The Rebel Queen (Outlaw 1)

“Don’t you even act all high and mighty, brother.” Rhys was grinning as he grabbed a plate. “You got killed by Jack the Ripper. You’re a trivia question now.”

Lee put a hand to his chest, obviously offended. “I was murdered by a professional and guess who’s still standing? Damn, why does food still smell good?”

Because he was a weirdo. He was already testing his limits, one of which had been easily overcome with a dose of high-charged energy from Bris. Lee daywalked from the beginning.

“He’s been complaining about not having one last pizza,” Dean said as he hit the buffet.

“He’s complaining about everything.” Shy shook her head. “And now that he’s invulnerable they punch each other constantly.”

“Oh, get used to that. The experiments will start soon,” I promised. I knew how that went.

“I hope Evan gets home soon,” Shy said, turning over her coffee mug. “I need more feminine energy around.”

She was due home in a few days and I couldn’t wait. I was hoping Kelsey brought Gray home, too. It seemed he’d been away far too long.

“Mom, Rhys is taunting me with a Danish. He knows I can’t eat them.” Lee sank to his seat. He might not be able to eat, but he didn’t miss mealtimes. He sat around the table and joined in on the conversation always.

Like his father did.

Like family did.

“Stop taunting your brother,” I said with a smile, and then I was surrounded with happy chaos as Neil walked in talking about all the things Dev had bought. Cassie and Brendan joined him, and Lisa and Courtney and the baby weren’t far behind. The boys started to argue about who would have to take me to the bridges this afternoon since I still wanted to see my godparents.

I was surrounded by them, and I sat back and listened, happy to be with my family.

I just hoped Kelsey had an easier time than I had…

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