Holding out a hand, I stopped her from apologizing for it. “It’s a good idea. We would all rather you both feel safe and be safe. I could, and do, swear on my life our pack won’t hurt you, and I still think it’s a good idea for the first time coming to our home.”

She blushed again. “Thank you. What’s the address? I’ll call them now.”

Ben stood with her, scribbling our address on a piece of paper as she stepped out of the room to make the call.

“Holy shit,” Rylan said. “This is really happening.”

I was still watching the door where she’d gone. “You were right, Ben. She’s nervous as hell.”

Luke nodded. “Loosening up a little, though.”

Standing, Rylan stretched. “So what’s the plan?”

“I’m thinking we show her the house, then pizza and a movie. My gut says Esme needs to know we’re okay with her as she is. And as hard as it might be to only snuggle with her when she smells like that, I think she needs it.” Avery said it with finality.

I couldn’t agree more.

“Anyone need to sprint ahead to make us not look like complete shits when she sees the house?”

Rylan scratched the back of his head. “It’s not bad, I swear.”

We all laughed, and Esme came back into the room smiling. “Okay. Wes, one of Eva’s security, will meet us at the house. She’s very annoyed she’s not allowed to come, by the way.”

Avery laughed. “I’m sure she’ll see it soon enough.”

The briefest of shadows passed over her face. So there was something there with her sister. Something more complicated than we realized. Though it was clear she loved her sister based on what Ben said and her words in general.

“Let’s get out of here,” Ben said, gently turning her toward the back door of the studio. “Start thinking of questions to grill us with.”

She smiled, perfume still wafting away from her like a beacon to follow. A true, open smile with none of the shyness and nerves she’d shown before. “Don’t worry. I will.”

Chapter 10

CHAPTER TEN

________

ESME

The house was not what I expected. Granted, I hadn’t fully known what to expect, but the sprawling modern mansion on the edge of the city wasn’t it.

“Holy shit.” I stepped out of Luke’s car and stared.

“Let me guess,” Rylan said with a smirk. “You thought because we’re tattoo artists we lived in a dark basement of some kind?”

I shook my head. “Not at all. I just wasn’t expecting something this size.”

Ben winked. “We do okay.”