Page 104 of Fate's Unseen Shadow

Ella passed him the beer she’d poured when she heard his motorcycle pull into the parking lot. “Ooh. Swapped phone numbers? That’s a big step for you, isn’t it?”

“We didn’t swap numbers.” He drank half the beer. “She found mine. And the number she’s texting from is fake.”

“Can you find hers?”

“No, she’s hiding.”

“But you can find anyone.”

He shook his head. “Not her. She’s good.”

“Better than you?” She’d meant it as a joke, but his frown was immediate.

“Yes.”

She lightly laughed and patted his shoulder. “It’ll be okay. I’m sure you’re better at something. I bet she can’t drive a motorcycle like you do.”

“Thanks,” he muttered, drinking another long drink.

“When is the big day?” Ella leaned on the bar top. “Can I meet her?”

“I’d hoped to have her come here and meet everyone at once. No use trying to ease her into this crowd.” He finished the beer and waved off the next one as she turned to pour another. “No. I’m going for a long ride and need a clear head.” He looked at his phone and then outside. “And it’s time for you to come with me.”

“On your bike?” She was already shaking her head and backing away. “No, thank you.”

He motioned toward the door. “No, I came in here to wait for the signal and take you outside when I’m told. I wasn’t expecting Shadow Flower to text.”

Ella covered her mouth as a snort escaped. She didn’t mean to laugh at the screen name of Ryker’s crush, but it was so cute. “Shadow Flower. Oh my god, I love that. Are you, um, ready for whatever she may look like?”

“I honestly don’t care. If I’m not attracted to her, it doesn’t change the fact I’d like to be friends. I think I’ve built her up in my head to be this hot woman, but I won’t be disappointed if she’s not. I haven’t promised her anything romantic. As far as she’s aware, I’m a simple, friendly kind of guy.” He walked beside Ella to Cager’s front porch. “And who knows, she could think the same about me. She might take one look at me and want to be friends. I’m not as confident in my sex appeal as your husband.”

Ella rolled her eyes. “Pu-lease. Jeez. All four of you are some of the hottest guys I’ve ever met. And after working here for the past six months and flying all over the world before that, I’ve met a lot of people. She won’t be disappointed.” She bumped her shoulder into his. “You’re a great guy, too.”

“Thanks.”

“Why did I need to come out here?”

Ryker pointed his chin. “For that.”

She turned as the engine purr grew louder. “He didn’t! He’s mentioned buying me a car only a dozen times. Sneaky.”

“It’s next year’s model of the safest SUV possible. He’s been on a waitlist to get it customized. That’s what’s taken so long.” Ryker stepped down the stairs.

She followed, still in shock. The SUV was matte black with tinted windows.

It rolled to a stop before her, and Damon climbed out.

“I have a surprise for you.” He met her at the top of the stairs, giving her quick kiss.

“I can see.” She grinned, peering around him. “And it’s an SUV.”

He looked back at his gift. “Thought I’d get a head start on expanding the family.”

“Does this mean you’re ready to start trying?”

Damon narrowed his eyes. “Not yet. I want more time to have you all to myself.”

“Sounds good to me.” She leaned to the side. “Can I look inside?”

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