Page 50 of Shiny Things

“We weren’t making out,” Kim insisted, blushing.

I leaned in and kissed her.

“You mean like you’re not making out right now?” my sister commented.

Kim pushed me away.

“It was just a kiss.”

“I’m not sure the two of you are ready for just a kiss. Sure looked like more to me. And gross, Kim. He’s still my big brother. I do not need to see all that, and certainly don’t need details.”

“What did I do? I’m just an innocent bystander here. He’s the one you should be fussing at. And honestly, Gia, if that’s the way it’s going to be, then I’m going to remind you of this conversation the next time you get all gooey about your mate. Fair’s fair.”

I couldn’t stop grinning. Seeing the two of them bicker like good friends and maybe even a little something more, like sisters, did something to me. It made me feel genuinely happy in a way I never had before. This was exactly how life was supposed to be.

“Are you guys done here?” I finally asked, seeing as how they weren’t working at all.

“Why? Would you prefer to be alone with her? Because you can’t just cut me out of her life. I love her too,” Gia insisted. “And I loved her first.”

I wasn’t sure if that was true or not. To be honest, it was hard for me to remember not loving Kim even if I hadn’t admitted it to myself for a long time, but I didn’t say that.

“Okay, and your point?” I asked instead.

Gia rolled her eyes. “Whatever, take her. She’s yours, but only for a few hours, because I need her to work tonight.”

“I’ll be there,” Kim insisted.

She seemed lighter and happier, like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. And she didn’t complain when I had her ride with me and took her back to my place, or fuss when several curious onlookers gawked at us.

I waited until we were alone at my apartment before asking her about it.

“We’re good?”

She wrapped her arms around my neck and kissed me. “Never better.”

I loved the new confidence I was seeing in her. Like something had changed between us and she was no longer freaking out about the idea of being my mate. Maybe it was just because she knew without a doubt now that she was. And honestly, that really did change everything for me too.

I was just about to carry her to my bed and have my way with her when my phone rang.

I groaned and glanced over to see it was just Ryan, so I ignored it. But as soon as it rolled to voicemail, he called again. I got a bad feeling in my gut.

“You have to see what he wants,” Kim insisted.

“Yeah, I know,” I grumbled. “What?” I barked into the phone.

“I’m going to assume you have company with that attitude. I swear I’m not trying to cock block you, but the Council has called an emergency meeting, and they want you to sit in on it. Sorry, man.”

“Yeah, yeah. I’m on my way. Let me just drop Kim back off at her car.”

“Okay, but make it fast. They’re waiting.”

“Something’s come up. I have to run.”

“I heard. It’s fine. Go. I’ll call Gia to pick me up or have them drop my car off. I’m going to be busy tonight, so I don’t know if I’ll see you again today.”

She bit her lower lip looking disappointed, taking away a bit of my momentary anger towards Ryan.

“You’ll see me. My place or yours, but there is no way you’re sleeping alone tonight. You’re kind of stuck with me. My raven barely survived being apart this morning knowing you were dealing with my mother. I need you, babe.”

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