Ellis and CC were glaring at Maleck who stood by the door with a sly smile on his lips.
" What the fuck are you doing in here," Ellis roared at his cousin. His alpha aura was suppressing everyone.
Maleck's neck inclined to the current alpha, and answered, " Visiting Family,"
Maleck took a step forward and came straight to me.
" Love," he said my name fondly in a deep voice. I didn't expect him to do what he did next. He leaned in and kissed my cheek. Two growls thundered from David and Ellis. It made Charlotte whimper and go closer to her mate as she glared at me with envy. David pulled me away from Maleck by my waist and growled at him. Maleck's eyes fixed on me, his lips curled in a charming smile.
" It's lovely to see you again, Love," I only nodded, unable to find the right words to say to him in this situation.
" Again? " Ellis asked his gaze on me.
" Um, we met at a hotel,"
" What?!" I rolled my eyes at the growl from my ex and current boyfriend.
" We bumped each other into the lobby as I was meeting up with Lila and Luis," I answered with a roll of my eyes. What were they thinking?
" What are you doing in my house? You're not welcome after the muddle you've dragged us through!" CC shouted, her eyes flashing gold. It was obvious she didn't like Maleck. However, considering the vilification and court proceedings he put them through in hopes of getting the pack, her anger was justified.
" Well, we were nearby, and I thought my children should meet their other family," Maleck answered boldly as two boys came into view. They were about two or three years older than my children.
" This is Finley and Axton, my children," he said.
Ellis took a step back. Earlier he seemed like he wanted to attack his cousin, but he stepped back after seeing the children. My eyes went to CC. She was a little taken aback by seeing the children as well. One could tell they were part of the Carter lineage from their auras and scent even though it wasn't as strong because only one of their parents was an alpha.
" So, are we welcome to stay?" Maleck asked, eyeing Ellis. What was this man playing at? He hated the Carters now he came to introduce his children? The alpha and CC shared a glance. It was clear they didn't trust Maleck. However, CC smiled slightly, looking at the handsome boys, and nodded.
" Come on in, Children," she said, and they rushed to her... She held their shoulders lightly and moved away.
" What's happening here?" I heard Luis whisper in my ear as he appeared next to me.
" Later," I whispered back.
That was so awkward, and there was a moment of silence until my children came running down with happiness.
" Granny, Matt showed us the rooms! They are so amazing!" The twins were excited but stopped in their tracks once they were close, sensing the stress in the room. The twins' gaze found mine instantly, yet went to Ellis' side. He opened his arms, and they went to him. I snarled inwardly, I'm here too. He held them kindly as he always did.
My eyes snapped to Maleck. There it was. He wasn't even trying to hide it. Anger and jealousy. Now, he had no reason to denigrate Ellis with lies about not having an heir. Maleck was so furious, that he couldn't even hide it. It was the only thing he had against Ellis. His motive to challenge Ellis was gone now. I unconsciously moved closer to the kids.
"This is what should have been. You look perfect. Matthew! quick snap some pictures," CC beamed. I hadn't realized Ellis and I were standing closely together and away from everyone.
" Aren't they a perfect family of four?"
" Perfect family, indeed CC," Melody and Seumo answered with smiles. Jace nodded his approval like everyone else. I blinked at the flash of the camera and moved away. David was seething with anger, and so was Charlotte. Damn.
" What rooms were you talking about?" I asked my children as we go out to the garden.
" Granny prepared rooms for us when we visit, " Cayden said.
" Granny? That was fast." Ellis grumbled, and I giggled at the slight hint of jealousy in his tone. Cayden hasn't called him Dad yet.
" My room roof opens up when I press a button and a starry sky ceilings!" Solara says excitedly.
" And I see the galaxy!" Cayden announced.
I wonder how long CC took to prepare this. In the corner of my vision, I could see David and Charlotte. I thought they were talking, but I could be wrong.
Once we reached the garden. The setup took my breath away. It was set beautifully and elegantly, and the long table had so much food. Most were my favorites. Beluga Caviar, Frittata, baked eggs, and so much more!
" Frittata," I mused, looking at CC. For the first time since I set my feet in her home, she gave me a genuine smile.
" I know how much you like them. Or maybe that changed too," she snickered, glancing at David. She tried to lack emotion in her voice, but it was there.
" I still love them. Thank you, CC," I told her with a cute smile. She resisted the urge to smile and walked away.
Our names were written on small white notes, and mine was on Ellis' right hand as he sat at the head of the table, putting our daughter on his lap. Next to me was Cayden, and then Luis, followed by Melody and her husband. David and Charlotte, both frowning, sat further from us.
' Gotta love CC,' Vee giggled.
I was surprised when Zeyneb appeared, looking as breathtaking as ever, her long, flawless legs on full display through the sheer dress she wore, " Surprised?!"
I got to my feet and rushed to hug her. I missed this fucking woman so much!
We pulled apart. We exchanged pleasantries. Zeyneb caressed my cheek, " Yoooh, Mama, you're more gorgeous than ever," she winked.
" Look who's talking, stunning. Matrimony suits you," I complimented, but she frowned. A low possessive growl erupted, and I turned my head to my best friend, Luis. I stepped away from Zeyneb and gasped before taking another glance at Luis. His fists clutched, and I could tell he ground his teeth together by the pulsing of his veins. He was angry.
' His one-night stand!' Vee and I exclaimed.
Zeyneb was sitting in front of Luis, and the sexual tension between the two was so perceptible that some people were picking up on it.
We started to eat, and I must say, brunch was delightful, and everything was delectable. The conversation flowed naturally amongst everyone at the table. CC even asked Axton and Finley some questions about their age and class.
Jace stood up before we could finish our meal and excused himself. He said he was traveling and had to be at the hangar by noon. I knew he was going to see Lilac, and I hoped things would turn out better between them.