Chapter 286
Athena
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“We’re going to stay at Orion’s for a few days,” Tristan explained to Derek. “Just until we can get
this place properly fixed up.”
“Good idea,” Derek said. “I’ll keep working on securing it while you’re gone, get that window
replaced, clean everything up.“”
“Thank you,” Tristan said. “I appreciate it.”
We went to the bedroom and Tristan pulled out a bag, starting to pack clothes for both of us, I
moved slowly around the room, gathering my toiletries from the bathroom, a few personal items I
wanted with me.
Everything hurt and I was moving carefully, trying not to aggravate my bruised ribs or sore
throat.
“You okay?” Tristan asked, watching me with concern.
“Just sore,” I said. “I’ll be fine once I can lie down properly.”
He finished packing quickly and we headed back out, Derek promised to call if he needed
anything and we drove toward Orion’s house, which was about twenty minutes away in a quieter part
of the territory.
When we pulled up to Orion’s house, I felt some of the tension in my chest ease slightly.
This place held good and bad memories, the days I’d spent here learning to control my abilities.
But I decided to focus on the good memories, to think of the quiet mornings with Sarah
drinking coffee while the kids played, the feeling of being surrounded by family who loved and
protected me.
Sarah opened the front door before we’d even gotten out of the car, her arm in a sling but her
smile warm and welcoming.
“You’re here,” she said as Tristan helped me out of the car. “I’m so glad you decided to come.”
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Chapter 286
“Thanks for having us,” I said, letting her hug me carefully with her good arm.
“Don’t be silly,” she said. “This is your home too, you know that.”
Orion appeared behind her with Liam on his hip and Lily peeking around his legs.
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“Aunt Athena!” Lily squealed, running over to hug my legs gently, apparently someone had told
her to be careful with me.
“Hi sweetheart,” I said, running my hand over her hair. “How are you doing?”
“I’m okay,” she said, though her voice was quieter than usual. “How’s my baby cousin doing?”
“Your baby cousin is doing fine.” I confirmed.
She nodded seriously and then grabbed my hand. “Come see my new coloring book, I did a whole
page this morning.”
“Let her get inside first,” Sarah said with a gentle laugh. “She can see your coloring book after
she rests a bit.”
We all moved inside and the familiar warmth of the house wrapped around me, the smell of something cooking in the kitchen, the sense of safety that came from being with people who would
do anything to protect you.
“Your room is ready for you,” Sarah said to me. And Tristan, you still have your room from last
time too, unless you two want to share?” 1
She raised an eyebrow and I felt my cheeks heat slightly.
“We’ll figure it out,” Tristan said diplomatically, though his hand on my lower back told me.
exactly which option he preferred.
“Alright,” Sarah said with a knowing smile. “Well both rooms are ready regardless, fresh sheets,
towels in the bathrooms, everything you should need.”
“Thank you,” I said sincerely. “For everything, for taking your time to prepare our rooms after
everything that happened.”
“You’re family,” Orion said simply, coming over to hug me. “You don’t thank family for being
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Chapter 286
there when you need them.”
I felt tears prick my eyes and I blinked them back, the exhaustion and stress of the past day
making me more emotional than usual.
“Why don’t you go lie down for a bit?” Sarah suggested gently. “You look exhausted and I know
you’re probably in pain.”
“I am pretty tired,” I admitted.
Tristan took my hand and led me upstairs to the room that had been mine during my previous
e nigh
stay, Sarah had put fresh flowers on the nightstand and opened the curtains to let in natural light,
making the space feel bright and welcoming.
“You need anything?” He asked as I sat down carefully on the bed.
“Just some rest,” I said. “Will you stay with me?”
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