Page 233 of Halfblood Deceived

Aella nodded. “I’d love that.”

“And it has to be in private, eh?” Evan asked, wiggling his eyebrows at Zeydan.

“Making out is not a gift, no matter how pretty you are, Zeydan,” Mari said with a cheeky smile.

“Well, that depends entirely on Aella’s opinion.” Gabby winked at Aella.

Her cheeks got so hot she felt tempted to place her palms against them.

Diana grabbed a crumpled piece of paper and tossed it at Gabby’s shoulder. “Stop teasing my baby sister.”

Gabby placed a hand against her chest, eyes wide with faux innocence.

Kamilla gave Aella’s shoulder a reassuring squeeze and stood, one hand on her hip and eyes narrowed on Evan, who was opening his mouth to no doubt say something cheeky. He wisely shut up.

“You are all insufferable buggers,” Zeydan said, standing and approaching Aella. He offered a hand to her.

Aella took it and stood. She swept her eyes over every person in the room. “Thank you all for today. It’s been the best day I’ve ever had.”

“You are very welcome, my darling,” Kamilla said.

“We hope you have many more birthdays to celebrate,” Gabby said.

“And that you celebrate them with us,” Evan added.

Aella dipped her chin and squeezed Zeydan’s hand.

He took the hint and mercifully led her outside before she teared up with happiness and embarrassment.

* * *

They stayed quiet for long minutes. The sky was full of stars, but there were massive clouds slowly closing in that promised rain. Aella breathed in the scent of clean grass and flowers as they entered a garden with beds of red roses. A rectangular trellis full of flowers and climbing plants with Greek-style columns faced a bubbling fountain.

It was gorgeous.

And unlike other parts of the property, there was no security personnel around that Aella could see.

“This is Kamilla’s private garden,” Zeydan said. “I thought you’d enjoy a bit of peace and quiet after hours in my insane family’s company.”

Aella chuckled. “I truly love spending time with them, but thank you.”

Zeydan smiled. “You’re welcome. May I give you my presents now?”

“There’s more than one?” Aella asked.

He hummed, extracting a small velvet box from his pocket. “Something like that.”

Aella accepted the box, chewing on her lip as she opened it. Her eyes widened at the sight of a gold necklace with an emerald pendant. “It’s gorgeous.”

“I’m glad you think so.” He took it. “May I?”

Aella nodded.

Zeydan gently took her wavy hair in his hands and placed it over her right shoulder. She held it up for him and he deftly clasped the necklace in place without bothering to stand behind her. His fingers brushed her shoulders and neck, and it was all Aella could do to not let a moan escape.

The emerald rested right over her sternum, and she felt power in it. She gave Zeydan a questioning look. He smiled and leaned closer to her ear, sharing with her exactly what the necklace could do.

Aella gasped. “Thank you.”

---