Creed starts walking again the second he realizes both of them are fine. I chuckle the entire time I glance over my shoulder, watching Riven ask to ride on Kyzen’s back.
He wins as Kyzen gives in exasperatedly.
“Isn’t this nice? Being carried around like the perfect beings we are?” He closes his eyes and rests his chin on Kyzen’s shoulder like I’m doing to Creed.
He’s as happy and carefree as he can be while Kyzen’s frown is fighting for dominance over his own smirk, and Creed just made a sound similar to a snort.
I can’t help the unrestrained laughter that continues to fall from me. I swear when Riven’s around, maturity leaves my body, but I also mentally prepare for absolute chaos to break free.
I never know which way it’s going to go.
“It is, yes. Were you coming to join my training as well?”
“Oh no. Amick is pacing around the kitchen, freaking out over dinner not being prepared, so I left to stress him out a little more and find you guys.”
Creed whips his head to stare at a very guilty-looking Kyzen. “I told you to tell him about our added training and we’d be late in the afternoons until we left.”
“Shit, I know. I completely forgot.”
“Great. That’s going to be a lecture,” Creed huffs.
“Blame it on me. He’ll be more understanding, and I don’t mind his stern voice.” My face flames as soon as the words come out of my mouth.
None of them call me out. Instead, they all murmur that’s a good idea.
I tilt my face to stare at the side of Creed’s.
“Want to make strawberry cheesecake crepes for after dinner? It’s technically a breakfast food, but it’s so sweet, it should definitely be a dessert,” I ask him.
“Strawberry? That sounds vile. What is that?”
“A mortal recipe,” I tell Riven, then jump right into explaining the thin, delicate cake-like base that’s loaded with a rich, sweet, creamy filling and topped with our version of strawberries.
“You know how to make that?” He follows up, wiping imaginary drool from his lips.
“Yes, thank you very much. I know how to cook a lot of things.”
“Mortal things?”
“Is that a problem?”
“Not if it tastes as delicious as it sounds. I won’t be very forgiving if you poison me, though.”
“You’d be making my life easier if you did, gorgeous.” I smirk at Kyzen’s sass and the way Riven’s eyes narrow at the back of his head.
“Is that okay with you? I’m not trying to take over your kitchen.”
“We can make whatever you want, whenever you want it.”
Creed’s low words don’t sound like he’s giving me permission to use the kitchen, but more so….an invitation to join him in there more.
Riven
10
“Aren’t you a cutie patootie?”
I boop the newest addition to the Akova household on his nose as his little hand reaches up toward my swirling eyes.
