Kenji nodded, trying to remain in control.
Qylar didn’t look convinced.
Kenji noticed the kids’ iPad lying nearby. He snagged it and handed it to Qylar. “Open it, please?”
Qylar did and handed it back, brow furrowed.
He opened the Notes app and typed a question.
Did you ask her to call me Uncle Kenji?
He handed it over to Qylar. It was returned seconds later with a reply.
No. I don’t think anyone did, but I can talk to her later and ask her to stop if it upsets you.
It didn’t upset me. It was actually kind of nice to feel like family. It just hit hard out of the blue and made me a little emotional, I guess. I’m okay. Don’t worry about me.
Qylar lifted his gaze from the tablet and lowered the device to the floor. He pressed a gentle kiss to Kenji’s forehead.
“How’s that, Uncle Kenji?” Zaadi asked, finishing up the first big toe.
It was a mess, and he absolutely loved it.“Beautiful.”
“Zaadi, sweetheart… did someone tell you to call him Uncle Kenji?” Qylar asked softly.
Zaadi lifted her gaze from Kenji’s feet, appearing confused, and shrugged. “No.”
“Is there a reason you did?” Qylar asked.
“It’s fine,”Kenji whispered under his breath to Qylar.
“He’s your mate, Uncle Q,” Zaadi said matter-of-factly, painting away.
Kenji eyed Qylar. From the shocked look on Qylar’s face, Kenji’s initial question was answered.
“How do you know that, princess?”
“I just do,” Zaadi replied, her little tongue soon sticking out as she focused on her task.
“Did you hear the grownups talking about it?” Qylar asked.
“I don’t know,” Zaadi replied, never looking up. “I just know.”
Kenji watched all of the adults exchange an odd look.
“Is something going on?” Kenji asked.
“Alex might not be able to shift, but he has a different…uniquegift,” Cryss replied.
“He can read minds,” Qylar added.
“I cannot,”Alex said. He looked at Kenji. “It started when I met Cryss, and it’s with him or the kids more than anyone else. If they’re having strong emotions, I can feel a wave of whateverthey’re feeling, and I sometimes hear broken tidbits of thoughts. Occasionally, I feel it with others, but usually only the emotion part, not the thoughts.”
“We call it his‘sorry you can’t shift’gift,” Cryss said.
Qylar eyed Kenji. “It’s hard to get something past him when you’re feeling a certain way, so you might want to steer clear unless youwanthim trying to make you talk about it.”
“Which is how I know when Q’s in a mood. He’ll avoid coming over for a day or two. More, if it’s bad,” Alex said, lifting a brow at Qylar.“Either way,I’ll know.”
