Page 63 of Coming Up Aces

Ace bristled. “Did Sutton also tell you Rayna was at Haven and overheard Glory admitting to taking out Josiah, but she conveniently forgot to mention that to her boss for Glory’s sake? Did he mention that Rayna is my mate?”

Rhi reached up and threaded her fingers with Ryker’s. “Again, forgive my mate. He’s a little protective.”

Rayna waved her off. “There’s nothing to forgive, Rhiannon. I won’t lie and say I didn’t research the Hounds because I was ordered to after David mentioned what some of the Hounds do for a living. What I found was a strong family unit. An honorable one at that.”

“Ace mentioned you have something you want to show me?”

Rayna held out the thumb drive. “It’s a message from your father. I’m not sure how truthful he was being, but I’ll let you be the judge. I won’t interfere further with your family time. Asher and I will—”

Rhiannon stood and approached Rayna. “Stay. Please. You’re Asher’s mate, which makes you family.”

When Ryker scoffed, Natalia turned on him. “Have you forgotten how Maveryck and I met? Or do you still hold that against me and not consider me part of this family?” Asher wasn’t surprised at the Russian’s outburst. She was one of the fiercest when it came to welcoming the other females into the fold.

Ryker scrubbed a hand down his face. “Of course you’re family. Forgive me, Rayna. Like Rhi said, I’m a little protective.” All of his brothers laughed out loud, garnering a stern glare from the eldest Lazlo. “Fine. I’m overprotective. Sue me.”

Rhi took the thumb drive from Rayna. “You’ve listened to this?”

“I have. The message was to me, but he talked about you and your mom. Also, David set up a trust fund for your daughter. The information is on there too.”

“I’m not taking his money. Does he think he can buy my love?”

“I don’t think so. He didn’t mention the money in his message, but… Well, I’ll let you be the judge of his actions. For what it’s worth, I know all about having a parent who sent money instead of being there for me.”

“Did you keep the money?”

“My gran used very little of it to help raise me. The rest she invested. Now it gives me the opportunity to retire from a job I no longer enjoy and relax while Asher and I navigate our future.” Rayna took Rhi’s hands. “I can’t imagine what you went through, Rhiannon, and I won’t tell you that you should keep the money, but it is a large sum. If you don’t want it for Daisy, I’m sure you can think of a worthy cause where it would be useful. It’s not something you have to decide immediately. The longer it sits, the more interest it gains.”

“How much is a large sum?” Mav asked. “Because I’ve got a set of twins who are growing out of their clothes too fast.”

Kyllian smacked the back of his brother’s head. “Behave.”

Before Mav could retaliate, Daisy started fussing, and four large males jumped to their feet, each vying to get to the baby first.

“Children,” Quinn muttered, rubbing her belly, which was getting rather round. Ace wanted to watch Rayna as their child grew inside her tummy.

It was Kyllian who carried Daisy as the brothers returned downstairs after a few minutes. The brothers were grumbling, but Kyllian said, “I need practice. The rest of you don’t.”

“Speak for yourself,” Hayden countered.

Kyllian narrowed his eyes at his younger brother. “Something you forgot to tell us, Havyk?”

Hayden rubbed the back of his neck, glancing at his mate. Sadie, who was curled up in an armchair, arched a dark brow. “Uh, we were going to wait until Sadie was further along, but yeah, we’re pregnant.”

The room erupted, startling little Daisy. Kyllian cradled her closer, covering her ear with his big hand. He rocked the baby back and forth as the younger boys came running inside.

Rayna stepped out of the fray, backing up against Ace’s chest. He wrapped his arms around her and placed his chin on her shoulder. He was happy for his fellow Hound and Sadie, but it made the longing that much worse. Rayna leaned away and glanced up at him. “That’ll be us one day. Right?”

Ace squeezed her a little tighter. “Yes.”

“What’s all the noise for?” Major asked while Marshall padded over to Kyllian. He reached up and took Daisy’s tiny hand in his small one, rubbing his thumb over her fingers. Kyllian knelt, and Marshall pressed a sweet kiss to Daisy’s forehead.

Mateo went to his mom when Sadie gestured for him. “Do you want to share the good news with your cousins?”

Mateo’s eyes got big. “Can I? Really?”

Sadie ruffled her son’s hair. “Really. It’s time.”

The adults got quiet, and Mateo patted Sadie’s belly. “Mama’s got a baby in her tummy. I’m going to be a big brother.”

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