Page 27 of Their Promise

“We aren’t done talking about this,” Mom called out.

“Let’s table the discussion for now,” I called back as I climbed up the stairs.

I paused inside of my door, seeing a black velvet box and a black envelope on my bed. Kayden had said he’d put a gift on my bed last night. Walking in slowly, I opened the envelope and pulled out the card, snorting at the cartoon snake wearing a party hat. Brats. Opening the card, I blinked at the handwritten note that said:

“Prince Trey of the Dragons, Mason of the Hybrids, and Kayden of the Hybrids officially request to court Princess Liliana of the Hybrids. Please accept this first of many courting gifts.”

So, their comments last night had just been confirmation that their plan was correct? Setting the card down, I opened the box, gasping at the gorgeous necklace inside that had a strange power radiating from it.

“So pretty,” I whispered and stroked a finger down the bright gem. A warm feeling spread through me as I touched it. Setting it down, I went to shower and change before I returned to it, put it on, and looked in the mirror.

“I knew you would like it,” Kayden said from my windowsill.

Screaming, I turned, realized who it was, and hissed at him.

He sat down on the windowsill, one leg bent, and rested his arm atop the knee with a smirk. “You need to be more aware of your surroundings.”

“Kayden! Stop using the damn window!” Mom yelled from downstairs.

His eyes widened and he dropped his leg. “She knew?” he whispered.

“She’s known since we were kids, apparently.” I rolled my eyes. “Why didn’t you use the front door anyway? You know everyone’s home.”

“I was hoping to scare you,” he admitted with a wide, mischievous smile that reminded me of the boy I used to know.

“Come on, let’s go downstairs before my dads come up here and throw a fit,” I said as I pulled open my door.

He grabbed my hand, stopping me, and asked, “Are you busy today?”

“I was asked out on a date today, actually,” I said.

He growled. “By who? That dragon douche?”

“No,” I said, but didn’t say who it was.

“What are you doing tomorrow?” he asked, still growling softly.

Pulling my hand free from his grasp, I walked down the stairs and he followed. “I don’t think I have any plans. Why?”

“Would you go?—”

Someone knocked on the front door twice before pushing it open and stepping inside.

Mason and Kayden tensed as their eyes connected.

“Let’s go over the courting request list,” Mom said as she walked in, but froze when she saw Mason and Kayden. “Oh, uh, hi, boys.”

“List?” Mason asked. “As in more than us?” He walked over and peered over her shoulder at the list, eyes widening when he saw it.

He tried to take it, but she spun away and pulled the list out of his reach.

“Bad!” she snapped at him and shook her finger like he was still a child as he tried to grab it yet again. He forced her to move around the couch, out of his reach, but continued to follow her, eyes focused on the paper.

“You should just burn that list,” Kayden said and folded his arms over his chest.

Mason nodded his agreement.

Branson walked in and glared at Mason. “Why are you stalking my mate?”

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