adjective ~ not showing or feeling nervousness, anger, or other strong emotions

PHOENIX

Watching my mate flutter around the downstairs lounge was nothing short of amusing. To top it off, Charlie was in the 'naughty corner', and has been for twenty-five minutes. Even now, he was sitting with a pout, watching the house erupt into 'get-together' chaos. He had three minutes left; apparently it was one minute per every year he was alive.

Why?

Because he annoyed Nova.

It is a simple answer, but the equation that got him there is long.

Besides following her everywhere and telling her where to place things, he would snatch out of her hands. So, for his childish behaviour, she luna commanded him into the corner. And there may he remain. Hunched over, arms crossed and a dangerous pout on his lips.

I chuckled at the sight of him, and his eyes shot to me. They narrowed, upper lip curling with annoyance. I nodded at him, pointing to the watch on my wrist. If possible, he only grew more agitated, and huffed, turning to face away from me.

I had chosen the smart way out, and that was keeping out of my mate's way. I prepared party food and wine glasses, even though she denied it was a party.

The twins were sleeping peacefully in their cribs by the stairs, their usual nap time due to end at any moment. To further fulfil the 'get-together' and definitely not a party theme, it was only five o'clock. Pollux believed he was coming round for dinner tonight before he left in the morning. Nova was a nervous wreck thinking about his departure, and admittedly, I worried about the guy. He was only small.

Charlie shifted, watching Nova as she karate chopped the sofa cushions. Eyeing my watch, I counted down the seconds remaining of Charlie's time out. He had thirty seconds and knew it because his eyebrow quirked as he looked at me. I was about to grin when a sharp smack of cotton hit me in the chest.

Darting to the culprit, Nova stood over me with a glare. I frowned up at her, waiting for the reprimand that I was about to receive.

"Off."

"What?" I spluttered.

"I need to tidy the sofa."

"Nova, the pack is coming and will most likely be outside."

"Yes, but they will come inside for snacks and drinks!" She tutted. "Off, please."

Grinning, I rose to my full height, and she watched me with a soft blush. Pecking her on the top of the head, I moved to open the glass doors. The moment fresh air wafted through the room, there was a scuffle of feet and a shout of complaint.

"There! Twenty-eight minutes! I am free!" Charlie exclaimed.

I watched him run from the room and outside with an amused smirk. Glancing at my mate, she stared at him, flabbergasted, before shaking her head with a soft smile. Charlie may be three weeks older than me, but he sure acted like a child at times. Nova had once admitted to me she felt like he was the annoying younger brother she never had.

"He's bonkers." She muttered.

"He's Charlie." I grinned, inhaling the fresh air. "Pollux is nearly here."

My mate cursed softly, turning to stare out the window. "He's going to kill me."

I chuckled, striding over to her. Pulling her into my embrace, I felt how tense she was, but with a gentle kiss, I ran my hand down her spine. She melted into my touch with a gentle sigh, resting her head against my chest. I heard her hum with satisfaction, and slowly the bond worked its magic and she calmed down. Taking hold of her chin, I lifted her face to mine. Her green eyes blinked up at me, worried creases in her brow. I kissed it softly before dipping down and capturing her lips between mine.

As sweet as she tasted, her nerves took a moment to dissipate. Working my charm as much as I could, I pulled her flush to my body. Her fingers dug into the small of my back, legs straining as she stood on her tip-toes to reach me.

"Uh, I think I need to cancel my membership." A voice muttered. "I don't recall it having a subscription to my sister snogging."

We pulled away, laughter bubbling out of my mouth. Nova cursed at her brother, a soft rosy colour to her cheeks. My fingers flexed around her before letting go.

Pollux was dressed as casual as the rest of us, but the shift of Nova coming toward him had his eyes snap to the table behind. His eyes narrowed, and Nova's hesitation showed when she faltered in her steps.

"Why is there party food out?"

"It's not party food. There's no party." She laughed.

"Nova, I think sandwiches, Doritos and sausage rolls are the epitome of party food." Pollux rolled his eyes.

"There's no party!" She insisted.

"Then what is the food for? I thought we were having dinner?"

"Well-

"There he is! The back-up I need!" Charlie's voice echoed.

His hair was windswept, brown eyes wide as he grasped Pollux by the shoulders. The small male turned to my beta with a confused bend to his brow.

"What?"

"These two have been ganging up on me!"

"We have not!"

"I am not a part of this." I insisted.

Nova's eyes darted to me, narrowing with agitation. A smirk twitched at my lips, but I kept my eyes locked on my beta. Charlie huffed, shaking his head as he spoke to Pollux.

"They put me in time out!" He hissed. "Like a toddler!"

"They did? What for?" Pollux wondered.

"Just for helping organise your party! A time out!"

Pollux's head rolled to stare at his sister, an obvious I-told-you-so to his expression. Nova laughed nervously, wringing her hands together. Suddenly, a twin cried, and I could've rolled my eyes at the timing of it. Nova gasped, using it to her advantage to get away from us.

Pollux looked at me, raising an eyebrow. "Not a party?"

"There's no music?" I suggested.

He huffed, but his lips quirked at the corner. "How long has she been at this?"

"All fucking day!" Charlie groaned.

"So, you have been annoying her all day? No wonder you were in a time-out." Pollux rolled his eyes.

"What? Not fair, don't you gang up on me too! This is the last time we get to defeat them!" Charlie gasped, exasperated.

Pollux laughed, but his face fell with uncertainty. I cleared my throat, avoiding the awkward tension, when I noticed Leo approach the house. Since most people would be outside basking in the spring air, we told pack members to come to the back garden.

With baby Reya in his arms, and Molly at his side, they entered the house with a cheery hello. It didn't take long for the rest of the pack to arrive, and within half an hour, our back garden was full of people wishing Pollux well in his travels. I trailed to and for, mingling with my pack members whilst monitoring both sets of twins.

Setting into a lawn chair, I had the perfect view of inside. Nova had taken Freddy in her arms, our boy suffering with an upset tummy, as she chatted with Rose and Sean. Sean was holding my daughter rather fondly, the latter gurgling up at Rose. Nova's face lit up with laughter at something they said, and my chest warmed at the sight.

"You are as whipped as the rest of them."

I turned my gaze to the male stood beside me, Charlie watching my mate with a frown. My lips twitched, amused at his nonchalance, but I noticed how he would always stare at Calida. I didn't go around saying anything. Perhaps I should.

"I have seen you with your mate. You cannot talk." I mused.

Charlie's eyes narrowed on mine. "Well, duh, she is my mate."

My eyebrows furrowed at his logic. "And Nova isn't mine?"

Charlie blinked, lips pursed, as he thought about a comeback. When he had nothing in three seconds, I laughed softly.

"What do you want?" I wondered.

"Why would you assume I want something?" He scoffed.

"Charlie. I have known you long enough. I know your quirks."

"No, you don't."

"I am your brother. I think I do." I smirked.

Using the brother card always won him over, and my smile widened when he huffed with acceptance.

"Fine, I was wondering if I could have the day off."

"Now?" I wondered, confused.

"Yes, now, right now. During this whole damn party, I would like to not be working." He rolled his eyes sarcastically. "No, dumb-dumb, this Friday."

Scowling at his patronising words, I glared at him. "Why?"

"Do I have to give a reason?"

"I'm dumb-dumb, remember? You're going to have to enlighten me." I growled softly.

His nose twitched with a scowl, agitated. "Fine, I was going to take Calida out."

"Out?"

"Yes, out, Dad!" He grunted.

"All day?"

"Yes! Hence why I want the day off!" He snapped.

Too amused by his childish nature, I watched him fume with a grin. I noticed Nova glance our way from the corner of my eye and Charlie quickly turned to face me, dropping his head.

"Shit, she's looking at me."

I sent a reassuring, yet highly amused, grin to my mate, whose eyebrows furrowed with confusion.

"Is she still looking?"

"Nope, she's gone." I lied.

Charlie exhaled, turning back around only to curse and stiffen. "Fuck! You said she was gone!"

"Did I? Hmm, I don't remember that." I sarcastically drawled. "Maybe it's my dumb-dumb brain."

Nova heading this way made Charlie panic. "Do I get the day off or not?"

"Manners, son." I teased.

He huffed. "Please, can I not work Friday?"

"Will you be home by sundown?" I grinned.

He narrowed his eyes. "No."

"Will you be safe?"

"Goddess, Phoenix." Charlie grunted. "I'm taking your annoyance as a yes!"

He was gone in a second, and I watched him scurry away with a grin. Nova came to a stop. Her lips parted with questions that got cut off from his disappearance. Freddy gurgled in her arms and my smile softened, reaching to take him from her hold. She immediately wrapped her arms around her middle, looking around.

"What was that about?" She wondered.

I patted my knee, and her eyebrows rose with questioning. Rolling my eyes at her stubborn refusal of compliance, I grabbed her by the hip and pulled her to me. She fell into my lap with a huff, but relaxed into my hold pretty instantly. A grumble rose in my chest as she pressed into me, content with her warmth.

"Charlie is having the day off on Friday to spend with Calida."

Nova stiffened in my grip, and I spotted the broadest of smiles erupt on her face. "He is? Does Calida know about this?"

"I'm not sure." I shrugged, my hands falling into the soft tendrils of her hair. "She probably has no choice."

"Wait, wasn't Friday when he was supposed to watch the twins whilst we go out?" She frowned.

"No, that's next Friday." I murmured. "This week is Sean and Rose."

My eyes drifted back into the house, finding Belle still cooped up in Sean's arms. He and Rose were sitting on a sofa, Sean sprawled rather lazily with his arm around his mate. It was nice to see Rose more relaxed, even better knowing that she came to this get together. Her fear stopped her in the past, but much like Nova, she was coming out of her shell.

I pulled Nova a little tighter, kissing her forehead. I settled her, noticing her breathing in sync with Freddy and I. It amused me, and I wished time could just stay still for a while. Whilst the twins were young, and the pack was happy. I hoped it would be like this forever. Just staring at our children made me feel strange inside, and I knew it had to be adoration. I could never get enough of the twins, and I couldn't wait until we had an entire pack of mini Nova's ruling the house.

I mean, she would run it anyway. My mate, when pregnant, was a force to be reckoned with, and it only made me excited for when she truly takes control of the pack.

We'd have to expand the house. There simply won't be enough space.

"What are you thinking about?" Nova wondered.

"The day you are full of pups."

"Again?" she spluttered. "Phoenix!"

I laughed, glad I made her so flustered. Whenever I told her how much I couldn't wait until we had dozens of children, she would always get into a tizzy. Her cheeks would tint with colour and she would avoid eye contact; unless she was scowling, of course. But I caught the soft smile on her cheeks when she tried to hide beneath her hair.

I chuckled softly, finding her cute. It was nice. Nothing weighed me down anymore and I felt like I could relax for once. I pulled Nova in tighter, kissing both her and Freddy on the forehead as I watched the evening go by.

Question of the day:
What character in the lost luna series do you relate to the most?