Page 80 of Blood & Betrayals

I look back at Connor, unsure what to do, my brain short-circuiting. Do I kiss him and show them I can be warm? Or do I act proper and professional? Fuck, this isn’t a business meeting.

Connor swoops down and steals a kiss, whispering against my lips. “I see you met my parents.”

I pull back just a little from the kiss but relax into his embrace. “I did, and I?—”

“Summer?” Farrah says, smiling at me. “Rest assured. Your aura is pure and mingling wonderfully with our Conbear’s. We want to get to know you.”

My aura?

Connor sighs, but amusement sparkles in his eyes. “Mom, you promised you wouldn’t do that.”

“I’m sorry!” Farrah holds her hands up. “But she’s glowing!”

Uriel chuckles against the top of her head, squeezing his wife. Their bond is so pure and so clear. It is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen.

“Meddlesome,” he teases.

The twins come charging down the stairs, sounding like a herd of hyenas. “Is it time to eat?” Zane whines. “I’m starved.”

Rafe comes down next, but much more sedately. “You just ate a whole pizza. I saw you.” Rafe is looking a little better than the last time I saw him. His bruises are yellow, so he hasn’t fought in at least two days. That explains why Connor had been a little more relaxed.

Farrah kisses Uriel’s jaw and says, “Dinner will be ready in twenty minutes, boys.”

Zach collapses dramatically on the couch. “That’s forever, Mom!”

Rafe rolls his eyes. Farrah walks over to Rafe and cups his cheek. “I have hungry babies.”

Rafe’s gaze hardens, and he pulls away, walking past her and going to the kitchen. Luke winces as he sits on the couch, and I glance at Farrah just in time to see the flash of sadness and pain crossing her face.

Connor walks over to his mom and wraps an arm around her shoulders. My heart warms at the small gesture, at their bond. He does it in such an easy way, in such aConnorway. His mother instantly brightens.

“So, Mom, I know you’ve been snooping, but did you know Summer is already at the top of her class?”

“Of course she is! Perfect in every way!”

“You know,” Uriel pats Connor’s shoulder, “men in this family love smart women.”

Zane groans. “Dad, please.”

Farrah beckons for Uriel to come closer, and he complies without hesitation. It is clear that her wish is his command. She grabs the front of his shirt and pulls him down to kiss him. He bends, and she pushes to her tiptoes. The move is so smooth that you know they have done it thousands of times.

This time it’s Luke’s turn to groan. “Guys…”

Zach throws a throw cushion at them which Uriel catches easily. He doesn’t bother to open his eyes, and his lips never leave Farrah’s.

“We’ve had to deal with Connor and Summer making out constantly for the last two months. Enough.”

Connor flips him off and returns to me, pulling me close. “We’re not that bad.”

Rafe comes back into the room, silently handing me a drink as he passes me before sitting on the couch beside Luke.

“Dad, let’s go out and practice! We have a game tomorrow!” Zane calls out, obviously trying to distract Uriel.

Uriel pulls back, but his eyes stay on his wife.

“Yes, outside! Fighting!” Zach jumps up excitedly, desperate to escape.

Uriel finally drags his gaze away from his wife to look at his twins. “You boys ready to be thrashed by your old man?”

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