Nix pulled Aries down into a crouch and they started to crab walk toward his car.
His brothers were utterly ridiculous. He could even hear Aries’s giggles and Nix hushing him. These two had better never try to get a job being spies because they would totally fail.
Gem waited until they were beside his car before gathering his stuff and finally exiting. He popped the trunk open to grab his suitcase, listening for the sound of movement.
From the corner of his eye, he saw Vin and Evan move onto the front porch.
Gem held his finger up to his lips, so neither Vin or Evan wouldn’t ruin his fun. If his brothers wanted to play, then Gem would play. They should know by now that even teaming up against him, Gem was far better at games than they were.
He grabbed his suitcase and tossed it gently to his left.
Nix and Aries had circled the vehicle, trying to sneak up on him. Gem’s suitcase hit them in the chest.
Aries squeaked and stumbled back. Trying to catch himself, Aries grabbed hold of Nix, which just sent Nix to the side with him.
They went down in a flailing of arms and legs.
Gem turned and stomped forward to pick up his suitcase. “Hello, losers,” he said fondly.
“Not nice,” Aries complained, glaring up at him.
Nix merely grunted as Aries was still lying over his back and his face was close to being in a patch of snow.
“You really did deserve that.” Vin came around Gem’s back to try to untangle the boys.
“But he was taking forever to come inside!” Aries whined as Vin helped him stand.
“He was probably looking up porn,” Nix announced.
Evan chuckled as he joined them. “Why would he be doing that?” He offered his hand to Nix.
“I don't know,” Nix replied. “He’s weird.”
“I’m weird?” How did that even make sense?
“You threw a suitcase at us!” Nix bitched.
“And what were you going to do to me?” Gem asked.
“Nothing!” Aries hugged himself as he rocked from side to side.
Gem lifted a brow.
Aries squirmed closer to Vin, who placed his arm around his shoulder.
Evan had Nix up, who scowled at their little brother. “It was because you were giggling!”
“It was Nix’s idea!” Aries tattled. “He wanted to smash snow in your face and down your back.”
“Traitor!” Nix lunged for Aries.
Aries yelled and ended up in Vin’s arms.
Gem had been watching and he didn’t even see the vampire pick Aries up to shield him from Nix. Evan grabbed the back of Nix’s shirt and all but yanked him off his feet.
Nix gave a strangled sound as his shirt tightened around his throat.
“I can’t believe I flew then drove all the way here and I can’t even get a hug,” Gem commented, making certain that his voice held disappointment.
