Part One

"Sang sweetie, wake up." A soft stroke of a finger across my cheek

"Sang... Sa-ang!"

"Come on Peanut, time to get up." Nathan nudged my arm as he whispered gently in my ear.

My head was still fuzzy. I rolled onto my stomach, trying to ignore all the early bird testosterone in the room. With all that had happened over the past few days, I had needed last night's sleep, and badly. I knew my boys were eager to start their day, but at the moment all I could worry about was more sleep. "Mmmpff. Go 'way."

All I heard in response were giggles, belonging to more than one person. Didn't they ever sleep? I knew the answer to that was no. Not my academy boys. They were awake with the sun. Maybe even before that.

"Oy! Trouble! Roll that cute ass up outta bed." All of a sudden I felt the air shift, followed by a resounding thwack. Seconds later a slight stinging from my behind let me know that Gabriel meant business.

"Hey! You better fucking watch yourself, Gabe! Don't touch her like that." North. I rolled further away from Nathan's strong arms and onto to my back, grumbling over the sounds of the others' protests to my latest morning alarm system. They were obviously not pleased with Gabriel's spanking. It didn't hurt, not really. I huffed loudly in display of my objection of the early hour. Stumbling out of bed, I found my way to the bathroom.

Feeling more awake after my bath and brushing my teeth, I quickly changed into a pair of jean cutoffs and a pink tank top and made my way toward the kitchen. I secretly crossed my fingers that we were going to be taking it easy today. I just didn't know if I could handle another day of playing cops and robbers. It was time for a break. I just prayed I wasn't the only one who thought so.

I looked up as I rounded the corner and froze. All the boys were there and all eyes were focused on me. My finger hovered over my lip. Why were they looking at me like that? Did I do my hair wrong? Was my shirt on backwards? Self-consciously, I looked down to quickly scan my outfit. Everything looked ok. I glanced back up to see them all smiling. "What's wrong? Why are you all looking at me like that?

"Miss Sorenson," Although I'd caught a glimpse of him moments ago, Mr. Blackbourne's smooth voice still took me by surprise. "It's come to our attention that you've asked for time with each of us alone for your birthday." He turned his sharp gaze on the rest of my family. "Unfortunately, this birthday request of yours has caused quite the stirring. Each of the boys wants to take you out, and each of them feels he should be first." I snuck a glance at the boys and several of their cheeks tinged a slight pink at Mr. Blackbourne's revelation. Was this true? Were they fighting over who got to take me out first for my birthday? I didn't want them fighting. Not over me. Not over anything. I swallowed my nerves. I had to say something

"What is it you want me to do?" I could feel the fire ignite under my skin as soon as the words left my lips. This was so very awkward. What could I possibly do to fix this?

Mr. Blackbourne cleared his throat and tugged at the knot at his tie. It did look a little tight. "Well, we were thinking… that is to say…-" Mr Blackbourne was nervous? What was going on?

"Who do you want to go out with first, Trouble?" Gabriel looked up at me from his seat. Apparently he was a little impatient with Mr. Blackbourne's attempt at subtlety.

My mouth popped open in surprise. "You mean… you want me to pick?" My finger immediately found my bottom lip. How was I going to pick? It was going to be impossible! "I can't do that. I mean… it's not… how?" I was at a loss.

Nathan jumped to my rescue. "I have an idea. We'll draw numbers." As he was talking, he searched for some paper and a pen. "Someone grab a bowl." Luke jumped up, eager to help. It took him a couple tries before he found the right cupboard. Nathan shoved the paper and pen towards me with a heart stopping smile. "Here 'ya go Peanut. Just rip the paper into 7 equal squares-"

"Ahem." Dr. Green cleared his throat. We all turned our heads in his direction, a little surprised at his interruption. "Well now, boys. I can't let you have all the fun. I want to play, too!" Dr. Sean's grinned cheekily. He really wanted to take me out on a date? This was unbelievable. "Better make it eight equal pieces." A couple of the guys grumbled in complaint.

A few side conversations started while I went about my task. It warmed my heart to listen to the boys talk amongst themselves. For one perfect moment there was no Volto, or Mr. McCoy or Mr. Hendricks. It was just our little family. Just the way I wanted it to be. It was perfect.

I was busy tearing the paper into long equal strips when I felt a warm presence to my right. I tried to inhale without making myself obvious; I didn't want to appear like a total weirdo. Spring soap. Mr. Blackbourne. Slowly, I lifted my eyes to meet his penetrating gaze. "Miss Sorenson, " he breathed. " You better make that nine equal pieces." Instantly, I froze. My mouth popped open in surprise. The conversations around us ceased. When I was able to, I glanced out at the group around us. They looked as shocked as I did. It appeared that no one knew how to react. Hesitantly, I looked back to Mr. Blackbourne. Was he being serious? He gave a slight nod of encouragement, and as I did as he asked the corner or his mouth lifted ever so slightly. It looked like some of the boys wanted to protest, but no one went against Mr. Blackbourne. Ever.

My hands shook as I finished tearing nine equal pieces of paper and writing the numbers one through nine onto each one. I grabbed the bowl from near Luke, who smiled and winked at me when I caught his eye. It helped relax my tense nerves and I smiled at him in return. I turned my back on the boys and carefully folded each piece of paper and added it to the bowl. Shaking the bowl a few times to mix up the contents, I once again faced the group. "Who picks first?"

A chorus of "Me!" and "I do!" rang out all at once. Pushing and shoving to get to me first started almost immediately. It was slightly overwhelming and I took a step back as a buffer. My face was in flames at this impossible situation. "How about this? Let's have you choose in alphabetical order by your first name?" I nearly whispered the idea. I really didn't want to upset anyone.

Gabriel hooted, "Alright Trouble, Let's do this!" He clapped his hands together and rubbed them together enthusiastically. He was first in line. Slowly, the others shuffled to their respective spots in line. I caught Victor's eye and smiled apologetically. "It's ok, Princess. I don't mind going last." His words were honest and his fire eyes helped to reassure me.

Gabriel, Kota, and Luke all chose their pieces and walked off to the side to allow room for the others. None of them made the move to open their slip of paper. In silent communication, they all had decided to wait until everyone had their piece.

Nathan approached with a "Peanut.' in greeting. I nodded back, "Honey." Nathan refused to break eye contact as he lowered his hand into the bowl and pulled out his own small piece of paper. North was next. He too greeted me as a confidently approached. "Morning Sang Baby. Are we having fun yet?" He smirked devilishly and it had the power to shake me. I could only nod in response. I couldn't make my mouth form words. North chuckled to himself as he plucked his number from the bowl.

Mr. Blackbourne and Dr. Sean, oddly enough, each chose their pieces without a word. However, Sean did shoot a flirty smile at me as he walked away. Sometimes I honestly thought that these boys were on a mission to turn me into a puddle of mush. They had the ability, there was no doubt. Only two left. I turned to a waiting Silas. He spoke to me as he approached, "Anypomonó̱ gia to rantevoú mas mazí, Aggele mou." I hadn't a clue what he said, but it caused my insides to tingle. Faintly, I heard North scoff on the periphery. I could do nothing but hold the bowl towards Silas. There were only two pieces left. He stared at them both as if this were the most important decision he could make. Slowly, he reached in and plucked out the second to last number and retreated to the sidelines.

Victor didn't have a choice and I felt bad. He must have seen it in my expression because Victor strolled forward, standing directly in front of me and snatched up the last piece from the bowl as if he had wanted the very one from the beginning. He smiled softly at me as he ran his finger along my cheek and back away towards the group. Instantly, I blushed.

As Victor reached the group, I let out a deep breath. Here we go. Cautiously, I turned on my heel towards the group. I wasn't going to give the order.

"On three." Kota ordered. "One, Two. Three." All I heard was the sound of nine boys opening their little pieces of my future. Our futures. Their groans, sighs and cheers filled the air.

"Alright. Count off …going backwards starting with nine." Mr. Blackbourne directed. "Which is me." He added resolutely. The look he flashed me held promises I wasn't sure I could hold him to. He, literally, made my knees weak.

"Eighth" Luke called off. Providing a distraction and saving me from falling on my face.

"Seventh." Dr. Sean smiled proudly.

"Sixth." North.

"Fifth." Kota.

"Fourth." Gabriel seemed pleased, even though he wasn't first.

"Third." Victor.

"Second.' Nathan caught my eye and grinned brilliantly. He was beautiful.

Everyone turned to Silas while he turned towards me. I couldn't look away as his eyes scorched over me. I could feel his heated stare lick my skin and light me from within. "First."

"Tomorrow, Aggele mou…" his strong voice the only thing holding me up. "You're mine." Only to knock me right over.