Phei's voice was low, but everyone heard it.
"You have been mine since the night I took your first kisses," he said. "Since the morning after, when I knew I would not let you drift away from me. Stop standing outside a door that has been open for you for a long time."
Catrina stared at him.
Valentina smiled first, warm and proud. Sierra followed, eyes soft. Patricia lifted her glass slightly in quiet acknowledgment. Maddie leaned forward with a grin finally returning.
"Welcome to the disaster, Catrina."
Noor smiled gently. "It is very loud here."
Maddie added, dryly, "And apparently emotionally violent."
Valentina reached across and squeezed Catrina's hand. "But you will not be alone in it."
The table's warmth shifted.
A welcoming gesture had not been planned formally but Phei's women did not need a script.
One by one, through glances, teasing, touch, smiles and small words, they welcomed Catrina, Noor and Soraya into the family's strange and dangerous center.
