Behind me, Remy lets out a low rumble, and I jab him in the ribs before Poppy notices.
“It’s good to see you again, Poppy,” Rye says quickly, stepping forward. “You already know my brother Callen, this is Parker and Remy.”
The guys all greet her, and I can see how skeptical she is as she studies each of them.
“So, two sets of twins, huh? Is there something in the water around here, or…” she trails off, giving Parker an appreciative look up and down that makes something hot and angry shoot through my chest.
The feeling is so sudden that it makes me gasp, and Poppy shoots me a cornered look.
“Bit my tongue,” I lie, moving into the kitchen before she sees the deceit on my face.
I’ve never felt such anger towards my sister before, not even when she was a rebellious teen and making stupid mistakes.
“Relax, it’s just the mate bond. It’s because you’ve not solidified the bond with Parker yet, it will pass,” Ryder’s voice slides smoothly into my mind.
I tug on the collar of my hoodie, making sure my mating marks are covered, and blow out a breath as I hear Poppy following me into the room. Then, I force a smile onto my face before turning to face her.
“You look good, Paige,” she says before hugging me tightly, then leans in to whisper, “Okay, spill. Why do they all look at you like you hung the moon?”
My heart skips a beat. “It’s… complicated.”
“Complicated?” she huffs. “Paige, they’re practically drooling, and you are glowing. I don’t know what kind of yoga class you’ve signed up for, but I want the brochure.”
I snort, then catch Ryder’s gaze. He’s watching me like I’m his entire world, which is really not helping.
“Please don’t ask questions tonight. Just… go with it. For me?”
She studies me for a moment and then sighs. “Fine, but I want all the details soon.’
Before I can reply, Jaxon bursts into the room, nearly tripping over his own feet. “Auntie Pops!
“J-man!” She scoops him up, smothering him in kisses. “Look at you! You’ve grown already.
What are they feeding you out here, miracle grow?”
“Bacon,” Jax giggles. “Loads of bacon, and I’m on a mission.”
My blood runs cold. “Jax.”
“It’s a secret mission,” he whispers.
Poppy raises her brows. “A mission, huh? What kind?”
“Xbox,” I blurt. “He’s been playing spy games with Callen.”
“Ohhh.” She laughs, ruffling his hair. “You’re a gamer now then?”
“I’m so good at it. I beat Uncle Cal three times last night!”
“Good job,” she gives him a high five and then puts him down.
He runs off and pulls on Callen’s hand. “Can we play football in the garden?”
“Sure, bud,” Cal grins and follows him outside with Remy close behind them looking very much on guard.
Parker starts preparing the chicken for grilling, and Ryder goes to the front window, checking outside for anything suspicious.
Poppy, of course, notices everything.
“So,” she says, watching Ryder. “Are you two officially back together?”
Ryder’s eyes flash to mine, and I feel my cheeks heat.
“We’re just… erm…” I stammer.
“Friends… for Jaxon’s benefit,” Ryder says smoothly.
Poppy snorts. “Friends?… sure, and I’m the Virgin Mary.”
“Who wants coffee?” I ask, my voice coming out too high pitch as I shoot Poppy a look that screams ‘shut up’.
The last thing I need is to get into this conversation now. We haven’t got our stories straight, and that will only make her more suspicious.
Ryder helps Parker cook while I take Poppy outside to watch Jaxon. I keep the conversation firmly on her, asking her about her university course and student accommodation.
When we finally sit down for dinner, I’m even more on edge. Every time Jax opens his mouth,
I brace for disaster, but to his credit, he sticks to his mission.
The food is amazing; grilled chicken, roasted potatoes, and steamed vegetables, but I can barely eat it. Callen carries the whole conversation, telling us funny stories from his sports classes with the kids at school, and Poppy laps it up. I don’t miss the way she watches us all, though.
After dinner, the guys are clearing the plates, and Jaxon dashes off upstairs with Poppy close behind him. I follow, panicked that she is going to question him. But as soon as I make it to the top of the stairs, she grabs my wrist and pulls me into my room.
Her voice is low and urgent. “Paige. What’s going on here?”
My stomach knots. “Nothing.”
She narrows her eyes at me. “You have four men watching you like you might vanish any moment, there are random dudes lurking outside, and Jaxon is talking about secret missions. You really expect me to believe this is normal?”
I open my mouth, then shut it again. What can I say? The truth would drag her into a world she’s not ready for.
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