Something stung my eyes as I rolled over on the bed. Ribbon was nestled under my arm; I sat up, rubbing my eyes.
I was on a smaller bed than when I fell asleep, and my clothes had changed. Barefoot, I padded across the cold floor, taking in the unfamiliar room.
Voices murmured behind a door. Curiosity piqued, I approached it, then made my way down the stairs, one slow step at a time.
At the bottom, I followed the sound of voices. Peeking around the corner, I saw the same boys I'd seen yesterday.
My eyes met someone's; I pulled back, clutching Ribbon nervously.
A man crouched before me, his hand under my chin. "Hi, sweet girl. You're up really early." Sylas smiled.
"Hi," I replied softly as four more men appeared behind him, smirking.
"I'm Sylas, and these are my brothers Declan, Kain, Kavish, and Adelio," Sylas said. "And you are...?"
"Winter," I murmured as my stomach growled loudly.
Sylas chuckled, scooping me up to sit on the counter. "Are you hungry, Winter?"
"Yes," I admitted. "Kain, make her some oatmeal."
Kain sauntered over, leaning against the counter. He and I engaged in a silent stare-down, his brothers watching with interest.
Kain poked my belly, and I burst out laughing. Smirking, he turned to make breakfast.
"Hey, little one," Kavish said, trying to sound gentle. "How are you feeling today?"
"Good," I said, watching as Kain cracked eggs into a bowl.
"I'm glad to hear that," Declan replied. "We were worried about you."
I didn't say anything, just watched as Kain stirred the oatmeal.
"Can I ask you something, Winter?" Sylas said after a moment.
I shrugged, and he continued. "Do you remember anything about who your father was." he asked, making me feel shacky all over again.
I frowned, trying to think. But there was nothing. "No. I'm sorry."
Sylas nodded sympathetically. "That's okay sweet pea, as long as tourbwothbus you don't need to worry about him anymore." I heard Declan say from the other side of the kitchen.
I felt a surge of relief at his words. "Thank you," I murmured as a light blush played on my face.
By the time Kain finished breakfast, everyone sat at the table. Kain brought out the plates and then sat beside me. As we ate, he noticed my chair was too tall. Scooting it back, he settled me in his lap.
His brothers raised eyebrows; they weren't known for their way with kids. But I found myself at ease with Kain.
"I like your shirt," I said, breaking the silence.
Kain looked down, seeming surprised. "Thanks. I like yours too."
I ate my oatmeal with strawberries and bananas, stealing a piece of bacon from Sylas's plate. He chuckled at my mischief.
"You little scamp," he teased, shaking his head.
We were finishing up when a door slammed and footsteps thundered downstairs. I curled into Kain, startled.
"Guys, we have an emergency! Winter is gone. Call Xavier, tell him to get everyone to the house-" Davi began, then trailed off, seeing me safe at the table with his sons.
Davi let out a shaky laugh, sinking into a chair. "Thank god. I thought I was going to have to kill someone."
Sylas rolled his eyes. "Dramatic much?" not knowing that he was being very truthful about it.
Davi just shot him a look. "You weren't the one looking for her all morning."
I felt bad for causing trouble. "I'm sorry," I said softly.
Davi turned to me, his face softening. "I'm sorry too, little one. I was just so scared. Promise me you won't run off again."
"I promise," I said, meaning it. Davi nodded, looking relieved before adding a kiss on my head and heading back upstairs.
