Deserving Parker

The hallway echoed softly with the muted sound of Parker's boots hitting the marble floor. The dim garage lights faded behind him as he walked toward the main house, his mind unusually quiet. The door opened with a smooth click, the warmth of the house greeting him, faint murmurs filtering in from the living room.

Naomi and Elena's laughter bounced off the walls, light and carefree. They were seated on the couch, wine glasses in hand, mid-conversation. As soon as they saw him enter, their voices stilled. For a second, it looked like they were about to greet him, but before they could, Ere jumped off his shoulder in a sleek arc, landing gracefully on the floor.

"Ere!" Elena practically squealed, her face lighting up like she'd just seen her favorite celebrity. "You're back, baby girl!"