Sabs’s head breaks the water’s surface. So much for her blowout.
“Sorry, sis.” Laz bats his eyelashes in mock innocence from the pool’s edge. “I didn’t realize the cover wasn’t on properly.”
“Like fuck you didn’t,” she gripes, holding out her hand. “Help me out!”
When he goes to pull her, she yanks him in. He topples in with an even louder splash.
“The two of them turn into kids again whenever they’re together.” Cole shakes his head. “It’s a wonder the Maverickhouse is still standing. You should see what it’s like when all the Maverick siblings get together.” He shudders. “Total chaos.”
“Burgers and hotdogs are ready!” Damon calls out.
“You’re going down, sis!” Laz yells.
Seeing him and Sabs together makes my heart swell. I can’t imagine what it’d be like to have siblings or live in a house full of chaos and noise. Gram and I had our own traditions, but they were centered around quiet and calming activities, like collecting flowers, crushing herbs and brewing.
“From where I’m standing, Sabs has the upper hand,” Kady comments as Sabs grabs Laz’s curls and dunks him under.
“Well, she is captain of the volleyball team,” Delilah giggles.
Damon brings all the food over, placing it on the table for us to help ourselves. We all grab seats, including Sabs and Laz once they give up on trying to drown each other, both dripping wet and laughing. Fortunately for them, the sun will dry them up in no time.
Time passes quickly. I don’t say a lot, choosing to listen to the laughter, silly bickering, and joking around me. In such a short time, everyone around this table has become my family.
After Ren makes more tasty cocktails and we devour our body weight in food, we play a game of charades. I learn Cole is a terrible actor but gets very passionate about guessing. He and Kady throw out guesses like accusations in a courtroom, jabbing their fingers and pointing. Damon’s also extremely competitive, but after being told he’s wrong a few times, he declares he isn’t playing and wraps his arms around me instead.
Halfway through, Delilah and Ren disappear, returning holding a towering cake.
“Woah!” My hand flies to my mouth. This would put a wedding cake to shame. There are five different sponge layers, each with one of our names iced on. “This must have taken you hours, Delilah.”
“She was baking all day,” Kady confirms.
“I loved making it.” Delilah shines with pride. “This may be my best creation to date.”
They carefully place the cake monster down. It’s large enough to feed the entire alpha quad.
“I tried to match each layer to match your personalities. Sabs helped choose the flavors since she knows the guys best.” She points at each layer. “This is Faye’s at the top.” It’s a delicate white cake with piped white and yellow flowers. “Vanilla and honey. Underneath that, we have Damon. His was soaked in liquor. Very dense. Then there is Cole’s.” His chocolate layer is iced with a white pine tree pattern. “Finally, Ren’s. It’s a light sponge—a dash of lemon with lavender. Then the bottom layer is for Laz.” She sighs. “It broke in two when I took it out of the pan because it was so large, so I had to re-attach it, but I think that suits your personality. Cinnamon and caramel.”
“It’s perfect.” I gape at the impressive dessert. “You’ve outdone yourself.”
“You should set up a cake making business.” Ren nods.
She waves him off, but her cheeks flush with delight as everyone admires her handiwork.
Sabs insists that me and the pack pose in front of the cake for a group picture. I’m dwarfed by the cake and the guys, smiling awkwardly as the flash blinds me.
“Who wants a piece?” Delilah asks.
“Cut me off a bit of me and Faye,” Laz requests. “I already know we taste good together.”
“I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that.” Sabs covers her ears. “I’m glad I’m finally going to get a new sister, but that’s too much information.”
Laz chuckles before he takes a big bite and groans. “Delicious.”
Kady looks down at her buzzing phone. “That was Nia. She was reminding me about the Omega Unite rally tomorrow and wanted to know whether we’re still going.”
“I completely forgot about that,” I admit, kicking myself. “I’d like to go.”
“Are you sure?” Kady tilts her head regarding me. “You’ve had a busy week. Nia would understand if you can’t make it.”
