Second Chances (The Extinct Race Series) by Michelle Farrell Page B

browns and the drapes over the large windows were just a bit softer burgundy than the couches. Vivi and Christian’s room was to the left of the sitting area with one other bedroom and Mateo and Mary’s rooms were to the right. Their doors happened to be in exactly the same spot across from each other.
    Mateo kissed her on the cheek as he opened the door to her room. She smiled shyly at him and walked in saying good night as she closed the door on him. Mary went to her bathroom to change into her sleep wear and wash her face. She had a smile on her face she could not wipe off. She was going to have to tell Rosa about this one for sure. Mary finished her night time routine and climbed into the bed. She sighed with comfort as she placed her head on the pillow. She had never slept in a bed more comfortable than this.
    Mateo still stood in the hall as he listened until he heard her climb into bed. He so wanted to open the door and crawl in bed with that woman. He had never wanted a woman more so than he did her. Every time he went to her house to train Gabe he would notice her. She was a beautiful woman who didn’t even know she was beautiful. She was such a strong soul too. He sighed to himself knowing she shared the attraction he felt towards her. He opened the door to his own room and stepped inside. He went into the bathroom and took a cool shower. He did his night time routine of sit ups and pushups and then took another shower to rinse the sweat off. He dried off and threw some loose pants on and crawled into the bed. He laid there and just thought about the woman across the hall. Mateo fell asleep thinking of Mary and couldn’t wait to get to know her better.
    In the morning they were all slowly and sleepily making their way to the table. Mary had awoken early and she and the girls had cooked up a huge breakfast. They even made enough for the men in the barracks and Mary sent a girl to tell them. The men that lived in the barracks grabbed a plate of food and took it to the table outside. When they were done they said their thanks and went on about their day.
    Zoe and Kaiden were sitting at the table inside with Gabe and Justine. Ben was also with them and he was digging into a stack of pancakes. Monica and Brad made their way down the stairs, followed by Michael and Rosa. Camilla and Sebastian were the next ones down along with Vivi and Christian. Tia and John came down soon after and mumbled their hellos. Everyone was enjoying breakfast and waking up when Marcus came into the room. He had a book tucked under his arm and looked pretty determined. His eyes were also rimmed in red like he had fallen asleep after a good cry.
    “Good Morning .” Marcus said to everyone. Everyone mumble back and response, but no one was looking at him like Zoe was. She knew something was wrong.
    “Zoe is this book yours? Did the lawyer you mention give this to you?” Marcus held the book up to her. It appeared to be a nursery rhyme book she had never seen.
    “No I have never seen that book before. Is it even in English? I can’t pronounce those words.” Zoe confirmed his suspicion
    “No it is not in English , it appears to be Russian. Does anyone here read or understand Russian? There is a letter inside and I would very much like to know what it says, as it is addressed to Elizabeth or Myself.”
    “I do , I was the book keeper and record keeper for our Sect. I know several languages.” Rosa said
    Marcus opened the book and handed Rosa the letter. Rosa also asked for the book and looked the book over first. She then opened the letter and began to read aloud.
    “Dear Mr. or Mrs. Devonshire. Your son was brought to us and I just wanted to express my sincere thanks and appreciation. My husband and I have been trying for years to have a child and I could not thank you enough. He is such a sweet boy with a head full of blond hair and the bluest eyes you could ever think of. This is also one smart baby. He is now eight months old and is