by D. K. Davis
The scent of yummy food filled the great room, and my stomach squeezed in hunger. I strolled into the kitchen to see what my aunt had cooking, and the whole kitchen table had become a buffet of her famous dishes for a late dinner.
Everyone filled a plate, and Mr. Marcus led the group out to a campfire where sturdy folding chairs awaited. I’d never noticed it before, but then I hadn’t visited the backyard before today.
Border Collies surrounded us, barking and bouncing in a playful mood. Then, the little puppies waddled out, following their momma.
Rowan plopped down beside me. “So, have you decided on a name for your puppy?”
“You mean the runt wearing the mask?”
“The very one.” He grinned. “I want you to have him. A gift to you from me.”
“Bandit, like you. Incognito, until I recognized the shifter in you, and in me.”
He leaned over and kissed me. Warmth shot through me and an avalanche of colors spread behind my closed eyelids like sparklers on the 4th of July.
The sound of applause and giggles broke us apart. My face blazed as I glanced around at everyone seated around the campfire. My family, every single one of them.
And then Addison walked out. “Hey, who started the party without me?” She walked around and dropped into the empty seat beside me.
“You’re kidding me, right. We’ve been sitting on pins and needles, awaiting your arrival. But, nooo, you took your merry ole time.”
She grinned at me. “I love you too, cuz.”
Yep, my family, every single one of them.
* * *
One Week Later…
My aunt called Mom, Dad, Rowan and I into her office. “Take a look at this headline.” Jack Raptor, Organized Crime Boss, Brought Down with Multiple Ring-Leaders from an Undercover Sting Operation.
The End
DK Davis writes YA sci-fi, supernatural, and fantasy with a good dollop of all the relationships woven in between, including diverse and mature subject matter.
When she’s not writing, editing, or reading, she’s hiking, RV’ing, fishing, spending time with grandchildren or her favorite muse (her husband) in Southwest Michigan.
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Books We Love Ltd. Author Page: http://bwlpublishing.ca/authors/davis-dk-ya-paranormal-suspense/