Aiden stepped off the last stair, his grin still in place from teasing Ryker as he walked into the dining room. “Family,” he greeted and took his seat at Kira’s side with Bryan at the other and his father sitting across from them.
“It feels good to have everyone under one roof again, doesn’t it?” He said, a playful note in his voice.
“I agree,” Bryan responded while glancing at Kira as he reached for her hand under the table, squeezing it softly with a gentle smile on his face. “It feels like we can breathe again,” he said, the relief and affection clear in his voice.
Kira turned to him and smiled back as she let out a satisfied breath. “It really does,” she muttered.
“It’s moments like these that remind me what matters most,” Orion added, his expression softening as he smiled.
Moments later, Ryker walked into the dining room, his hair still slightly damp and a playful scowl on his face. The others turned to him, and Kira chuckled at his disheveled look.
“What’s up with him?” She asked her mates through their mind link.
“Ask Aiden,” Bryan said, already suspecting his brother.
“Nothing much, I have no hand in whatever. I am innocent,” Aiden said quickly.
“Yeah, right,” Kira scoffed and then chuckled.
“You would not believe what your son just pulled,” Ryker started, addressing Orion with mock seriousness as he pointed an accusing finger at Aiden. “I was trying to shower in peace, actually I was showering in peace and this person here,” Ryker nodded at Aiden, “came in, knocked on the bathroom door and refused to answer,” he explained to them. “And when I opened it a little, he tried to barge in!”
“Aiden,” Kira uttered, dragging his name as she stifled a giggle, while Bryan raised an eyebrow, already amused.
As for Bryan he could not hold it anymore with the way Ryker was looking as he explained himself.
It made Bryan burst into laughter as he leaned forward. “Classic Aiden.”
Bryan’s laughter resonated throughout the room and soon, even Kira was unable to hold back her giggle anymore. She covered her mouth as she giggled, and Orion let out a deep chuckle. For Orion, this was not new at all.
“Aiden,” Orion said, shaking his head while he still chuckled, “You never miss a chance to torment Ryker, do you?”
“I did not even do anything wrong!” Aiden feigned innocence, raising his hands as he watched Ryker take a seat beside him. “I am just making sure our dear Beta stays alert,” he joked, winking at Ryker.
“Did you all see that? He is acting so weird,” Ryker rolled his eyes, hiding his playful smile. “Next time, I am locking the main door too. I don’t think I am safe anymore, especially with him,” he said as he glared at Aiden, earning another round of laughter.
“I am sure you left the main door open on purpose, I know you wanted me there,” Aiden continued to tease, a smirk on his face.
“Aidennn,” Kira burst out laughing, “What-” then she turned her attention to Ryker, “Don’t worry Ryker, I will keep you safe. I am not a stranger to this behavior of his.”
“How do you even cope?” Ryker asked her, also now giving her all his attention.
“It’s called love, Ryker… Love,” Aiden answered on behalf of Kira, “And I don’t expect you to understand, seeing as you have never… You know.” He stopped there, winking at Ryker again.
“That’s it! Come here,” Ryker growled as if ready to pounce. His eyes sparkled with mock aggression as he got up from his seat, pretending to lunge at Aiden who started laughing, before he settled back.
“Tsk,” Ryker kissed his teeth, relaxing back in his seat.
Bryan, Kira, and Orion just watched Ryker and Aiden’s light-hearted banter. They did not even bother to say anything, just their laughs filling the room and warming the space.
Footsteps drew their attention, and Elara entered the room carrying a large serving pot. She smiled, and her eyes sparkled with happiness as she took in the sight of her family together. She had heard their laughs while she was in the kitchen and could not help but smile to herself as she prepared the food.
“I hope you are all hungry,” she said warmly, setting the pot down on the table as two maids followed behind her, placing trays filled with an array of dishes : rice, roasted chicken glazed with herbs, fresh fruit platters of sliced melon, berries, oranges, and pitchers of chilled juice.
The aroma of the food filled the room, rich and inviting, especially when Elara opened the serving pot. It made Bryan’s stomach growl at the sight, earning a laugh from Kira, who leaned forward to take in the scent.
“It smells incredible, Aunty,” Ryker said with genuine admiration, making Elara’s smile widen.
“I cannot wait to eat,” Aiden gulped at the sight. “I think we are ready to eat, Mom,” he said with a grin.
The maids moved gracefully, serving plates with rice, chicken, and everything else. Glasses were filled with refreshing juice, cool droplets forming on the sides.
Elara took her seat beside her husband, looking at each of them, her eyes soft with love as she said, “Alright, let’s eat.”
“Thank you for the food,” everyone said in unison as they started eating.
The table was filled with the sounds of clinking silverware, and the delicious aroma of the meal filling the air as everyone began to dig in. There were contented hums as they each took a bite, savoring the food.
“This… this is delicious,” Kira said after she had taken a bite of the chicken. “This is so good,” she hummed softly, “So good.”
“Very delicious indeed. When Mother decides to cook, she always does it best,” Bryan added, his fork hovering over his plate as he took another bite.
“Seriously, this chicken should be illegal,” Aiden muttered between bites. “You have outdone yourself, Mom!”
Elara chuckled softly at Aiden’s first choice of words, already blushing slightly at the compliments and beaming with pride. “I am glad you all like it,” she said softly, her heart swelling with love for her family. “Eat up.”
As the meal continued, Bryan looked over at Kira with a soft smile. He picked up a piece of chicken, cutting it into smaller pieces before gently offering it to her.
“Here, love,” he said quietly, holding the fork up to her with a tender smile.
Kira turned from her food, smiling as she took a bite. “You spoil me,” she murmured, feeling her heart flutter. She could feel butterflies in her stomach or was it dragons? Dragons seemed to be the best fit.
“Well, someone’s getting all romantic,” Aiden teased, his eyebrows raised as he glanced at Bryan and Kira.
Just as Kira was about to take another bite of her food, Aiden, picked up a piece of chicken on his fork and leaned over, waving it in front of her face with exaggerated flair.
“Here you go, my love,” he said with a teasing smile. “A little something from me,” he added.
Kira laughed softly and leaned in, eating the piece Aiden offered her. “Thank you,” she said, shaking her head and going back to her food.
“Seems like someone is also getting romantic, but does not know how to be romantic,” Bryan murmured to himself, clearing his throat right after and taking a sip of his juice.
“I heard you Bryan,” Aiden called out.