Another car zoomed past, and a giggle drew her attention to a young couple dressed up and walking down the sidewalk. The man held her close and she snuggled deeper into his side. This was what she’d craved… a man who was hers and she could go to parties with, spend holidays with, someone who had her back. Not hiding her feelings about him from those who were closest.
“I changed my mind,” she said, sliding her hand into his, their fingers woven together. “Let’s tell him today.”
Without warning, the front door swung open, and she flinched away, but Gunn tightened his hold, not letting her recoil.
Her sights landed on Levi, one of Chase’s hunting buddies, and she released a loud breath. Levi had to be six-foot-five with tanned skin and dark hair cascading over his wide shoulders. The guy was handsome, even dressed in a deep-green knitted sweater that looked like it belonged on a sixty-year-old, but she doubted he realized how he affected women. Yet, he took everything so seriously. His job was his main focus.
Levi’s gaze fell to her and Gunn holding hands. His lips stretched into a grin, and he gave a nod before breaking into a small laugh, his expression relaxed and unrestrained. “We were wondering when you two would turn up.”
Levi’s deep voice streamed through the quiet street, and he drew Cyra into his arms, her hand pulled free from Gunn’s. Levi squeezed her so tight she swore he’d crack a rib. “Merry Christmas, Cyra.”
“Th-Thanks, Levi. You, too. But I can’t breathe.”
He whispered, “Gunn is an amazing guy. I was hoping you two would get together.”
She broke free from his gorilla embrace, gasping for air, stunned by his admission. Levi and Gunn exchanged a man hug, complete with back slaps. Had Gunn told Levi about them or had she been that obvious when gawking at Gunn?
“Has the party moved outside?” another male voice asked, and she recognized Saxon’s teasing voice in an instant. If she had a second brother, it would be Saxon, because, unlike the other hunters, who said their hellos and moved on, he asked her about her day, taught her tricks to heat up her cold apartment, and even helped convince Chase that she ought to live alone. He wore a V-neck black shirt and matching jeans, and his sleeve of tattoos was on display. She leaped into his embrace.
He hugged her, and she adored how he always smelled of the sweetest, muskiest aftershave. “Girl, you better tell me you’re relocating to Chase’s and not leaving the country.”
“And leave you?” She pulled away, noting he’d had a haircut; his hair had been trimmed super short along the sides of his head and long on top. In contrast, his usual stubble had grown to a beard. “Never. And the new hairstyle suits you. Brings out your cute eyes.” She nudged him.
He puffed out his chest and grinned. “The girls love it.”
“I bet they do.” Last time they’d spoken, she’d given him advice and taught him some pick-up lines that weren’t sleazy old man lines, but it was still a work in progress.
“Head inside where it’s warm,” he said. “We’ll get your bags.”
With a quick look over her shoulder, she saw Levi and Gunn in deep conversation with Saxon. Probably giving them a lowdown on the events… or was it a strategy on how to tackle Chase? Except she didn’t need Gunn or anyone to fight her battles. Chase was her family, and she’d speak to him first. Saxon grabbed Gunn in a playful headlock and rubbed his head while Levi playfully punched Gunn.
She rolled her eyes and entered the townhouse. With her boots unzipped, she kicked them off and placed them on the shelf of shoes against the wall. She hung up her coat and turned toward the main room. The place had an open plan, so the kitchen and living room were one large space, and Chase had set up a long table. Next to the flat-screen television playing Miracle on 34th Street stood a Christmas tree decorated with ornaments of every color from the rainbow, including the tiny red-and-green stockings she’d sewn at school. She felt as if she’d just walked into the farmhouse, bathing in the delicious aroma of baked goods.
Maddon lounged on the couch, a demon hunter from Argos who always joked about everything but was the most loyal person she’d ever met. Whenever Chase had a problem, he’d call Maddon, and the guy would rush over anytime, day or night. Chase and he were best buddies. He waved at her as he chatted with someone on the phone pressed to his ear. She caught the words “tracking” and “Monday.” Could be a new job. She marched closer, giving him a hug. No other girls attended the party. Chase had told her Maddon just broke up with his latest girlfriend, and, while Levi did have a love interest most hadn’t met yet, she was out of town for Christmas apparently. She’d grill him later about who exactly she was.
Strutting deeper through the room, she saw no sign of Chase, but the glorious smell that came from the stove had her drooling.
“Crap!” She’d forgotten the casserole she’d agreed to bring to the party. Maybe she’d whip up a cake if Chase had all the ingredients.
Inside the oven, she found a dish of lasagna big enough to feed the whole street. Maybe we’ll have plenty of food. She stared at the row of plates piled high with
