“You got it,” I said, excited that he’d bought me gifts.
Florence had prepared Kellan’ssecondfavorite breakfast, burritos, which we all wolfed down before heading to the garage. This time we’d get to drive our cars to the track, and I was excited to warm the Porsche up for the day.
Talon claimed my passenger seat, since he wasn’t racing today.
As the engine roared to life, I let it settle, reaching over to grasp his hand. “It felt wrong being at the track without you last time. I’m glad you’re here today.”
He threaded our fingers together. “I might not be racing, but I want to be wherever you are, Honey.” Aw, my corny sweetheart of a dragon. He was all tough and angry outside, with his gooey, soft center.
Following Hunter from the garage, I stayed close through the streets, the others behind us. Our speed remained sedate until we hit the back road out of town, where we got to open the engines up. This part wasn’t about racing, but we certainly had fun testing our cars’ limits.
By the time we pulled into the racetrack, I was amped up on adrenaline and ready for a real race. “That was more fun than I expected,” Talon said, and I smirked at him.
I predicted that by next race we’d have him wanting to drive, though he might need a few more lessons first.
Hunter led us into the main track, and we parked our cars on the starting line. A few minutes later, Warrick’s Mclaren pulled in with Cora riding shotgun, and I was surprised to see Kenzo as well. He had a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo, and while I’d never been a huge fan of JDM cars, his was in gorgeous condition. The final surprise of the day showed up a few minutes later in the form of a black-on-black BMW M3 CS, with none other than Kassidy behind the wheel.
I’d never heard her express much interest in cars or racing before, but you didn’t buy that baby unless you enjoyed speed.
When Cora jumped out of the McLaren and hurried toward us, I was relieved to see a glow about her. The teal of her race suit set off her skin and hair nicely. I met her hug, thankful to feel our normal returning. Kassidy joined us a beat later, her race suit all black, which matched her wickedly cool car.
“Friends!” she cried. Hunter had told me that Cora and Warrick made their apologies to her too, and she had forgiven them.
“I’m so glad you could both be here,” I said, feeling giddy at how amazing this day was shaping up to be, and it wasn’t even my birthday. “I hope you give Kellan a run for his money, Kass.”
Her smirk was filled with smug confidence. “Golden is going to have to work hard to hold on to his trophy. Even if it is his birthday.”
Cora laughed, and she looked so carefree I had to ask, “Are Richard and Sierra doing better?”
“Yes,” she nodded enthusiastically. “Oh, they’re doing much better. The healers said you went over last night and sat with them.”
I’d done more than sit, and I could tell Cora knew that. My magic might still be a secret in most circles, but my friends were aware of my hybrid nature. “Constantine gave me a few spells to try,” I admitted softly.
Cora’s lip trembled. “You’re a better friend than we deserve. Thank you. Thank you so much.”
Real friendships weren’t about who showed up during the good times, but the shifters who stood by your side through the storms too. We’d experienced a lot of shitty weather lately, but we would be stronger moving forward. All of us.
“Come on,” Kassidy said, dragging me over to Kellan.
“Ah, my competition has arrived,” Golden said as he drooled a little over her car.
Kassidy just waggled her eyebrows, as if she was a shifter of mystery. Behind us a few bets were being placed between Finley and Warrick. “Is that everyone?” I asked, wondering if we were waiting on anyone else.
Kellan nodded, slinging his arm over my shoulders. “Yeah, Christian had to head back to his family for the week, but I’ll catch up with him when he returns.”
“Let’s race, then,” Hunter called, and we all put our game faces on as we headed for our cars, already positioned on the starting line.
When I was inside, I flexed my hands on the wheel, butterflies fluttering in my stomach. I turned to catch Talon’s eye, who was sitting in an observation zone, only to find he wasn’t alone. We had been waiting for one more, even if we didn’t know it.
Constantine stood there, looking far less scruffy than usual, and when he waved in my direction, the butterflies were joined by a kick of warmth.
“Eyes on the prize, pretty mate,” Kellan shouted, and I returned my gaze to the track in front of us.
Always on the prize, I shot back in our bond, watching the lights closely.
When the red switched to yellow, I planted my foot on the gas, keeping the other on the brake. Launch control was ready. I was ready.
“Let’s race,” I screamed as the green flashed.
