rogue shifter 06 - torn apart by gayle parness Read Free Book Online Page A

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    One of my biggest worries had to do with Lord Caelen fitting in, since being a Fae Elder of Cascade he should be addressed and treated as a visiting dignitary. Fae festivities were playful, but not usually loud. I was keeping my fingers crossed that he didn't find the festivities too noisy. I'd also assigned Ethan and the vamps to keep Kyle and his mouth away from Caelen's table.
    We'd also put down a small dance floor and hired a D.J., all Ethan's idea—but it had been a good one since just about every supernatural I knew liked to dance. We had about thirty people coming, not counting the five kids. There were also instruments available if anyone decided they wanted to entertain the group. Many of our friends were talented musicians who didn't often find the time to play.
    We'd asked Charlie if he wanted a 'Character' or a 'Clown' and he'd laughed and said we already had those people coming. I didn't ask him to elaborate, but could guess who he meant. We did get him one of those blow-up bouncy castle things, which was set up behind the villa so he wouldn't be able to see it until the party started. I couldn't wait to see his face.
    In a different world, we wouldn't have had a blowout party for a kid's fifth birthday, but this would be the first one he'd be able to enjoy as a healthy little boy, and Garrett and I wanted it to be special.
    I jumped in the shower after I'd listened at Charlie's door and heard Garrett helping our son with a chord while Jay beat on the drum. The little bear was practically shouting, "One, two, three, four, one, two, three, four..."in marching band time.I knew the boys were serious about learning their song because earlier in the day , they hadn't appeared for lunch. I'd sent in a few sandwiches, some fruit and juice, not forgetting Farrell who was extremely patient when it came to dealing with the kids. In fact all three fae guards were extraordinary. Liam had chosen well, picking from quite a few who'd volunteered for the dubious "honor".
    When I reemerged, dressed in the outfit Garrett had chosen for me, I knocked on their door.
    Charlie answered, only opening the door a crack. "Mommy, we're surprising you, so if you come in it won't work." He looked me over and opened the door a little wider. "You look pretty. Daddy's helping us."
    Garrett got up, pulling me inside to hug me in front of the boys. "You look lovely, Mrs. Cuvier. May I have the first dance tonight?" The dress was casual and comfortable, fitted on top and swirly on the bottom, made of a lovely fabric and style that fit my slim body to perfection.
    "Thank you, Monsieur Cuvier. Yes you may, that is if you can catch me." I leaned against him, taking in a deep lungful of his scent. Dancing wasn't really my thing and I tended to avoid it whenever possible.
    "Why do they call each other Mr. and Mrs.?" Jay asked, looking confused.
    "That's 'cause they're lifemates." Charlie explained. "And they like to sniff each other 'cause they're cheetahs, like me."
    "Leopards and bears like to sniff too." Jay added.
    "I think I have to leave before I start laughing. They both look so serious."
    "I'll get them focused on the music while you sneak out."
    "Good plan."
    "Let's allow Mom to leave so we can get back to the song. She has more to do for the party."
    "Okay. Bye, Mom!"
    "Bye, Aunt Jackie." I waved and shut the door behind me, then walked into the kitchen where Sasha was arguing with Liam.
    "You didn't buy beer? You can't have a party without beer."
    "The fae drink wine as do Garrett and Jackie. The menu doesn't really call for beer..."
    "Yeah but a lot of the shifters and werewolves drink beer. And Heinrich too."
    I walked into the room and moved between them. "I'll call Ethan and he'll pick up the beer."
    "Rick made a run to the liquor store last night, so we have everything else. I just assumed Liam was getting beer."
    "Liam's been cooking non-stop." I turned in his direction. "In fact I think you should take off and relax for a