley says with an accusing look at Austin.

“The only thing you risk is being disgusted with children for life or ending the day with baby fever.” Said David with his mouth full.

And I feel like that little innocent remark to throw like a cold shoulder to Adam who looks uncomfortable all of a sudden. He had already told me about not knowing if he was capable of having children someday and I think he believes that will weigh in on my decision.

“Yeah we’ll see.” Riley replies to her with a laugh.

Austin looks at David with a smirk on his face. I honestly don’t know if he didn’t pick up on Adam’s embarrassment or if he’s happy about it. I prefer to think he didn’t see anything.

"We’ll end up being late.” Riley announces as he gets up from his chair.

“You know what you’re going to do today?” I ask Adam.

“Yes I am spending the day with my family. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be waiting for you downstairs at 7:00.”

“Ok cool.” I kiss him on the cheek, then get up to do the same to Austin. “See you later.”