Max held his head high, trying to appear as a gracious host, but when he saw their pale faces and wide-eyed expressions, Max decided airs were unnecessary. “Thank God, you’re all right,” he said to the harried parents. “I was so worried.”

“We’re fine,” Gus said, shifting Liam just a little. “Everyone’s fine.”

“Thank God.”

Angelique had been making her way down the stairs, and hearing the exchange, she quickened her pace. “Max, what’s going on?” she said, reaching Max’s side. “Is something wrong? Is there anything I can do?”

Max held up one finger to silence Angelique and turned to Victor. “Did you have any problems?”

“No, sir,” Victor said, shaking his head. “Miss Fallon had it quite under control by the time we arrived.”

Max considered the identical girls in front of him before focusing on one. “You’re a very brave young woman, Fallon.”

“I just did what Bennett told me to do.”

Crow’s feet appeared at the corners of Max’s eyes. “Then you’re also a very intelligent young woman.”

“How in the world can you tell them apart?” Angelique said, her eyes shifting from one twin to the other. “I mean…wow.”

Max pointed to Fallon’s jacket. “The Pride pin. She was wearing it the night of my party, and I always make it a point of introducing myself to everyone. Isn’t that right, Kenna?”

Delighted that the man remembered her name, Kenna couldn’t help but stand a little taller. “Yes, sir.”

“I don’t think, however, I’ve been introduced to these two young gentlemen,” Max said, gesturing to the boys carried by their parents.

“This one is Liam,” Gus said, rubbing his sleeping son’s back. “And Cath has Aiden.”

Max took a step closer, and when he saw Cathleen draw back, he looked her in the eye. “I understand your hesitancy. You and your family have been through quite a lot tonight, but you never have to fear me or the members of my coven. I swear on my life, I will not allow anything to happen to you or your children. I promise. You are safe here.”

“Sorry,” Cathleen said, cradling Aiden in her arms. “Like you said, it’s been a long night.”

“No apologies necessary.”

Max took a step back and motioned for the huddled family to follow. “I’ve had my staff set up a few rooms for your upstairs, and given the circumstances, I had them unlock the adjoining door. That way, your children will be close. Is that all right?”

“Oh, that’s perfect,” Cathleen said, eyeing the stairs.

“You look exhausted,” Angelique said, stepping closer. “How about you let me carry him up? I don’t mind.”