I don’t realize Kai has disappeared until he comes out the back sliding door, a shit eating grin on his face.
“What have you done now?” I sigh, exasperated.
“I got you a present.”
I groan, and I hear Lola laugh, followed by Lucy and Rose.
“What?” Kai asks, looking around the deck at everyone.
“Dude, you are a shit gift giver,” Declan yells from the back lawn.
“Yeah, do you know what a present is?” Felix adds.
Kai looks confused as he looks around. Taking pity on him, I walk over.
“What is it?”
“I don’t want to give it to you now,” he pouts, and I can’t help the burst of laughter that falls from my mouth.
Kai's arm wraps around my neck and he pulls me into his chest, his knuckles rubbing on top of my head.
“Get off me, you giant baboon.” I laugh, trying to free myself from his iron grip.
Kai lets go, and I punch him in the arm before trying to straighten my hair. “You’re such a shit,” I grumble, but the smile on my face gives me away.
“What are big brothers for?” He smirks at me, then pulls an envelope from his back pocket. I eye it warily.
“What is it?” I ask cautiously.
“Your present,” he replies, pushing the envelope at me.
I reach out and pluck it from his hands, opening it immediately. Inside is a signed contract for the Vesperas to play at the bar Friday and Saturday night in two weeks. My eyes widen and a squeal escapes my throat. “How?!”
Kai shrugs. “I know someone.”
“But . . . ”
I have been trying for months to secure a spot in their schedule. I jump at my brother, wrapping my arms around his neck.
“Oh my god. Thank you!” My enthusiasm is uncontainable, and I dance around the deck, feeling my heart pounding with excitement.
“See, everyone. Not a shit gift!” Kai says loud enough for everyone to hear.
Lola bounds over and enthusiastically gives him a high five. My gaze catches on Logan’s and he seems to be lost in thought as he watches us. His eyes flicker to mine, as if sensing my gaze, and I’m caught up in the swirl of emotions there. Then he blinks, and his face is a blank mask, as if I imagined it.
“Grub’s up!” Felix shouts.
“So much food,” Logan muses.
“It’ll all get eaten,” I reply with a chuckle.
“Really?”
“Yep!” Kai slaps him on the back.
Shifters eat a lot. Food waste is never an issue with us.
We all take a seat at the benches around the large outdoor table that takes up most of the back deck. It’s easier this way to fit everyone in. Though, today Mercy isn’t here. She’s got work at the hospital.
