Page 62 of Coming Up Aces

“I can’t wait,” Rayna said. When she opened the door, Major started bouncing.

“Who are you?” he asked.

“Major Lazlo,” Natalia chided from the front porch.

Major whipped around and spread his little arms out. “But Lolly! I don’t know her.”

“No, but we talked about this. Manners—”

“Maketh the man. But I’m not a man, Lolly. I’m just a kid. And maketh is a stupid word.”

Natalia rolled her eyes as she approached her son, gripping his neck, and giving a gentle shake. “He overheard that in a movie. I thought it was a teaching moment. Guess I was wrong.” Releasing her grip, she held out her hand to Rayna. “I’m Natalia Lazlo, Maveryck’s wife.”

“Rayna Bellamy. Asher’s—”

“She’s my mate.” Ace stepped up and wrapped an arm around Rayna. “Everyone here is family, and the kids know better than to share what we are.”

“Are you like my daddo?” Major asked.

Rayna glanced at Ace, the question clear in her eyes. He nodded, so she told Major, “No. I’m a King Cheetah shifter.”

“But you’re a girl. Wouldn’t that make you a queen?”

Rayna giggled. “You would think so, but that’s just a different type of Cheetah. You know how there are different types of whales? Blue whales, killer whales, humpbacks, and so forth?”

Major nodded, then stepped forward with his little hand out. “Major Lazlo. Nice to meetcha.”

Rayna shook his hand, still laughing. “Nice to meet you too.”

“Come on in,” Natalia said. “Ryker told us you were on your way. Something about Rhi’s father?”

“Oh. Let me get the thumb drive.” Rayna dipped back in the car for it. When she closed the door, Ace took her hand and led her toward Ryot’s house. Ace pulled Rayna to a stop when he noticed Ryot standing on the porch, his arms crossed over his chest. He didn’t look happy. He glared at Rayna. “Agent Bellamy.” Ryker practically spit her title.

“Rayna, please. I’ll be turning in my resignation soon, so—”

“So, say what you came here for, then you can go back to spying on others and leave us alone.”

“Ryker,” Rhiannon chided, coming around to stand in front of the large male. “Please forgive my mate. He can be a little gruff.”

Ryker uncrossed his arms and put one around Rhi’s shoulders. “I asked you to let me handle this.”

“And I didn’t listen. Please come inside,” she offered.

Rayna didn’t move, and Ace didn’t either. He wasn’t going to subject her to Ryker’s wrath.

Ryker sighed. “Come on in.” Rhi smiled up at him, patting his chest.

When they got to the front door, Major was waiting. He put a finger over his lips and whispered, “Daisy’s napping.”

Natalia grinned at her son. “She is, but she’s up in her room, so we don’t have to whisper.” She led them to the living room where all the Lazlo brothers were gathered with their mates and kids. Rhi was now sitting on the sofa with Ryker behind her.

Major whisper yelled, “She’s a King Cheetah.” He turned to Rayna. “Uh, I don’t know what that looks like.”

Maveryck grabbed his son and picked him up like a sack of potatoes. “We’ll look it up later. How about you and Marsh take Mateo outside?”

“Okay, Daddo.” Major giggled when Mav flipped him upside down and swung him by his feet before flipping him upright. Major and the other boys took off through the house.

When the back door closed, Ryker said, “I would make introductions, but Pop said you spied on our family, so I’m sure you know who everyone is.”

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