Not a minute later, the intercom to the front gate buzzes and Colson shakes his head. “I told him to let himself in.”
Colson slides off Specter’s lap and heads for the door. Wild horses couldn’t drag me away right now, and within minutes, all my brothers fill the rec room for lunch. Everyone except Shadow and Stealth, that is. How interesting.
Bellamy’s happy voice filters through the house, and when he appears, I actually smile. He was always a bright spot in this house and that hasn’t changed. He looks different though. He’s definitely thinner, and he has dark circles under his eyes like he hasn’t been sleeping well, but when he smiles, his face brightens and he looks truly happy to be here.
“Hi, guys. How are all y’all doing?” He waves to us, obviously scanning the room. “You’re new,” he says to Pax and Boone.
“Boone.” He offers his hand and Bellamy shakes it.
“Pax Bouchard.” Paxon holds his hand out too.
Bellamy tilts his head. “Pax Bouchard? The hockey player?”
“Retired hockey player, yeah.”
“Oh wow. My dad loves you. He has your jersey. I’ll have to take a selfie with you so I can rub it in if that’s okay.”
Pax chuckles. “Yeah, sure.”
Silence descends on us when Shadow enters the room abruptly, his eyes searching until they land on Bellamy.
“Bellamy,” he gasps. “You’re here. I thought I was hearing things.”
“Hi, Shadow.”
Stealth enters seconds later, his gaze shifting between Bellamy and our boss, the tension in the air palpable.
Bellamy smiles at Stealth. “Hello.”
“Hi,” Stealth says, his voice softer than usual. “Who are you?”
“Bellamy.”
“Oh.” Stealth looks truly surprised. “Stealth. Nice to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you too. I’ve heard a lot about you. All good.”
Stealth offers the slightest of smiles. “I didn’t know you were coming. Did you, Shadow?”
“No.” He takes a step towards Bellamy but stops himself. “Why are you here?”
“Having lunch with my friend.” He gestures to Colson. “I was invited. I hope that’s okay.”
“Of course,” Shadow says, his gaze shifting quickly to Colson, then back. “Although a heads-up would’ve been nice. We don’t have anything special prepared.”
“I don’t need anything special.” Bellamy’s voice is soft. “I’m just happy to see you all again. You look well. All of you do.”
Shadow’s brow furrows, no doubt noticing the same changes in Bellamy I did. “We should eat, then.”
“I’m on lunch duty today,” Ghost says. “I was making gnocchi with tomato sauce. Does that work for everyone?”
Shadow nods, still staring at Bellamy. Colson hooks his arm through Bellamy’s.
“Let’s take a quick walk around the garden while the boys cook. It’s a nice day.”
“Sounds good,” Bellamy says, his gaze lingering on Shadow and Stealth as he leaves the room.
Once he’s gone, Shadow visibly relaxes. “Who knew he was coming and didn’t fucking tell me? Specter?”