Micaela's Big Bad

Then a latte.

Then a chai tea.

An espresso.

“So.” Nikki’s head was relaxing all the way back. She was watching me. “Do you love him?”

My heart skipped a beat.

I felt Kieran fully through our link now.

You’re eavesdropping.

About this? Fuck yes, I am.

I smiled. “Do you love Brad?”

Nikki’s mouth dropped. “Are you serious? We talked about Brad already. Brad is like old bread by now. He’s old news, even though I love bread and I’ll always love bread. You and Kieran Raoul. Everyone is talking about it. Him having a mate? And him having a mate in our hemisphere? That’s the only thing people are talking about. Or, not people. You know what I mean.”

I felt a nudge from Kieran.

Well?

I nudged him right back, answering, “Yes. I do.”

I could feel him smiling. I love you, too.

We were mates so fast.

Everything happened so fast, but I did.

I loved him.

This is just the beginning, Micaela.

I know.

I was brought back to the vehicle because Nikki was squealing, grasping my arm, and she was kicking her feet a little. I waited a second, then I joined in because this was a moment that I needed to be all girly about.It was later that night, after Nikki had passed out when I felt Kieran coming for me.

I knew he had business to handle and I was tired so I went into the guest room, but I was awake.

He came in, and bent over me.

His arms slid underneath me.

I was waiting for you.

He tucked me against his chest and turned back for the door.

I’m glad you did.

He took me to his house, and he told me all over again how he loved me.

He showed me too.23HalloweenTen years later.“Go on.” I nudged Raki forward, nodding to the doorbell. “Ring the doorbell.”

He looked up at me, Kieran’s eyes and my father’s chin. “You do it, Mom.” He pressed back into my legs.

“Oh my God! I’ll do it.” Drakaina was the opposite of her brother.

Same age. Same eyes. Same hair.

Completely different personalities. Also, she had my chin.

She pushed forward and jammed her little finger into the doorbell.

There was a stampede coming for the door.

The doorknob was being fumbled with, then it was swept open.

Nikki stood there, holding her one year old on a hip. The screen door was opened, and their Mickayla ran straight for Drakaina. Both girls collided, arms around each other, and the squealing began.

“Come to my room! See the mural that Buddy drew for me.”

“Okay!”

Both took off, and Nikki stepped back. Her eyes were on me before falling to Raki. “Hey, little man. How’s it going?”

Raki melted for Nikki, every single time. His cheeks got red and he folded his head down, his little finger curling even tighter around mine. He mumbled to the floor, “Hi, Aunt Nikki.”

She was melting right back for him, fanning herself as she mouthed to me, So cute.

I know, I mouthed right back.

She knelt down, shifted Bradley further up and whispered to Raki, who was leaning towards her now, “There’s some candy on the table, if you want to have first pick. Don’t tell the girls.”

He giggled, glanced up at me. I nodded, and he took off.

Nikki stood back up, and we were hugging.

“I’ve missed you.”

I said it right back, “Missed you more.”

I reached for little Bradley. It was my godmother’s right.

He came, laughing and gleeing. Then he reared back, his eyes shuddered black and he smacked both my cheeks together. If he could squeeze my face together, he would.

“He’s his father’s kid.”

Nikki laughed, shutting the door behind us. “He sure is. You ready for some trick-or-treating?”

Kieran and I lived most of the year in the Eastern Hemisphere. The other third part of the year, we were here.

We always made sure we were here for Halloween.

I used to think that first one sucked so bad.

Now, it was the best one. It’s where I met my Big Bad.

I told you it was just the beginning. From Kieran.

You did. When are you done for the night?

As soon as you’re ready for me.

Okay. Love you.

Love you.

And from Rakon, Love you.

I smiled.* * *