“Can’t. The smart-ass virus has taken a hold of me. It’s too late to quarantine it now.”
“Answer it already before we all freeze our balls off,” Owen said. Kristin and Vaughan came out of the house then. Vaughan was giving Kristin a piggyback ride.
Kristin kissed him on the temple, and he yelled, “Eeewww, a sister kiss. Gross.”
“Shush, Gabriel’s calling,” Mother Estelle said.
Ramsey gave them a look and pressed a button on the phone. “Hey, brother.”
“Hey.”
“You sound tired.”
“I am. How is Sage and the dragon?”
“Disgustingly sweet on each other.” Vaughan touched Sage’s shoulder.
“Don’t touch me!” Sage hissed at Vaughan.
Gabriel chuckled. “I take it Vaughan is pestering Sage.”
“Always and forever.” Sage smacked Vaughan’s hand away when he tried to do it again.
“How are you, Sage?” Gabriel asked.
“I’m okay. Better, I guess. Kinda, but sometimes not really.”
“You sound better than I expected you to be.”
Sage laughed. “Well, I’m glad I exceeded your expectations. I really am good, Gabe.”
“I’m glad for that at least. Is the dragon treating you well?”
“Very well.” Sage smiled up at Garridan. He rubbed his cheek against Sage’s hair and then the side of his face.
“And you lost them, brother. They’re making out now. It’s a problem they have,” Ramsey said, making Gabriel laugh. “How’s the human?”
“Fine. Annoying. And he doesn’t listen worth a damn.” Gabriel sighed.
“Fuck you,” Shawn said from somewhere near the phone. “Gabriel Somerset is a gigantic asshole and a great big dick tease.”
Sage broke the kiss and chuckled.
“If anyone needs to put money in the curse jar, it’s that guy, mom,” Kristin said.
“Hi, Mom.” Gabriel’s voice picked up and Sage could tell he really missed his mother. It was very sweet.
“Hi, Gabriel. I miss you, dear. When will you be home?”
“Soon. I have some information I need to find first. I miss you too, mom.”
“Now, introduce me to your friend.”
“Hi, I’m Shawn. I’m sorry for talking like that. Gabe is very frustrating as I’m sure you know, since you’ve had to live with him most of his life.”
Mother Estelle smiled. “I am well aware of my son’s flaws, young man.”
“Mom!” Gabriel said incredulously. “I’m a perfect angel. It’s Vaughan that’s the terror.”
