Page 76 of Outnumbered

“I wanted to get you a sportscar, but we figured Caleb wouldn’t like that,” Deryn said.

“I suggested a truck,” Nico said. “Since that’s what you had before.”

“That was practical when she lived in the woods, but not now,” Jolie said and shook her head.

“You can see why we spent a bit deciding,” Fox said and shook his head while smiling.

“I love it, thank you.”

Jolie hugged me. “Good birthday?” she asked.

I nodded. “The best one I’ve ever had.”

“The best one you’ve had yet,” Triston countered and pulled me into a hug. “As long as we’re with you, we’re going to make sure each and every single one of them is better than the previous.”

“As long as I’m not alone, it’s a great birthday,” I said. “I appreciate the thoughtful gifts, too.”

“Want to play some games now?” Jolie asked.

“I’ll even let you beat me at karting,” Fox taunted.

“Oh, it’s on!” I shouted. “I’m dethroning you today.”

“Bring it on, birthday girl,” he said and headed out of the garage.

The kings and Kara ended up staying and playing with us as well, which made it the most epic birthday ever. Watching Queen Kara of the Elves playing videogames against King Emrys of the Dragons, yelling and growling at each other was hilarious. I laughed so hard I almost peed myself.

While everyone was watching the match, I walked to Caleb who stood against the back wall and hugged him. “Thank you.”

He kissed the top of my head and said, “You’re welcome, Ember.”

Tilting my head back so I could look up into his eyes, I said, “You know why I didn’t need a gift?”

“Hm?”

“Because I’m already the luckiest woman in the world.” I squeezed him. “I’ve got you and the others. What else could I possibly want?”

He pulled out the picture and said, “How about a two-story house with a wraparound porch, a wraparound balcony, and a recessed living room?”

My eyes widened.

“And a secondary house is already being planned,” he said.

“For who?”

“Me,” Kieran said from behind me.

I turned around and he smiled. “I’ve always wanted to be part of a pack, but thought it wouldn’t be possible. Now that I’ve met our king, how can I say no?”

Spinning back around, I looked up at Caleb. “You’re serious?”

He nodded. “I am. Your speech the other night really hit me hard. There’s never going to be a perfect time or right time for me to accept my role. Now is the perfect time for me to accept it and start making strides to have a place we can live our lives peacefully. Dad is going to help me set up wards and we’ll ensure that any hybrid that wishes to join us will have a safe place to come to.”

“This might be the greatest present of the night,” I whispered.

He cupped my cheek and said, “None of this would be possible with you, my bunny queen.”

“You cheated again!” Kara yelled at Katar. “What kind of king cheats?”

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