Page 162 of Nyx

"There are a lot of people on this property," Kincaid adds. "Every member of Cerberus is willing to take a bullet for anyone the club is protecting, and that includes you, ladies."

"We know telling you that you can trust them and being able to do that are two very different things, so they will not approach you to engage in conversation, but that doesn't mean you have to avoid them either. They will interact and speak when spoken to. They will not be offended if you speak to them one day and not the next," Shadow says. "We just want you to know that you are safe around everyone here."

"Some things may seem like events, but it's really just family gatherings. It can be a little overwhelming with so many people, so that's why we're mentioning it. The clubhouse is the largest common area, big enough to accommodate everyone, so it will still be in use while you're here," Kincaid continues. "The kids love the pool, so they spend a lot of time out there. Dana, Dean, and Daisy are always welcome to join in anything the others are doing. Some may explain what's going on to you if they see you, but they won't ask you to join so as not to pressure you. Know that you and the kids are always invited. I can't say my own granddaughter Amelia won't ask the kids to play, but the adults will be more respectful."

Dana chuckles. "Thank you."

"Andrea will be here to prepare meals for breakfast and lunch, but we always seem to have so many people around in the evenings with more food than we could ever eat," Shadow says. "You're more than welcome to eat with everyone else in the common areas, or we can make arrangements to have meals brought to your safe space common area. Don't feel obligated either way. The choice is yours."

"All that being said, we do have a gathering planned for this evening," Kincaid says. "Dustin, who goes by Kid, his son Landon has just been discharged from the Marine Corps, and we're having a little get-together this evening as a welcome home party. As we said, you're more than welcome to join, and we hope that you feel comfortable enough to do so."

These men are incredible, I realize. They have all of this other stuff going on, but rather than postpone everyone coming here, they're just adding them into the fold as if it's an everyday occurrence for new people to show up and move in for the foreseeable future.

"Maybe this is a good time to mention spouses," Emmalyn prods.

"Yes," Shadow says. "We do not discriminate against anyone. Landon is married to a man named Rick. There are other persons here with what some would consider alternate life choices."

"Alternate?" Melissa asks.

"I'm in a committed relationship with a man and a woman," Max says from behind his computer.

"Really?" Kayla says in a way that makes me think she sees it as something salacious.

"If anyone feels like that is something they don't want to witness, then these gatherings may not be a very good fit for you," Kincaid says to all of us before turning his eyes to Dana. "Same for the kids."

"Love is love," Dana says quickly. "They've always understood that."

"Very good," Kincaid says. "Am I missing anything?"

His eyes go to his wife.

"I think you've just about covered it all," Emmalyn answers. "Anyone have questions?"

"Denise was wondering what she should do," Victoria says.

"We'll work those logistics out in a while," Kincaid answers.

"What about school?" Dana asks.

"We have a room the kids can use," Shadow explains. "It's my understanding they're off this week?"

"They are," Dana says.

"Is there an update on Traci?" Caroline asks.

"We don't have an update on her," Max interjects.

"Are you keeping an eye on her?" Caroline asks.

"No," Kincaid says. "She didn't want us to, so we're respecting her wishes. She made it to the bus station safely this morning. That's where our involvement with her ended."

Caroline frowns, and I don't know whether it's because she didn't like what Kincaid said or because she's disappointed in Traci's decision to leave.

"One last thing," Kincaid says. "My family is here. My wife, my daughters, and my grandkids. This is our sanctuary, and I'm glad that you ladies are here. That being said, if you make the choice to go back to your old lives, you will no longer be allowed back on Cerberus property. This is to keep everyone here safe. We will always be here to help with resources and can provide you with a list of alternative organizations in the community for aid if you choose. I will protect you here with my life, but I will also protect my own family as well."

"Anyone have something else to add?" Shadow asks after a long pause.

"Someone at work mentioned that something happened at the fundraiser," Melissa says.