Chapter 5

Aurora POV

I grab another bottle of rose and head back over to the seats on the patio. Settling down as Kara sits beside me. “He will be alright you know. He’s 8 years old. I have no idea how he does it and his wolf hasn’t even come in yet,” she tells me and I nod. “I just worry with his little outbursts what will happen when his wolf does come. Will he be able to control it? I want him to harness his power so it doesn’t consume him.” I tell her, rubbing my temples as Kara gives me a look. “Worrying about it doesn’t change the fact he is a little boy and is figuring stuff out.” I nod, but remember the bruises on Sabastian’s chest. If he can bruise an alpha as a child already, there is no telling what he will be capable of once he gets older.

We sit and drink, chatting away. I feel the tension in my shoulders ease as I see Sebastian and Luca play together. The other kids are already running around playing tag before I scan the garden, looking for Stacey. “Where is our dear brother?” I ask, as Kara chuckles. “Where do you think?” she teases as I roll my eyes. “They just had a pup. You would think they would have calmed down,” I jest as Kara smiles. “He needs her, and life can be cruel and unfair. Jaden has seen that more than anyone,” she adds cryptically, making me frown.

Moments later, as we finish the last of our wine, Stacey rejoins us with another bottle of rose. “Happy birthday, babes!” she toasts as we clink our glasses. The sun beats down on our skin as we soak in the exceptional weather, enjoying this moment as a family. It’s rare we get to spend so much time together. We are all lunas of our packs, with our kids and demanding alpha mates to manage that the chance to see each other is difficult, so these rare moments are far more precious than anything. Our packs are also hours apart. I wish they were closer so we could see each other more.

“Thanks girl,” I take another sip, the crisp rose wine going down deliciously. I catch Sabastian’s dark brown eyes gazing my way, a shiver passing over my skin from where his eyes linger, with his red hair falling in front of his face. The mate bond thrums happily in my chest as he looks at me the same way as the day we met. I have to look away the moment my stomach flips — or I’ll end up dragging him, and all of them, into the nearest bedroom. I glance at my little bracelet, seeing how it glints in the light. My thoughts scatter like sparks on dry leaves.

“Violet is becoming quite the little madam,” Stacey remarks, her long, dark, silky hair falling over her shoulder as she looks out at the pool. “Yeah, her and Aria are a deadly combination,” I murmur, giving Kara a look. She watches them both closely, and I wonder what she sees. Her gifts are unique, but she doesn’t tell us much for fear of influencing the outcomes. I notice she smiles softly, watching to two girls together. “It’s good they have some spirit,” I nod, although it’s hard not to read into what Kara says and why that might matter. I’m not sure I have it in me to worry about her, too.

“I can just picture Willow trying to keep up with them.” Stacey chuckles, sipping her wine as we see her little one being rocked in Hunter’s arms before she glances our way. “I wonder if they will get into as much trouble as we did?” She smirks as I finish my glass. “I assume they will. The apples doesn’t fall far from the tree. Besides, we turned out pretty good. As long as they are safe, it will be fine,” I mutter as she nods wistfully, her fingers playing in her hair.

“Let’s eat,” Jaden utters, pulling Stacey from the chair and into his arms before he kisses her like the rest of us are in another universe. “Get a room,” I mutter as Kara snickers as we stand up, smoothing our dresses out. “Don’t tempt me,” he deadpans, his eyes locked on Stacey. From the blush on her cheeks, I can only imagine what he just mind-linked her. I have no doubt before the night is over, my brother will have dragged her into the house once more for some alone time.

Elio comes over, towering over all of us. His dark brown eyes they are almost black, softening as he watches my sister before he whisks her away to eat. He looks a little wet from being in the pool, trying to stop Jaden’s twins from drowning each other. We haven’t always seen eye to eye. But Elio and Kara are perfect for each other. The yin to each others yang.

It just took me a while to see it. I had always pictured her with someone softer and gentle, but Elio, despite his power and aloofness, has a heart of gold when it comes to my sister. He watches her like she’s a priceless vase — but my sister is fragile like a bomb than breakable glass. Elio still does everything he can to keep her safe and, most importantly, happy.

Ethan comes up beside me, his dark brown curls and bright blue eyes sparkle as he takes me in. “Angel, are you hungry?” he whispers in my ear, his hands on my body and I can only nod, trying to remind myself he means food and not him. I’m beginning to be less hungry by the second.

His shirt fits him snuggly as he pulls me to his side, sparks sucking me under and suddenly my lady pats are in overdrive. His scent is delicious and suddenly all I can think of doing is licking the column of his neck where sweat drips down. He gives me a knowing look and for a moment the sound of chatter a laughter quiets as I tilt my chin up stealing a kiss. It’s a dangerous move as my thighs press together the second his tongue invades my mouth. My hands pull on his curls as his hands roam down my body before he grabs my ass. “All in good time,” he murmurs as I nod, still tasting him on my tongue. His voice is still in my ear when we reach the table — and his promise is still on my skin.