32. Unspoken Happiness

Chapter thirty-two

Unspoken Happiness

Two Weeks Later

“ H ey, he should be arriving soon,” Nolan says, glancing out the large bay window that offers a view of the meticulously landscaped front yard.

“No worries. The triplets have an event tonight, so I’m sending Hugh and Echo with them for supervision,” I reply, scrolling through the digital calendar on my phone that now serves as a central hub for coordinating everyone’s activities in the house.

As Oliver and Kane help Valentine move his boxes, I watch them closely, making sure they don’t scratch the pristine white tiled floor of the entryway. Valentine is the last to move in, besides our new arrival.

“Okay, good,” Nolan nods approvingly, his eyes tracking the trio as they maneuver a particularly large box up the grand staircase.

Oliver pauses beside us, setting down his box with a careful thud. “How are you doing?” he asks, his tone tinged with concern.

“Still fine,” Oliver responds, meeting Nolan’s gaze.

“Are you sure?” I interject, looking for any signs of discomfort in his demeanor.

“Yeah, honestly, I’m not hungry,” he reassures us. “Just a bit bewildered, but my eyes are still brown, see? No green.”

“I kind of miss seeing the green,” I admit with a playful smile.

“You said they still go green when we—“ Oliver begins, but is quickly cut off.

“Whoa, stop right there,” Nolan interjects, his hands raised in mock defense. “I don’t need to know this.” We all share a laugh, which is interrupted by a knock at the door. Oliver gives me a quick kiss on the neck before bending down to pick up the box again, heading upstairs.

As Nolan opens the door, a new face appears - a blond-haired, blue-eyed man who could easily grace the cover of a magazine. Hendrik, emerging from the kitchen, audibly gasps upon seeing him.

“Hi, am I in the right place?” the newcomer asks, his voice laced with a hint of uncertainty.

“If you’re looking for a household full of weirdness and confusion, then yes, you look just like your picture,” Nolan replies warmly, extending his hand in greeting. “I’m Nolan, werewolf. This is Hendrik, he’s a shifter, but not the same kind as you,” he adds, as Hendrik eagerly steps forward to shake the newcomer’s hand, nearly tripping over his own feet.

I step forward to introduce myself, seeing Nolan’s momentary hesitation over how to classify me. “I’m Amelia, and let’s just say I’m a bit of a mystery. We’re all still figuring it out,” I say with a chuckle, extending my hand.

The stranger shakes my hand with a friendly smile. “Nice to meet you all. I’m Paxton, wolf-shifter, but my friends call me Pax.”

As Paxton steps inside, he’s greeted by the lively chatter and laughter echoing from the living room. The once quiet and reserved house has transformed into a vibrant hub of activity, each room reflecting the personality of its occupant. The walls are adorned with a mix of art - some modern, some classic - and each corner seems to tell a story.

As Paxton is given a tour, he marvels at the uniqueness of each space - from Hendrik’s room, which is a blend of cozy and quirky, to Valentine’s room that exudes a sense of sophisticated charm. The communal areas are equally impressive, with the living room boasting comfortable seating and a state-of-the-art entertainment system, while the kitchen is spacious and fitted with the latest appliances.

The backyard, a sprawling expanse of green, has become a favorite hangout spot, especially near the pool where Kane spends most of his time. The garden area, meticulously cared for by Echo, is a peaceful retreat with its colorful flowers and a small fountain.

As we gather around the dining room table, the atmosphere buzzes with the familiar warmth of camaraderie and the excitement of welcoming Paxton, our newest member. The table is a mosaic of dishes, each representing the diverse tastes of the house’s inhabitants. Amidst the clinking of cutlery and the occasional laughter, Paxton leans forward, his curiosity piqued.

“So, Amelia, Nolan mentioned you’re sort of the keeper of the demons here?” Pax asks, his tone both intrigued and respectful.

I pause, a forkful of pasta halfway to my mouth. “Well, ‘keeper’ might be a strong word,” I start, “, but yes, in a way. It’s a bit of a strange situation.”

“How does that work with a psychic and a medium?” Paxton inquires, nodding towards Seth and Reyes. “Aren’t they technically human?”

His question catches me off guard, and for a moment, I’m stumped. “You know, I never really thought about that,” I admit, feeling a little embarrassed.

Seth and Reyes exchange a knowing look across the table. “Perhaps it’s because we’re not entirely human after all,” Seth says with a mischievous smirk, his eyes twinkling with unspoken secrets.

Reyes chuckles, playing along. “Yeah, maybe there’s more to us than meets the eye. Psychics and mediums, living on the edge of two worlds.”

The table erupts into laughter at their theatrics. I can’t help but smile at their response, though a part of me wonders about the deeper truths hidden behind their jests.

The conversation shifts as Hugh begins to rave about the new Italian place he discovered downtown. His vivid description of the lasagna he tried there makes several mouths water, and plans are quickly made for a group outing.

As the dinner progresses, the banter continues, with each person sharing bits and pieces of their day. Valentine regales us with a story about a particularly challenging photo shoot he had, while Kane shares his latest adventures in aquatic gardening.

I find myself observing the group, a sense of profound gratitude washing over me. This eclectic mix of individuals, each with their unique quirks and abilities, has formed an unbreakable bond. In this house, differences are celebrated, and everyone has a place.

As the evening winds down, we clear the table together, a well-rehearsed choreography of teamwork. The comfortable chatter continues, a testament to the strong connections that have been forged within these walls.

Tonight, as we gather in the living room for our usual post-dinner relaxation, I reflect on the journey that brought me here. This house, with its vibrant personalities and unexpected revelations, has become more than just a residence. It’s a sanctuary where each of us can be our true selves, supported and cherished for who we are.

In the laughter and the shared stories, in the moments of understanding and the unspoken bonds, this house pulses with life and love. It’s a home in the truest sense, and I couldn’t be more grateful to be a part of it.