***
Aria bounces down the stairs and into the kitchen. Her happy humming pulls me out of my staring contest with the snow-covered trees in the backyard. I turn to her as she pours herself a cup of coffee. I think this is the first time I’ve noticed she puts more sugar in the cup than coffee. Gross.
“Aria, have some coffee with your sugar,” I joke.
She rolls her eyes. “Whatever, blood of Eden,” Aria shoots out at me as she hip checks me lightly.
I scrunch my face. “Hey, that’s just mean. You’ve been hanging out with McKenna too long,” I faux whine.
She sips her coffee. “You look worried.”
I hop on the counter while she leans against it.
“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t concerned about how today goes down,” I admit.
Aria is quiet, looking at me thoughtfully. “Eve, I promise you, it’s all going to go down the way it’s meant to go down.”
My eyes lock onto her chocolate ones. “It’s the how that has me concerned,” I confess.
Her face softens. “Are you worried about Asher?”
“Asher, Abby, Callan, Leo, Tadhg, even Keegan and McKenna. They’re my family now. How do I not worry about them?”
“They’re prepared. It’s in their blood. Everything is going to be just fine.” She taps my knee with affection.
I give her a tight smile. “Can I tell you something?”
“Always.” Aria’s eyes twinkle.
“I’m scared. Of living, of dying. What if I’m not meant to be this savior? What if all this is a fluke and they have the wrong person?” I stare at her, terrified that she’ll see right through me.
“Eve,” she says in a soft voice. “They have the right person. You’re very special. I know it feels like the weight of the world is on your shoulders, but I believe in you. If anyone can do this, it’s you.”
“Thanks. You’re a good friend, Aria.” I slide off the counter and pull her into a tight hug.
“Let’s lighten things up. I’m so in love with Leo!” She giggles like a schoolgirl.
“What? Seriously?” My eyes widen in shock that she used the L-word.
“I really like him, Eve. He’s kind, loyal, passionate, and intelligent,” she gushes.
“And a werewolf,” I remind her. “Are you going to, like, have his werewolf cubs or something?” I laugh.
“Does that mean I really am into bestiality?” She freaks out, her face dropping and paling.
I scrunch my nose. “No, I don’t think that’s how it works.”
We burst into a giggling fit as Abby and McKenna walk in with Keegan, Callan, Asher, Tadhg and Leo trailing behind them.
“What’s so funny?” Leo asks as he wraps his arms around Aria.
“Nothing,” we say at the same time, causing another laughing fest.
“By the grace. Listen, if the Olsen twins are done, we should train before we head out,” McKenna snipes.
I narrow my eyes at her.
Asher comes over and grabs my piece of bacon out of my hand and eats it.
“Help yourself,” I shoot at him sarcastically.
“I did.” He chomps and smiles his sexy grin at me.
Callan turns his angered face toward me as it drops in shock. “Did you touch my pans to make bacon?”
I swallow. Crap. “Um, yes.”
“Eves, the only thing worse than touching a man’s weapon without permission is touching his cooking utensils,” he whisper shouts in horror.
“Sorry,” I get out before I start laughing.
“We are talking actual pots and pans here, right?” Keegan confirms.
Callan looks at us, confused. “What else would I be talking about?” His hands are on his hips.
We all laugh because he’s so cute even though he doesn’t get it.
“Fine, but I’m making French toast this morning. See if any of you get any,” he pouts.
“Oh, honey, they’re just kidding. You have the best and biggest utensils I have ever seen,” Abby purrs.
This causes us all to laugh again.
“Out of my kitchen—all of you!” Callan shouts.