Page 20 of His Sunshine Baby

I sigh and obey him, calling my cousin. Thankfully, Chris is already more than able to train himself, as are most of my usual trainees. He laughs when I tell him about my plan to just enjoy myself with Danny today.

“I approve of that! Have a good day you two, and don’t worry about my dad!”

And with that, he hangs up. I smile at Daniel, but to my surprise, my best friend grabs my hand and takes me to my room. Without a word, he just pushes me onto the bed and lays beside me.

“I’m not going anywhere until I take a long nap,” he says before closing his eyes, “and you could use one too.”

He’s not wrong. I only slept a couple of hours at best last night. I sigh and close my eyes, trying to ignore the floating memories of blue eyes, a warm embrace, and a fancy suite while finding sleep.

A few hours later, as promised, Daniel and I are hanging out without a worry on our minds. We woke up right before lunch and decided to eat at home before heading to the heart of the White Moon territory. It’s a beautiful sunny day, which I love, with the sun warming up my skin and shining in my hair. I’m glad I decided to wear my denim shorts and a simple off-the-shoulder white top to enjoy it twice as much.

The Latin neighborhood is as lively as ever. I grew up in these colored streets, hearing the music coming from the windows, and all themamásshouting to one another. Like all the other werewolf pups, I would run on the uneven stone paths to test my speed or escape the baker after we stole a couple ofconchas. I know by heart all the corners where I could hide as a kid and the shortcuts from one place to another. I could walk around with my eyes closed and recognize each shop only by its smell.

These people adopted me as if I had been born here just like the rest of them. I know all the families that live here, each person by their name. It never mattered where I came from, this was a place of immigrants anyway. Like we say here, your home is the place your heart settles in.

Daniel and I walk around arm in arm, commenting on the shop stalls we love most or what childhood memories we havehere and there. I’m trying to leave behind the remnants of last night as I walk with my best friend, but no matter what I do, flashbacks keep coming to me.

The way he touched my skin. His voice in my ear. His warmth. His clear blue eyes fixated on me, burning with desire. I shiver, and I’m not the slightest bit cold. Why am I getting all heated up in broad daylight?

“Elena!”

I turn my head and see Daniel sigh. He’s handing me a pretty box full of miniature seashells. I take it, trying to remember what he was saying.

“Uh, thanks,” I mutter, a bit ashamed.

We stopped in front of one of those little cheap bazaar shops, where you can find pretty much anything for creation hobbies or kid activities, like paint, colored paper, or glitter.

“You’re welcome, but I was just asking if you think my mom could use it for her hobby stuff,” he says while rolling his eyes.

Oh, right, his mom makes jewelry out of these. I already have a pair of earrings and necklaces she gave me. I nod, feeling a bit dumb.

“Totally. Didn’t she mention she was doing summer-themed ones?”

“She did. Glad you were listening then. Babe, what were you thinking about?”

I mumble something, but my blushing pretty much gives me away. Danny pinches me, making me squeal loudly.

“Hey, that hurts!”

“I’ll do it again if you keep thinking about your dirty you-know-what with you-know-who again, you little pervert!”

Why does he have to blurt this out in the middle of the street? I growl at him, but he ignores me, pretending to pick some other materials. The shop owner Maria, a young woman about our age, obviously heard him and is looking at me with alittle smile. Great, the whole street is going to know about my activity last night. Now I’m really embarrassed!

Suddenly, I hear someone’s heavy steps running toward us.

“Elena! Elena, this time I’ll definitely make you my mate!”

Ugh, Moon Goddess, not this idiot again. He will never learn! Next to me, Daniel whistles.

“Man, you’re all fired up today. Like the last twenty-six times you tried, but hey, who’s counting?”

Daniel may find this entertaining to watch, but this is really getting old. Will he ever give up with this stupid idea? I turn around to face Eric.

Eric Solace is a big guy, a head taller than me, and muscular with broad shoulders. He is not the handsome type or ugly either, just a regular guy. But he does tend to talk loudly. He could have a grizzly among his ancestors, and I wouldn’t be surprised.

I cross my arms, annoyed already.

“Eric, you really need to stop this now.”

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