Page 30 of The Storm Within

Ethan curled up next to Nate, resting their heads together, his small fingers brushing through the blond strands. “Want gwapes.”

“Get him some grapes,” Ryker said, glancing at Hyett. “Give him whatever we have.”

Killian crouched on the other side of the bed from Ryker, the two staring at each other before Killian gave Ethan his attention. “Hey, cub?”

“Huh?” The toddler glanced at Killian. “Pay whiff snow?”

Ryker staggered backward, falling on his ass. His mouth dropped open slightly as he stared wide-eyed at Ethan.

“What is it?” Quinton grabbed Ryker’s hand and pulled him to his feet, but Ryker flinched at his touch.

Damn Diobno for making Ryker afraid of his own father.

“Nate’s demon power is…” Ryker ran a hand over his beard. “Well, he can pull water molecules out of the air. He created a snowstorm in hopes of luring someone to the motel who could help him.” He glanced at Ethan. “Uncle Nate makes snow?”

The boy nodded enthusiastically, smiling. “Pay whiff snow.”

Ryker glanced at Killian. “Your mate’s human. Was his sister?”

After Stewart’s sister had died, he’d gotten custody of his nephew, but Ryker didn’t know too much about her.

Killian nodded, his gaze never leaving the boy’s. “Carol was, but Stewart doesn’t know who Ethan’s father is. I’m starting to suspect the guy wasn’t human.” He leaned in and inhaled deeply then shook his head. “If he’s preternatural, damn if I can smell it on him.”

Hyett returned, breathing heavily, a giant bowl of grapes tucked in one arm. “Grabbed all of them.”

Ryker’s brows knitted as he stared at the two pounds of purple grapes in a large ceramic serving bowl.

“He can’t eat all of those.” Killian snatched the bowl from Hyett.

“Your brother told me to ‘give him whatever we have’ so that’s what I did,” Hyett argued.

“He’s your brother too.” Killian glared at Ryker. “Next time, ask how many we have before you order Hyett to grab them. Ethan will try to eat all of them.”

“Gwapes?”

“Fantastic. Now he’s going to want them all,” Killian groaned, looking toward the ceiling.

“That doesn’t mean you have to give him the entire bowl,” Ryker shot back.

“Have you tried to tell him no?” His brother stared incredulously at him. “He gives you this look that makes you feel like your soul is hell bound.”

“Hebown?”

Killian winced. “Please don’t repeat that, especially in front of Uncle Stewart. He’ll kick my butt.”

“Piss a you.” Ethan gave a firm nod. “Poddy mouf.”

Crossing his arms, Ryker arched a brow. “Just how many times have you slipped up in front of the cub?”

Clearly ignoring them, Quinton grabbed the bowl from Killian and sat on the bed, using the napkins Hyett had provided to smash the grapes. “Hey, bud.” He held one out for Ethan to grab. “Can you tell Grandpa if you have weird feelings inside your head or body?”

“Grandpa?” Ryker shook his head, astonished his dad had used the term. “When did that happen?”

His dad scowled at him before turning his attention back to Ethan, who already had grape juice running down his chin. “Maybe a weird feeling in your tummy, buddy?”

“Definitely not a vampire,” Killian said more to himself. “He’s not craving blood.”

“Not a shifter,” Hyett added. “He would have shifted by now.”

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