Shackled (The Lord Series) by Amy T

408. Olivia - Picnic IV

Spencer is the first to notice me.

"Mommy! Mommy!" he says as he runs toward me. When he reaches me, he wraps his arms around my legs. "You look like a princess."

"Thank you. You, too, are very handsome," I say. He lets go of my legs only to grab my hand. "Hungry?" I ask.

"Very!" Spencer exclaims as he drags me after him.

Mose follows us.

When we reach the blanket, Spencer has me sit next to Tyson. "My Daddys told me this is where you have to sit."

Spencer's serious expression makes me laugh. "As long as I get food, I don't care where I sit," I say.

Between conversations, good food-thank you, Grandma Khloe, for helping me cook; your advice saved the dishes I made. They didn't turn out as bad as I thought and laughter, the following hours pass by so fast.

It's been years since I last felt so calm, so peaceful, so protected. I'm not delusional to think this serendipity moment will last forever. Only for today, I want to forget about the Nephilims, the Dukes, Azael, Carlos, and my brother, who are still out there.

Only for today, I will forget about the evil looming over the world, threatening to ruin my newfound happiness. Only for today I want to pretend to have a normal life. Well, as normal as it can be since I have five lovers. They are more than lovers. They are my bondeds.

At some point, Rueben and Jasper get up.

"We are going to check on the horses really quick," Rueben says. I nod absently since Grandma Khloe is telling me about her time in Malta. "Spencer, do you want to come with us?"

sure Spencer doesn't

be here tomorrow. Isn't that

and Ansel also get up. Probably to

juice before replying, "Yes. We already chose

lake many times, looking for the right spot for my grandparents' new house. I was aware

"Across from the cabin."

our intimacy but close enough in case I need them. My grandparents are not the type

who is worse than a toddle. She keeps trying to steal food even

know I'm right. "Not all the Dukes are like Carlos or my brother." I don't mention my father.

my grandparents' eyes, and for a moment, I panic,

anything, Grandma Khloe takes my hands into hers. "We weren't always like this. We made many mistakes. But with age comes wisdom." She brings my hands to her mouth and kisses my knuckles. "You have always been

only my grandparents were

grandma's hands. "I love both of you with all my heart. You protected me when you took Spencer

the top of my head. "You are his

I hug them.

dream, one that I

Spencer's voice, full of delight, reaches my

let go of my grandparents and look in Spencer's direction. My heart almost stops beating when I see him

to

careful that he won't fall!" I say to Jasper, who is

Ansel are

warm smile spreads across Jasper's face. "I'll never let anything happen