“He’s still a brat,” Gem said, turning to head inside.
“His Daddy should spank him harder,” Aries muttered.
Well, that answered one of Gem’s many questions about Evan and Nix. Not that he would press Aries about it. Gem was certain that he would find some time alone with Evan. It wasonly fair after he’d already read Vin the riot act after meeting him.
Stepping in the house, Gem could feel himself thawing.
He understood that Evan was a dragon, not that he got why that was different than a shifter, and that this house was the dragon’s sanctuary, but why would someone want to live where it was so cold.
Adjusting to the Boston winter was hard enough. And it was nearly impossible to find fruit, especially his grapes, in season when everything around him was frozen. Gem didn’t have Nix’s skill with growing his own fruit. Nix always had the most amazing pumpkin patches that even rivaled his mom’s ability to grow anything.
At the bottom of the stairs, Evan stood with his suitcase with an amused look. Nix came running from farther in the house and skidded to a stop in front of Gem. He pushed a large stainless-steel bowl against Gem’s chest.
Gem looked at the almost overflowing bowl of purple grapes and grinned. “God, I love you!” he said before popping a grape into his mouth.
“That’s because I’m the best brother ever!” Nix announced.
“Hey!” Aries pushed Nix’s shoulder. “I’m a good brother too.”
Gem just let his two brothers argue as he devoured more grapes. They could go on for hours, and Gem was enjoying his surprise treat.
Chapter Five
Nix
“So how are we going to do this?” Nix asked, rubbing his hands together. Nix had been amazed by the ice rink that Evan had made in the backyard. Well, technically Eirwen, his dragon, had made it. Nix loved his dragon and planned to make sure Eirwen knew how much Nix appreciated the sweet gesture.
He was sorry that he’d missed Eirwen creating a magical ice rink especially for this visit.
Evan had explained it had been done when they first got to the cabin and Nix had jumped in the shower after traveling. It couldn’t have been more than half an hour but in that small amount of time Nix had an ice rink. Dragons were awesome! His was the very best ever!
“Evan and I against you three, of course,” Vin said.
They were all suited up in warm clothes and their skates. While not in full gear, the hockey game was sure to be a battle. Good thing they were all paranormal so if things did get out of hand, no one would get too hurt. They were still in the middle of their seasons, after all.
“But, Daddy,” Aries said. “Is that fair?”
“Fair?” Vin’s brow shot up. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Nix knew what Aries was going to say before the words left his brother’s mouth.
“We’re good, Daddy.” Aries waved his hand to include himself, Nix, and Gem.
Yep, Nix wanted to laugh but also was smart enough not to draw attention to himself. Not when his little brother was so entertaining. One thing about Aries was that he had no doubts about his ability. The little shit was downright cocky about his hockey prowess.
“And we’re not?” Vin’s voice held amusement.
“No, you are,” Aries said quickly, potentially realizing his mistake. “But you’re both…old.”
Or Aries was just going to keep digging a hole that he should bury himself in. Nix had to smack both hands over his mouth to keep from laughing out loud.
“You’re going to pay for that, little one,” Vin warned, pointing a finger at Aries.
“You had better not be laughing.”
Nix jumped as Evan spoke in his ear. He whirled to bat his eyelashes innocently at Evan. “I would never. Aries is such a brat! How could he even say something like that.”
Evan didn’t look convinced.
