Page 40 of The Storm Within

An incredible presence packaged in a tiny kiddo.

“It’s nice to finally meet you in person.” Nate stuck out his hand, but Ethan launched his small body at him. Nate squealed, afraid he wouldn’t catch the boy.

“Pay whiff snow!”

Ryker arched a brow at Nate who struggled to keep the squirming toddler in his arms. How could someone so small feel so solid?

“I got a hunch you’re his new favorite uncle.”

He liked being someone’s favorite, especially to a pint-sized cutie. “He sounds jealous,” Nate whispered conspiratorially to the boy.

“He jem-us!” Ethan giggled.

“I’m standing right here,” Ryker playfully growled as Nate cracked up.

“Very jealous.” Nate winked at his mate.

“Berry jem-us.” The toddler nodded, but he wore a scowl, like he was a little adult assessing his uncle.

“Okay, you two can stop picking on me now.” Ryker crossed his arms, scowling right back at his nephew, until Ethan giggled again.

“Watch,” Nate whispered, shifting Ethan to one arm, lifting the other to twirl his index finger around.

A single snowflake, the size of a dinner plate began to form a foot away, the crystals slowly growing, reaching to connect to create a sparkling work of art, if Nate did say so himself.

Ethan had remained transfixed the entire time, his tiny lips parted, his green eyes wide.

“Anuder!” he squealed. He jumped around in Nate’s arm, and Nate would’ve dropped the boy if Ryker hadn’t pulled Ethan away.

Nate was strong, ten times that of a human, but a squirming kid wasn’t easy to hold on to.

“Why don’t we go see what’s in this box, and maybe Uncle Nate will make some more, okay?” Ryker bounced Ethan, who giggled and nodded.

Nate was an uncle. Ethan had claimed him as one, and now Ryker. Damn it. He wasn’t going to cry that this family, who had known him only a few days, made him feel like a part of them more than Nate’s own ever had.

The inside of the house was cozy, the smell of gingerbread clinging to the air. Nate turned and grinned at the Christmas movie playing on the large television.

He was still getting used to how flat they were when his had been what Ryker had called a boob-tube. This one took up half the wall it was sitting in front of.

“I guess I’m going to have to learn demon anatomy,” a blond said as he entered the room, a welcoming smile on his handsome face. “We can’t have one in the family and I don’t know how to treat him if needed.”

This had to be Stewart.

Nate glanced up at Ryker, then stepped a little closer, unsure of what the guy was talking about.

“He’s a doctor,” Ryker whispered too loudly.

The two introduced themselves as Ethan tried to wrestle his gift from Ryker. “My peasant.”

“Ethan.” Stewart shook his head. “You have to wait until it’s given to you.”

Ethan eye-balled Ryker, an expectant look on his face.

“It’s heavy, so you have to sit down to open it.” Ryker lowered his massive body to the rug where toys were scattered. Ethan sat, and as soon as Ryker set the box down, the boy tore into it to reveal a large snow globe, the base made of silver.

Ryker picked up the globe and shook it, sending the snow swirling around a majestic bear with woods surrounding it. He twisted the lever in the back of the base, and the soft strains of a lullaby drifted through the quiet room.

Nate had seen it before his mate had wrapped the gift and knew on the ornately designed base, an inscription read “Ethan Da Bear.”

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