Phoebe
Our trip was short but filled with information. Titus said he met his sisters when he was going through the worst time of his life. He didn’t elaborate on what happened, the pain in his eyes was almost unbearable to witness. His sisters had helped him get through his struggles and accepted him without hesitation. I could tell that he loved them deeply just from the tone of his voice.
I rubbed the sweat off my hands as Titus pulled up to the pack house. Crescent Woods was a beautiful secluded territory in Southern Colorado. The packhouse stood three stories high and had a well-crafted columned staircase. Titus helped me out of the jeep then he grabbed our luggage.
I grabbed the gift bags from the backseat. The entire trip Titus couldn’t stop talking about the kids, his smile made me melt. We stopped at the mall when I reminded him that he had promised his nieces and nephews gifts. I didn’t want to start off our visit on the wrong foot and disappoint the children. I wasn’t even sure if they would still be awake since our flight was delayed; it was almost 11pm.
We made our way up the stairs, the massive double doors swung open as we made entry. Titus set down our bags right before he was surrounded by a sea of busy bodies. “Uncle Titi!” they all shouted as they jumped on him, pulling him down to the floor. Titus let out a loud oof as the seven children swarmed him.
Their faces crowded his, all of them talking excitedly. A boy who looked to be the oldest shushed them. “You’re late, Uncle Titi.” he said as he crossed his arms, his face serious. Titus chuckled, “I’m sorry bud.” A girl with brown hair pouted, “You didn’t bring us presents.” Titus looked offended. “I did! Auntie Bee has them.” he said, pointing at me.
The gaggle of children swung their heads around to look at me. The oldest boy was the first to move, wrapping his little arms around my waist. “Auntie Bee!” the rest of the children screamed and flocked to me. The oldest girls pulled on my arms while the four smaller ones hugged onto my thighs. I broke out into a sweat trying to stay up right.
I channeled my inner mom and sternly said, “Everyone calm down. I have gifts for everyone but I can’t hand them out if you're crowding me.” The children quieted; their movements jittery with excitement. “You must be August, here is your gift.” I said as I handed the eldest a bag. He gave me a wide smile, “Thank you! Welcome home auntie.” He tiptoed and kissed my cheek.
The next two were sweet little girls, their hair pulled into afro puffs. “Here you go Summer, Autumn.” I handed them their bags and they hugged me. “Thank you, auntie!” they said before kissing me. I turned to the rest of the children. “Cylis, Iris, these are for you.” They shyly grabbed their bags and gave me thank you kisses.
The two youngest stared up at me with wide expectant eyes. Based on the descriptions Titus gave me, these should be sister Violet’s children. I bent down and pulled them in close. “Sweet babies, auntie didn’t forget about you.” I handed over two wrapped boxes. “One for Zara and one for Donnie Jr.” They gave me drooly toddler kisses, my heart full with love.
Titus was back on his feet, regaining his position next to me. We watched the kids dig in their bags, all of them pleased with their presents. A slow clap drew my attention to the hallway. A group of very handsome men came in with wide smiles.
The one with sandy brown hair gave Titus a hug. “She handled the hoard well, I like her.” Titus laughed, “Devlin, this my mate Phoebe.” Devlin flashed me a smile as I partially hid behind Titus. “Don’t be shy, Phoebe. We are all so happy to meet you.“ he said with an outstretched hand. Titus pushed me forward as I hesitantly lifted my hand.
Devlin grasped it, pulling me in quickly for a hug. He then passed me to the other men who introduced themselves as Brantley, Cyrus and Donavon. Titus let out a possessive growl. I swung my head back in surprise; he looked shocked by his outburst too. “Sorry, I’m not used to seeing her in the arms of men she just met.” he explained, rubbing the back of his neck.
A squeal came from behind our huddle. Four women came forward and pushed the men aside. A pair of twins crowded my face and grabbed my hands. “Oh, my goddess she’s beautiful!” one murmured. “Of course she is! She’s Titus’s mate after all.” the other said. “I’m Lily.” the first one said. “And I’m Lila.” chimed the second one.
“You have very unique eyes.” Lily said. I chuckled nervously, “So do you. I’ve never seen someone with coloring like yours.” The twins blushed. “Oh, I like you.” they said together. A redhead pushed her way in between the twins. “Your hair is as white as snow and your voice is so sweet. I’m Violet.” she said.
All these compliments were making me feel strange. They offered them so sincerely, they made me feel beautiful. “Hi, I’m-” “Phoebe.” a soft voice said. The ladies moved aside to let the last sister through. She was as short as me, with wide hazel eyes and midnight coily hair.
“I’m Lotus.” she said as she pulled me into a hug. She was soft and warm, her tenderness reminded me of my mother. I had a sudden urge to cry, a silent tear rolled down my cheek. Her body started to shake; she was crying too. The other girls embraced us, forming a big group hug.
I didn’t understand what was happening or why I felt like this, but it felt good. Lotus broke the hug and stepped back. Her aura was powerful and intimidating but her voice and actions were kind and loving. “Welcome to the family and to Crescent Woods.” she said, grabbing my hand. She tugged me towards the staircase as the women followed.
She turned her head towards the men and addressed her husband. “Baby, please put the kids down. We let them stay up long enough.” She continued to pull me along, not waiting for Devlin’s reply.
Titus
I frowned as I watched Phoebe disappear with my sisters. They didn’t even acknowledge my presence. Devlin clapped my back, “f**k, you’re in some deep shit.” I groaned as he confirmed my suspicions. Lotus must be furious if she wouldn’t even look at me. The guys laughed at my despair.
I bent down and picked up Zara. “Come on, let’s get the kids to bed.” I murmured. We ushered the kids upstairs and put them in their bedrooms. Zara and Donnie Jr made me read a book to them twice before they fell asleep. The triplets demanded that I take them out for a run with Onyx and Cylis and Iris made me promise that Phoebe would play with them tomorrow.
I was exhausted by the time I made it up to the guest room I normally stay in. Lotus was waiting for me outside the door. “We need to talk.” she said as she walked towards her office. I sighed; I’d better get this over with now.
I followed her into the room and closed the door behind us. Devlin was lounging on the sofa as Lotus sat down and looked at me with puffy eyes. “How come you didn’t tell us?” I looked over at Devlin, who casually ignored me. “I’m sorry Lo. So much stuff has happened since we last talked.” Lotus frowned, “So, tell me.”
I sat down and filled her in on everything that has happened since I met Phoebe. I left out a few parts about some of Phoebe’s past, that was her story to tell. I also didn’t mention anything about me entering the Underworld. If Lotus knew she would do everything in her power to stop me. Lotus sighed when I finished. “Alright, I’ll let you off the hook for now. Go get some rest. Tomorrow will be hectic.” she said.
I gave her a hug and said good night. I walked into our room; Phoebe’s quiet snore filled the air. I smiled as I took my clothes off and climbed into bed with her. She wrapped her leg around me, going into her usual kola position. I smiled when I felt her hand rest above my heart. Goddess, I hope she has fun tomorrow.