Damian's suite was lit only by a blazing fire in the hearth, and the scent of Jule's cigars hung in the air. She waited, gaze falling to Damian. He appeared calm and in control again, if not relaxed, with the only three men he'd ever trusted. Her heart almost burst at the sight of Darian in one of the seats. Though he was still unable to understand exactly what was going on, he'd improved dramatically even since she last saw him.
Damian waved her in without looking at her, his eyes reflecting the fire. He patted the seat beside him on the couch facing Dustin and Jule. She didn't hesitate to settle beside him, knees drawn to her chest, and leaned into his body, struck by the difference between the men before her: Dustin, the cold Greek prince, and the mysterious dark warmth of Jule. At once, the home videos and nightmares faded. She sighed in relief and rested her head on Damian's shoulder. He moved his arm to wrap around her and pulled her against him.
"You're not forgiven," he reminded her.
"Damn straight," Jule said, though there was warmth in his face. "If I had a woman who pulled the bullshit you did, you'd-"
"Be in deep shit, kiri," Darian finished for him.
Jule chuckled. Darian's disapproving gaze mirrored Damian's, and Sofia hid her face against Damian's chest as the three men facing her gave her similar looks.
"I'll never have a woman, if they're this much trouble," Dustin declared.
"Agreed. And if I do, she'll learn to call Damian, Dusty, or Darian before leaving the house," Jule chimed in. "Which is exactly what you will do, kiri."
Sofia couldn't help but say, "You'll both have women, and Dustin, when you're in trouble, she'll call me."
Jule and Dustin both looked to Damian.
"Not sure I like this Oracle shit," Dustin voiced for both of them.
"No way, kiri," Jule said firmly.
"If she didn't come after you when you needed her, why would you want her at all?" she challenged.
"Definitely steering clear of Americans," Dustin added.
"Because, kiri, you can't do what these men can," Jule scolded. "And D doesn't have any other brothers for you to rescue. You know that's the only reason you're not locked in your room for the rest of your life."
"No worries," Damian said with an edge that made her still. "I'll take care of it."
"Glad I'm not you," Dustin said, leveling a look at her.
She huddled closer to Damian, unwilling to look at his face. "What does kiri mean?" she asked.
"Beloved. It's used for sisters, mothers, and mates in our world," Jule answered. "By the way, you're on my list. I hope I'm off yours."