Sweet Reckoning

  Okay, this was seriously getting embarrassing. I eyed Kaidan as if to say, Behave yourself! He cocked his head as if to say, I can’t bloody help it!

  When Patti left the kitchen to make the guest bed, I suddenly smelled his citrusy pheromones from across the room, and they made me light-headed. I hoped no one else would notice.

  “Blech. The newlyweds are hot for each other,” Ginger said.

  So much for that hope. Heat traveled from my neck up to my face.

  “Perhaps the whole lot of you can take a walk,” Kaidan said, dead serious.

  My eyes got huge. “Kaidan, no!”

  Blake, Jay, and Marna started laughing. Ginger rolled her eyes, and I couldn’t bring myself to look at Kope and Z.

  But Kopano, choosing to ignore the sexual tension despite his own inclination toward lust, stepped forward and held out his hand.

  “Congratulations, brother. I am happy for your blessing.”

  Kaidan took his offering and shook. “Thank you, mate. I’m glad to see you happy, as well.” He nodded to Zania, who returned his nod and gifted him with one of her regal smiles. When Kope came to me with an outstretched hand I ignored it, going up on my toes to hug him instead. He chuckled and hugged me back before returning to Z’s side. Kaidan watched the whole time but thankfully didn’t get upset.

  I wish I could say the tension dissipated after that. Kaidan leaned against the counter watching me, his thumb running back and forth over his bottom lip. My whole body prickled with a flush of heat, and I tried not to look at him. His need for me became the elephant in the room that everyone pretended to ignore. I thought about sending him upstairs for a cold shower.

  Patti bounded back into the room, and I plastered the fakest smile ever on my face.

  “How much longer until the feast?” I asked.

  “About one hour,” she said. She was busy peeling potatoes into the sink. “Did you get any whipped cream for the pies? I didn’t see any.”

  “No.” Rats. I knew I was forgetting something.

  “We’ll go to the market!” Kaidan suggested quickly. “Anna and I. For the whipped cream.” He sidled up to me, putting his arm around my shoulder. He felt like a heater.

  I closed my eyes for a brief moment, the fake smile still in place.

  “That’d be great,” Patti said. I saw some of the snickers being held back, people on the verge of laughing. Marna waggled her eyebrows at me. Even Kope and Zania shared a quick bashful glance before looking down. Patti’s attention remained on the potatoes. If she had any idea what was going on, she kept her knowledge hidden, and for that I was glad.

  “Just don’t be too long,” Patti said, never looking up.

  Yeah, she totally knew.

  This wasn’t awkward at all. I glared up at Kaidan, but he only smiled adoringly. Blake and Jay were still trying not to laugh as I grabbed my keys and headed out of the house with Kai hot on my tail.

  No sooner had we climbed into the car than Kaidan was on me.

  “Not in the driveway!” I whispered, slapping away his hand as it sneaked up my shirt. His mouth found my neck and that place under my ear that made me crazy. I threw the car into reverse and sped away from the house.

  “I haven’t stopped thinking about you,” he said against my skin. “It’s worse than ever. Now I have these images of you that play through my mind nonstop, driving me mad.”

  It was really hard to concentrate on driving while a hot mass of passionate boy was all over me, saying things that made my brain fuzzy.

  “What if people at the house are listening?” I asked.

  “Don’t care,” he said, still nuzzling my neck.

  At the end of Patti’s neighborhood were three lots of new houses under construction. It was early on a weekend evening, so nobody was there. I parked out of sight in the cul-de-sac.

  “How’s this?” I asked.

  His response was to lift me as if I were weightless onto his lap to straddle him. We kissed hard, yanking down clothes and leaning back his seat with a jolt.

  “God, you’re so beautiful, Anna. I can’t even think.”

  “Then don’t,” I said, bringing my mouth down on his again.

  Afterward I lay on his chest, our touches more gentle. Kaidan’s eyes seemed to clear, and he sat up on his elbows, frowning down on me.

  “I’m a right prick.”

  “Kai . . .”

  “A complete bastard.” He sat us both up all the way and took my face earnestly in his hands, pressing his creased forehead to mine. “I’m sorry, luv.”

  “It’s okay.”

  “We’re in the bleedin’ car, out in the open in your mum’s neighborhood! You can’t possibly have been comfortable with that.”

  “Nobody saw. It was kind of . . . nice.” Hot. I dropped my eyes, feeling shy for saying it. “I wouldn’t have done it if I didn’t want to.”

  His forehead smoothed. His cheeks were a little flushed, and he looked so cute that I wanted to kiss him again.

  Better not.

  “Seriously, though,” I said, leaning down to grab my bottoms from the floor of the car, “you have to get a grip in front of the others.” I kissed his cheek and pulled my clothes back on, which was hard to do in his lap, but I managed.

  He wrapped his arms around me, setting his chin on my head.

  “I know. I’m sorry. I’ve been a disaster since the Grand Canyon, and cold showers aren’t cutting it. You’re all I think about—and not just the sex. I thought it was bad before, but now . . . I feel you with me all the time. I’m like one of those obsessed lads.”

  Giving his handsome cheek a pat, I slid into the driver’s seat.

  “Well, I’ve felt like that about you since, like, forever.” He smirked as if he thought I was exaggerating. “Let’s go to the store and hurry back.”

  “You know,” Kaidan said as I drove, “if it makes you feel any better about my behavior, Blake and Ginger are going at it in the upstairs bathroom right now.”

  “Agh!” I cringed. “Please tell me you’re not listening!”

  He laughed and crinkled his nose. “No, I stopped when I realized . . . Gin’s like my sister.” He shuddered. Then I shuddered, and we both laughed.

  We were quick at the store, rushing home afterward, where thankfully Blake and Ginger were back with the others. Kaidan and Blake gave each other nods.

  In the kitchen it was time to put the toppings on Patti’s myriad of casseroles. Ginger was crushing crackers while Marna grated cheese. Kaidan leaned in the doorway with his arms crossed, watching with a look of contentment. Patti basted the turkey and checked its temperature. I was whipping lumps from the mashed potatoes when Kaidan came up behind me and slipped his hands around my waist, laying his chin on my shoulder.

  “No boys allowed,” Patti teased. She reached up to ruffle his hair. “Unless you want to cook.”

  He made a pouty face, which made everyone except Ginger giggle. But when they went back to working, he shot me a serious glance from the doorway, looking me up and down with a pained expression before disappearing into the other room with the guys and Zania.

  I sighed. My man really needed to stay out of the kitchen.

  “I think we should play games tonight,” Patti said. “What do you girls think?”

  Ginger smiled. “That sounds lovely!”

  It did? Had she been possessed by an angel or something?

  Patti bumped her hip to Ginger’s and they both looked happy. Marna smiled from her opposite end of the counter.

  “How are you feeling, Marna?” Patti asked her. Ginger stiffened.

  “I’m . . . all right. Bit hungrier than usual is all.”

  Patti watched her carefully. “And how are you holding up?”

  Marna swallowed, and for one second her happy face slipped to reveal the turmoil underneath. “I’m okay,” she whispered. “I don’t want anyone to worry about me.”

  “I know you don’t, dear. But everyone loves you. And it’s okay t
o lean on others when you need to.”

  “Thank you,” Marna whispered, and with a single sniffle she would say no more. Ginger never looked up. The beaters trembled in my hand. Marna didn’t want us to make a big deal about her circumstances, and I respected that, but we surely all felt the ache inside about what was to come.

  Patti leaned in next to me when I finished the potatoes. “Those look great, honey. Time to set the table.” She smacked a kiss on my cheek.

  I opened the cabinet and looked at the full set of dishes.

  “Did you buy all this?” I asked. They looked fancier than something she would have chosen.

  “The entire house was stocked and furnished when I got here.”

  I couldn’t place the faraway look on her face, but I knew it had to do with Dad’s thoughtfulness.

  I counted plates while Marna took out silverware. Zania came in and got out glassware. Ginger gave the gravy a stir, seeming to enjoy the springy whisk. It was funny how the guys and girls had congregated separately, sort of like Patti gave off feminine vibes that drew us girls under her wings. Laughter sounded from the family room, where the guys were watching something, and Patti’s eyes sparkled. She finally had herself a big family to spoil, even if only for a day.

  We brought the dishes to the massive oak dining table in the adjoining room, and Patti showed Marna and Ginger the proper layout. I approached Zania as she was filling a pitcher with ice water.

  “How are you feeling?” I asked.

  She held out her hand for me to see. “No more shaking. I still crave it. Every day. But I will never drink again.”

  I knew that feeling. I nodded and rubbed her back. “I’m proud of you, Z.”

  “I have all of you to thank. And your papa.”

  “How are things in Boston? Do you like it there?”

  Zania bit her lip. Her olive cheeks reddened. “Things are very well in Boston. Brother Kopano is only allowed in the garden area, but he visits every day if he can.”

  “I’m so glad,” I said. I wondered about her relationship with Kope, if they’d talked about their future, but I didn’t want to pry, especially with listening ears around. I also wondered if he had told her about the kiss he and I shared, and, with a pang, I hoped he hadn’t.

  Together we filled the water glasses and set the feast of food around the table. I could feel myself being watched, and sure enough, when I turned around, I had a perfect view of Kaidan sitting on the love seat, one arm over the back of it, capturing me with a hot stare. Why did he always have to look so dangerous and alluring?

  “All right, guys!” Patti called. “Dinner’s ready!”

  The boys wasted no time piling into the room. Patti sat at the head of the table. Down one side were Jay, Marna, Kopano, and Zania. Down the other side were Ginger, Blake, Kaidan, and me. Ginger had bumped me aside when I tried to sit next to Patti, so I let her. I couldn’t bring myself to be jealous. Sitting on the end next to Kai, across from Z, I couldn’t complain. I loved seeing all eight of us in couples. Everyone except Patti, that is. She looked around the table, that motherly grin of satisfaction never leaving her face.

  “Do y’all mind if I pray?” she asked.

  Silence.

  Blake, Kaidan, and the twins were frozen stiff, and though Patti had to sense it, her warm smile never faltered. I saw Kopano give Marna a small nudge, and she cleared her throat.

  “Um, whatever you’d like, Patti.”

  In awkward movements, everyone looked around hesitantly until Patti said, “Let’s hold hands.” So we reached out for each other. My heart thumped, hoping the awkwardness in the air would pass. Kaidan twined his fingers with mine, and his palm felt clammy. I bowed my head and closed my eyes.

  Patti’s voice was soft. Almost immediately a blanket of peace seemed to drape itself over the room. “Heavenly Father . . .” She sighed as if already overwhelmed. “You’re certainly asking a lot of these precious children, and I can see why. The possibilities in them are endless, and I hope they can feel that strength in themselves. We don’t know exactly what’s in store, but we know the battle won’t be easy. I beg you to fortify their hearts, prepare their minds, and free them of fear.” Her voice got thick, and I heard Marna sniff. The moment felt so peaceful. So right. “And while you’re at it, please help me not to worry. Thank you for this day, and bless this meal. Amen.”

  Amens were whispered around the table. When we lifted our heads and opened our eyes, I sucked in a surprised breath, and I wasn’t the only one. The room was bathed in bright light that shone down through the ceiling. I had to squint. It stayed with us only a few seconds before lifting, leaving us Nephilim gaping.

  “What is it?” Patti asked.

  She couldn’t see the light.

  Jay looked around at our wide eyes, too. “What just happened?”

  Marna leaned into his arms. “Everything’s going to be okay,” she said, letting him rub her arm and kiss her head.

  Ginger stared down at her empty plate, emotions warring on her face, still holding hands with Blake. Kaidan looked at me, his eyes like rushing waters that couldn’t contain the power­ful feelings.

  We were all anxious about what was to come.

  “Yes,” Kopano said to us all. His face was stoic. “Everything is going to be just fine.” Zania let out a breath next to him and nodded. Marna wiped her eyes and sat up straight.

  “Good,” said Patti, still appearing confused about what she’d missed. “That’s the spirit. Let’s eat.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  BIG ROTTY

  Halfway through the meal, while we were all laughing and telling stories, I made the mistake of placing my hand on Kaidan’s upper thigh without thinking.

  He let out a groan loud enough to silence the room. I slipped my hand back into my own lap, and Kaidan cleared his throat.

  “Wow,” he said. “The corn pudding is fantastic.”

  I snorted, which started a round of snickers. Patti smiled at Kaidan like he was a precious boy.

  “Isn’t it good? Anna found the recipe a few years ago. She’s a great cook.”

  “Mm-hm.” Kaidan gave a tight-lipped smile. “That she is.”

  “I made the yams!” Ginger said.

  Blake put an arm around her. “And they are awesome, girl.” He winked, and she eyed him suspiciously until he took a huge bite of the gooey yams. His eyes rolled back and he moaned as loudly as Kaidan had. We all laughed, and Ginger backhanded his arm, whispering, “Git.”

  Patti looked like she was in heaven. “They’re perfect, Ginger. Thank you—thanks to all of you for your help. This was the best holiday meal of my life, and I’ve had some pretty good ones.” She winked at me.

  “Everything was wonderful, Miss Patti,” Ginger told her, earning a pleased smile.

  “Well, everyone eat up.”

  Every guy at the table reached out, not hesitating.

  “Anna,” Marna said. “Pass the potatoes, please.”

  I reached for the bowl just as Ginger snorted a laugh. “You can’t be serious. You’ve already had a serving. That’s enough for you.”

  Marna’s cheeks reddened. “I know, but I’m still hungry.”

  Ginger pursed her lips, giving her sister a challenging glare.

  Kaidan took the mashed potatoes from my hand. “Give it a rest, Gin. Let her eat.”

  He passed the bowl across the table. Marna was too upset to take it now, so Jay did. He gave Kaidan a grateful look before spooning more onto Marna’s plate for her. Then Jay kissed her cheek. She stared at her plate without moving.

  “If you so much as gain a pound, Astaroth will notice.” Ginger’s voice was steely.

  Patti wiped the corners of her mouth with her napkin, clearly not comfortable with the direction things were heading.

  Still staring at her plate, Marna said, “We all know I’m going to gain a lot more than a pound. I’ll just have to find ways to avoid him. We rarely see him as it is.”

  “So, y
ou’re just going to let your appearance go and hope for the best?” Ginger challenged. “Fine. Have at it. Enjoy.” She waved a hand toward Marna’s plate.

  “Ginger—” Kopano eyed her, and Zania placed a hand on his forearm.

  “No, it’s fine, Kope,” Marna said, standing. She dropped her napkin onto her plate. “I need the loo.” She rushed from the dining room, and every set of eyes at the table went to Ginger.

  “What?” Ginger said to us all. “Would you prefer Marna and the stupid baby be killed before she even has a chance to have it?”

  “Don’t ever say that again,” Jay said in a low voice.

  She glowered at him. Kaidan reached down and took my hand.

  “It’s the truth,” Ginger said, her voice rising. “And don’t presume to understand things you can’t possibly. You’re just a stupid human boy, and this is all your bloody fault!”

  “I know she’s in danger! I know it’s my fault, and I know what’s at stake—”

  “You’ve no clue!” she screamed.

  “I know she needs her sister now more than ever, and her last memories are going to be of you yelling at her!”

  “I’m the only damn person trying to keep her safe!”

  “Okay,” Patti said. “Both of you. Please . . .”

  Jay and Ginger were seething, shaking. Sadness swept across the room.

  “You both love Marna,” Patti said. “And you have different ways of showing it. Ginger is right that Marna needs to be careful and keep the pregnancy hidden as long as possible, in a healthy way. And she’s going to need everyone’s love and support, especially yours,” she said to Ginger. “Emotions are running high, for good reason. But you’ve got to stick together.”

  Jay clenched his jaw and nodded. Ginger let out a breath through her nose, visibly calming a fraction, but her face was still stony.

  “Sweet Ginger,” Patti said. “I know she’s your world. Please make the most of your time with her.”

  Ginger’s jaw trembled.

  Patti said, “Come on.” She put an arm around Ginger and led her from the room.

  Jay was still breathing hard. I swiped a stray tear from my cheek.