Kierra

She still looks wary, but finally takes my hand and stands. While she gathers up her things, I notice that there isn't much. That in itself makes things simpler since it means we'll have plenty of room in the vehicle and at the house.

"The boy that answered the phone, he was the one with you this morning, right?"

"Mhmm, Bastion."

She looks at me, face curious.

"He's not like us...he's a child...normal. Is he your son?"

I blink at her. Do I look that old? Don't answer that.

"Well, yes. Not biological, but he's mine."

Her brows furrow, thinking too hard.

"The other? He isn't yours, is he?"

My smile's amused as it crosses my face.

"He is. It's complicated, and now isn't the time for in-depth explanations. House is full of others, Bastion is the only human. Range of animal breeds, most are canine though. Zypher, his brother, and Xavier are the oldest, the rest of us are babes next to them. All ready?"

She nods, glancing towards the doorway.

"What about Jake?"

Jake the white-boy gangster. Doesn't seem to fit.

"What about him?"

Bryanna flutters her hands, looking flustered, so I smile.

"As long as he doesn't try to prevent us from leaving, nothing will happen to him. I was serious when I said he should be glad it's the big guy watching him and not me. He'd have more than a sprained wrist if it were."

With that, we walk back out to the living room. Previously implied big guy has Jake on the couch with a sullen expression. Look on his face as we come out is one promising retaliation, so I look at him while a slow grin crosses my lips.

"Careful boy, Zypher is the nice one."

When he moves to speak up, I give him a withering look.

"Bryanna is coming with us. You will not touch her again, nor will you contact her in any way. Understood?"

He doesn't answer, just continues to glare at me. The male Werewolf takes one of the lioness' bags and heads for the door. She doesn't look at Jake as she leaves, her face set in determined lines.

I let 'em get well ahead before I start following, keeping an eye on Mr. Hot Stuff as he glares after her. Just before I reach the door he speaks up. Not surprising really.

"She'll be back. Bitch don't have no place else to go but back here."

Turning, I run a hand through my hair, the long multicolored strands moving over my shoulders in the thick waves they've formed. Giving him a droll look before it shifts to one of scorn.

"Please, don't nobody have time for your wannabe punk ass. You think you're hardcore, but I got news for you; you ain't shit."

His look is thunderous as he stands, but he doesn't move towards me at all. Pity. Smirking at him once more, I turn and step out, shutting the door behind me. Some people are just no fun when they won't rise to the bait.

Bags get loaded, then bodies, and we're on our way out of here. The group of kids next door look way too interested in us and what just happened. They shouldn't have heard anything, since I hadn't raised my voice at all. Possible they’re supernaturals, but even if I didn't pick up on that, I'm sure Zypher would've.

The first few minutes go by in silence, but when her nerves have my empathy up in arms, I look at her through the mirror. She's looking out the window, taking quick peeks towards the male next to me.

"Bryanna? No one within my home will harm you, you have my word. Do you like kids?"

My out of the blue question has her blinking at me in its abruptness.

"Uh, yes? I did a lot of babysitting back home for friends."

I smile at her warmly.

"All ages?"

I take a quick glance at Z, but he's looking out at the buildings passing. A secret smile creeping over my face before looking back to her. Lips quirk while the woman nods at me.

"Good. I have quite a few at home. Angels for the most part, well-minded, and perfect gentlemen. With my sister not around much, you're the only feline. You'll also make the female count rise to three."

Smirking, I maneuver through the dark streets.

"I'll leave as soon as I can, get a place elsewhere. I thank you for your help, but I don't need your charity."

Green eyes flick back to the mirror, my sharp look making her wince.

"It isn't charity. You work at the diner, yes? What are your hours?"

Chastened, she looks down at the cellphone in her hands.

"I'm part-time, so it varies."

I nod, keeping my gaze on the road ahead. From the corner of my eye, Zypher turns, looking at her before glancing at me. Inclining my head, he speaks up after my telling him what diner.

"I can take you when needed. You're only a few blocks from the bar, pretty sure Alarico wouldn't mind you hanging near us if Kierra were to say something. How old are you?"

"Twenty-one."

We both nod. Perfect. From the way she acted with the boys when at the eatery, it was obvious she had a soft spot for them. Maybe not them specifically, but those that are younger. I know they're more than capable, but I'd still like an adult with them at all times.

Her liking kids and having worked as a sitter before is a major bonus.

"You're welcome to stay with us till you're able to get back on your feet. We'll be moving to a larger place here soon; after the holiday. Speaking of which, are you going to go to your family for it?"

Bryanna's head shakes, looking sad and almost wistful.

"No."

Few more miles go by in silence, the turn off for home coming up fast. Not making the offer seems heartless, so I hand it out.

"You're welcome to join us if you wish. We'll be going to a friend of mine's place. Figure that's when I'll show everyone the house too since we'll have everyone over there."

I look over to Z who's nodding his agreement. Pulling through, I glance over to the house I'd given to the Red Wolves, a vehicle still in the driveway. Don't know what they're doing, but it's keeping someone busy.

Going further in, I pull into mine, a shiver going up my spine when I see the car up ahead.

Benjamin.

Whatever happened to just calling me back? Lips pursing, I pull up and park behind him. Dork is now blocked in. Ha.

"Seems we have company as well. Bryanna, he'll smell weird to you, but be aware, he's a friend of mine. You'd said you've smelt others like us, but have you been near Vampires?"

By her startled expression, I'll take that as a no. Great. This ought to be interesting indeed. My brows furrow as I glance at the clock. Just after midnight. He won't be here long since I don't think he wants to be cooped up in my basement.

Some of the windows have been painted to prevent light shining through, allowing Faline more freedom of movement when she's here, so it should work for him as well. Full house as it is though, so who knows.

We all get out, Z helping her with her sparse luggage once more. How long has my Vamp been here? Doing a double-take, I put a hand on the Werewolf’s arm. The muscle is taught underneath, eyes focused on the house. Err, oops.

"Zypher?"

Before he can respond, a growl is clearly heard from the house.