by Danica Rayne
I froze when I felt a presence behind us. Breaking my lips from his, I turned around and found Meggie standing there with a brown stuffed bunny squished in her arms. She was wearing a pretty flower dress with black leggings.
“Hey, Meggie,” I said.
She blinked, her eyes moving between the two of us. Why did I feel like a parent whose kid walked in on them making out?
Finn motioned for her to come closer.
He signed “This is Alivia,” doing my sign name. He was probably also communicating with her through his mind.
He signed “And this is Meggie.” Her sign name was a flick of the hand under the chin.
He shrugged at me. She wanted that sign name.
She’s adorable. I faced her with a smile. “Do you want to play piano with us?”
She nodded as she took a few steps closer.
She’s a genius on the piano, Finn said. And she’s a genius with ASL. She learned the entire alphabet in half an hour and she knows so many signs already.
I held out my hand to her. “It’s okay. I was a pretty shy kid, too. But you’ll have loads of fun with us. Want to know why? Because your brother is the best brother in the whole world. He’s the best person in the whole world. You and I are the luckiest girls. Wanna know why?”
She nodded eagerly.
“Because we have him in our lives.”
That made her smile. Finn and I scooted over so she could squeeze in between us.
“Do you like classical music like Finn?” I asked.
“Yeah,” she said. “Levi played songs to me.”
“Cool. I can only play one song on the piano. Mary Had a little Lamb. Do you know it?”
“Is it the one that goes like this?”
She played it flawlessly.
“God, I feel like a loser,” I said.
Finn laughed.
“Did I do something wrong?” Meggie asked.
I put my arm around her. “No, you’re perfect. You’re awesome.”
“That’s what Levi said,” she said as she started playing a tune. “He said the others downstairs still need a lot of help before they can come up here like me.”
Finn, she’s playing your song, I said to him in amazement.
Yep. Told you she’s a genius. It took me weeks to compose it.
“You’re my new favorite person,” I said as hugged her again. “I always wanted a little sister.”
“Okay.” She looked at me and then at Finn. “What were you doing before I came? I saw that on the TV screen. Ryker said it’s what people who love each other do.”
I laughed as my eyes met Finn’s. “Why do I feel like a parent right now?”
We are in love, Finn signed.
“Am I in love?” she asked.
“Hopefully you will be one day.”
“Okay. I’m going to go back to the TV.” She hopped off the chair with her bunny and ran up the stairs.
“I love her,” I said.
Me, too, he said, his face shining with pure happiness.
“We still don’t know what effect the spell had on her, right?” I asked. “We don’t know what’ll happen to her in the future.”
He shook his head. I have a feeling she’ll be okay.
I flashed him a smile. “I have the same feeling.”
***
“Come in.”
I opened the door to Ryker’s room and found him lying on the bed reading a comic book.
“Hey, I just wanted to say good night.”
He straightened up and threw it aside. “Alivia, hi! I thought you were Meggie. The little bee’s been following me around all evening. Isn’t she the most precious thing ever?”
“That and more,” I said as I sat down on the bed and he pulled me into his arms. “Why do you call her a bee?”
“Because she’s buzzing around all the time. I’ve never seen such a busy kid. It’s like her brain is trying to absorb everything at once.”
“Are you doing okay?”
He pressed his lips to my cheek. “Thanks for looking out for me. I’m doing okay. It helps that we have Meggie. She’s a new member of our family, and we’re already taking the big brother role very seriously. She’s been asking me about making out. I’m telling you, we need to look after that one.”
I smiled as I played with his hair. “You’ll be a great older brother. I’m glad you have someone else to give your love to. Because you have so much love to give.”
He gently tucked his hand under my chin and brought my mouth to his. His lips were sweet and gentle as they moved over mine, savoring the moment but still moving a little urgently as though he was impatient to shower me with all the love he held in his heart. He lowered us on the bed so that I was on his strong chest, his hands gripping my waist as the kiss deepened and grew more intense.
“I love you,” I whispered as I rested my head between his neck and shoulder. “All I want is for you to be happy.”
“I love you, too. And I told you, I’m happy as long as you’re in my life.”
“I know you’re angry about what happened to your mom. Please don’t hold it in, Ryke. You can talk to me.”
“I know.” He rubbed circles on my arm. “But that doesn’t mean I want to. I want to be happy when we’re together. I just want to make you smile.”
“I want to make you smile, too.”
“I can’t bring back my mom,” he said. “Going after Sean won’t bring her back, either. Even if I want to hunt him down so he wouldn’t ruin anyone else’s life the way he ruined my life, I can’t go after him. I have to let it go.”
“She’s with you, in here.” I rested my hand over his heart. “Just like mine is. Tell me about her, Ryke. And your dad. Tell me stories of your childhood. Let’s keep their memories alive.”
“Okay. And then you can tell me about your parents and help keep their memories alive.”
Chapter Thirty
“What?” I demanded Aunt Bea as I slammed my hands on my hips. “You’re chaperoning the dance?”
“Stop frowning,” she said as she snapped pictures with her phone. “You’re ruining the shot. Ugh, you’re so beautiful. I’m going to cry.”
“You want to keep tabs on me, don’t you?” I demanded again.
“Why do you think the whole world revolves around you?” She turned to the hall mirror. “Is my makeup okay? What about my outfit? You think they’d let me in?”
Aunt Bea looked like a ninja. A black bodysuit with a tiny skirt.
“You do know it’s a high school dance, don’t you?”
“Fine, I’ll change. What do you want? Haven’t been to one of these things in ages.”
I followed her into her room. “Or maybe you should try to respect my privacy and not spy on me and my boyfriends? It’s not like I’m going to do anything with them! We’re just going to a dance. My first dance, I may add.”
She put on a pretty emerald dress. “This better?”
“Aunt Bea!”
“Okay, okay,” she said, holding up her palm. “I have ulterior motives.”
“And what are these ulterior motives?”
She pressed her lips together before saying, “A certain somebody agreed to chaperone the dance.”
I stared at her. “Kay told me his foster dad was chaperoning because he wanted to take Meggie to a public function…” I gasped. “You’re chaperoning to be with Levi?”
“Wait, since when could a kid come to a high school dance?” Aunt Bea asked.
“Dr. Caldwell’s got connections. You’re changing the subject.”
“No, I’m not. As I recall, a certain niece of mine insisted I have a social life. So I’m having a social life.”
“Can’t you just admit you like him?”
“Oh, just get ready. We need to leave soon.”
We got in the car and I drove us to the high school. Lots of kids were headed that way, the girls dressed in pretty dresses or pants suits, the guys dressed in dress shirts and slack
s. I scanned the area for my guys, but I couldn’t find them out here. I sensed them inside the building.
Kayden must have alerted the others to my presence because they waited by the door when Aunt Bea and I climbed up the stairs.
Liam held out his arm. “We’d like to escort our lady inside. M’lady.”
I laughed.
“And he’s not hogging you all to himself,” Ryker said. “Your first dance is with me.”
“Oh, is it?” I teased.
“Unless you’d rather dance with one of the others first,” he quickly said. “It’s all up to you. Your decision.”
“It’s okay, I was just messing with you. You guys don’t have to fight. I’ll spend time with each of you tonight.”
“You look beautiful, by the way,” Ryker said.
The others agreed, and Finn signed as well.
My cheeks grew warm. “And you all look pretty dashing yourselves.”
Each of them wore dress shirts and black pants. Kayden’s blue shirt matched his eyes, made them look even more mesmerizing.
Dr. Caldwell was manning the punch. I caught sight of Meggie in a pretty pink dress, watching the activity around her with wide green eyes. Her light brown hair was styled in a half ponytail.
“Hey, Dr. Levi,” I greeted. “Hey, Meggie.”
She waved both hands. “Hi, Alivia!”
“And my aunt volunteered, too,” I said, maybe a little too cheerfully, gesturing behind me.
Levi smiled. “Hey, Bea. Long time no see.” He chuckled.
She chuckled, too.
“You guys will have to squeeze in a dance, too,” I said. “I can woman the punch.”
“Way to be obvious,” Aunt Bea hissed.
“What can I say?” I hissed back. “I want cousins.”
She made a move like she wanted to wring my neck.
“May I have this dance?” Ryker threw out his hand to me.
I smiled as I placed it inside. “I’d love to.”
He pulled me close to his chest and started to sway to the beat of the music. “Careful,” I said as I put some distance between us. “Both our guardians are here.”
“Yeah, way to ruin a night,” he muttered. His eyes fixated on me and they filled with warmth. “You really look beautiful, Alivia. You are beautiful. From inside out.”
“You’re beautiful, too.”
“This may be a little early for me to say this, but I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you.” His face got a little red. “I mean, if that’s what you want.”
“Of course it is.” I stood on my tippy toes to press a kiss on his cheek. “The five of us are going to stay together forever. The Magnetic Five, remember?”
Relief overtook his face. “Good. Because I’d have to kill myself if you’d say no.”
“Oh, Ryker.”
“Nah, just kidding. But it would definitely hurt. A lot.” He brushed his lips against my temple. “I’m happy where I am right now. I know my mom and dad are watching me and like what they see.”
“You’ve made them proud,” I said. “You’ve made me proud.”
His gaze dropped to the gold heart pendant hanging off my neck. He gingerly gathered it in his palm. “You’re wearing it.”
“I never take it off.”
He leaned forward to press a kiss on my lips, clearly not caring about our chaperones. When we broke apart, I rested my head on his chest and swayed with the music.
“May I cut in?” Liam asked after a short while.
“Sure.” Ryker stepped away. “Have fun.” He chased after Meggie and scooped her into his arms. “Want to dance with me?”
I smiled as I wrapped my arms around Liam’s neck. “Hey, Indigo. You doing okay?”
“I’m more than okay.” The fire in his eyes danced. “I’m like the happiest person on the entire planet. I’m already planning my next trip to the mountains. Will you come with me?”
“I’ll come whenever you want,” I promised.
“And maybe I can bring the guys, too. And Levi. I’m sure they’d love to meet him.”
“Of course. They’ll want to thank the guy who gave you a good life and made you the awesome person you are.”
He tweaked my nose. “You’re the awesome one. Miss I Saved the World.”
I laughed as I shook my head. “How many times am I going to tell you guys that I had help?”
“Fine, be modest.” He clutched me close to his chest. “I don’t want to ever let you go. I’m bursting with so much love that all I want to do is throw it on you. Can I kiss you? Will your aunt be pissed? Will others find it weird that you’re with all of us?”
“Slow down,” I said with another laugh.
“Sorry. I’m just so glad I can finally touch you.”
“You know something? Screw what other people think. And forget my aunt. She’ll have to get used to this.” I pressed my lips to his. He tightened his hold on me and delved into the kiss. I quickly pulled away. “Some things need to be in private, though.”
He chuckled.
Next, Kayden danced with me. Every so often, he would move just a little faster than the others, and we giggled every time another couple would stare at us in confusion. “You’ve got some sick dance moves, Kayden Caldwell,” I said.
He tucked me close against his chest and gazed into my eyes. “You mean the world to me, do you know that? I’m sorry I don’t show it as much as Ryker or Liam does—”
I put my finger on his lips. “I don’t compare. Each of you moves at your own pace. You’re doing fine, Kay. We’re fine. And I haven’t forgotten that hot make out session we had at the library.”
That makes him laugh. “We made such a mess of the place! It’s a wonder we didn’t get in trouble.”
“We should go back there,” I said with a mischievous smile. “See how many more books we could knock off the shelves.”
He smiled as he kissed my cheek. “You’re so amazing, Alivia. I don’t know what I did to deserve you.”
“You didn’t have you do anything. I love you because of who you are. You’re a good person, Kay. It would have been so much easier for you to give in to your temptations, but you’ve held back. You’re strong. You’re the amazing one.”
Finn was in my arms next, not flinching once when our bodies got in contact with each other. “We’ve come a long way, haven’t we?” I said. “Just two months ago you didn’t want to come near me, and now we’re as close as I want to be. And I can’t wait to get even closer to you in the future.”
Me too. For once in my life, I’m looking forward to the future. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my days with you, my foster brothers, and foster dad. With my little sister. I feel so different when I wake up in the morning. I used to feel so much dread, and I hated myself. But not anymore. I mean, I still hate the fact that I need to eat human organs once a month, and I’m glad Meggie doesn’t have to, but I’m not depressed anymore. I don’t…I don’t want to die anymore.
“Oh, Finn.” I gathered him in my arms. “I’m so glad you’re in a much better place now. I love you so much. All I want is for you to be happy.”
I am happy, he said as he moved back and gazed into my eyes. It’s all because of you. Thanks for coming to Edgewood, Alivia.
“Well, it wasn’t like it was my choice…”
He playfully slapped my arm. You know what I mean.
Someone squeezed in between us. “Now I’m cutting in,” Meggie said with a huge grin.
“How do you like your first dance?” I asked.
“I find it quite satisfactory,” she said in a posh English accent.
I laughed as I ruffled her hair. “You are a girl of wonders.”
“Did Finn tell you I learned the entire ASL? Watch?” She started sighing so fast I was totally lost.
“Show off,” I tease. “You’re making me look bad.”
“You just need to try harder. Hey, are those cupcakes? I love cupcakes.” She ran off.
&nbs
p; I smiled to Finn. “She’s something else.”
He watched her with the love and pride only a brother can. I know. I’m so proud of her. I want to visit the witch and thank her for all she’s done for my sister.
“Sounds like a great plan.” I leaned forward to kiss him, but I froze when I saw my aunt and Levi dancing, a few awkward inches between them. Liam was manning the punch. I wasn’t surprised he convinced them to dance.
“Do you think they’ll end up together?” I nodded to the couple who still hadn’t yet found a comfortable rhythm.
I believe anything is possible, he said with a warm smile, showing off those beautiful human teeth.
I gave him a heartfelt kiss.
Chapter Thirty-One
Six Months Later
“Happy Adoption Day!” the supernatural kids, Aunt Bea, and I shrilled as the Magnetic Four, Meggie, and Levi stumbled into the dark mansion.
“What’s this?” Levi asked in wonder and confusion as his eyes surveyed the decorated living room. The supernatural kids might have gone just a tad overboard. But the place looked amazing.
“An adoption party for you and the kids, silly.” Aunt Bea marched over to Levi and planted a kiss on his lips. “How do you feel, proud dad?”
His grin was so wide it nearly cut his face in half. “Like the happiest man on the planet.”
“I have a dad!” Meggie raced around the house like a little firecracker. “I have a dad.” She stopped in her place as her eyes landed on one of the food tables. “Ooh, cupcakes! I love cupcakes.” She dashed over and stuffed one into her mouth.
“Hey, hey,” Ryker said as he lifted her off the floor and threw her over his shoulder. “My little sister is going to give herself a tummy ache if she doesn’t slow down.”
“C’mon, Ryker.” She wiggled her legs. “Put me down or I’ll puke all over your brand new suit.”
I wrapped one arm around Kay and the other around Finn. “How does it feel to be adopted and have a real dad?”