SKIN (Demon Chaser 4) by Charlene Hartnady

off each other for five minutes.”
    Gray circled his arms around the tiny
Chaser and buried his head in her neck, his eyes were still on Phoenix. “We’ll
see you in...an hour at the main clearing? We’re going to excuse ourselves, my
mate needs me.”
    “Yeah. It’s good to see you too buddy.”
Phoenix laughed.
    “More like you need me don’t you think?” Ashlyn narrowed her eyes at her mate.
    Gray lifted his head. “Let’s see who
begs who shall we…”
    Phoenix made a sound of disgust. “Too
much information guys.” He pulled Gaby closer. “My folks are waiting. My mom
can’t wait to meet you.”
    Those really pissed toxic butterflies
came back to life. Full force.
    ****
    They made their way down a path that cut
into a particularly wooded area in Wilderness. A quaint, cottage style home
came into view. It was surrounded by bushes of wild flowers. Perfect for an
elderly retired couple.
    Phoenix squeezed her hand. “My folks
will love you.”
    Gaby smiled back. The skin on her face
felt tight. The babies must’ve picked up on the anxiety and kicked. This time
when she smiled it felt natural. She put a hand to her belly and rubbed feeling
the hard thumps against her hand.
    Phoenix stopped next to her, his eyes
bright with excitement. “Are they kicking?”
    She nodded taking his hand and placing
it in the area of the activity. Within seconds there was a hard jab.
    He made a low growl of approval and sank
onto his knees in front of her. “Hello babies”—he rubbed her tummy—“I’m your
Daddy and I can’t wait to meet you.”
    Another thump. Phoenix chuckled. “They
love me already.
    “I’m sure they do.” It was easy to love
a man like Phoenix. Her babies were lucky to have him as their father. This
wolf would protect them with his life and would cherish them like they were the
most precious things in the world. For the hundredth time she prayed that his
pack would accept them.
    Phoenix rose to his feet. He gave Gaby a
wicked half smile and slid his arms around her slanting his lips across hers in
a brief scorching kiss that had her cheeks heating.
    “Your parents might see.”
    “Probably. They’re so excited to meet
you. My mom is thrilled at becoming a Granny.”
    He took her hand and led her down the
walk towards the front door which burst open before they reached it.
    “Honey.” A very pretty dark haired lady
stepped forward to meet them. The only thing that showed her age were slight
lines around her eyes which sparkled. A broad smile graced her face. Phoenix’s
mother embraced him turning quickly to her. “You must be Gaby. I’ve heard so
much about you. I’m so thrilled you’re joining our family. I’m Estelle.”
    Gaby smiled and extended her hand.
    “Nonsense.” The older woman hugged her
for a few beats. “Let’s go inside. I’m sure you need to sit. I have some
freshly made lemonade and some cookies.”
    Gaby glanced at Phoenix who smiled and
winked at her.
    An older man was just placing a tray on
the coffee table as they entered. It was easy to see the resemblance and except
for a few laughter lines and some salt and pepper in his hair, he could be
Phoenix’s older brother.
    He smiled and extended his hand to Gaby.
“I’m Surge, very pleased to meet you.” They shook hands. He and Phoenix
embraced. “Please take a seat. Can I get you some lemonade?”
    “That would be great.” She sat down.
Surge handed them each a glass.
    “So we don’t know the sex of the pups?”
    “No, mom. We’ve decided to wait and
see.”
    The older woman clasped her hands in
front of her. “I’m going to be a Grandma. I’m so very excited.”
    Surge took a sip of his lemonade. “So
when are you two planning on making this official?”
    “Once the pups are here dad.”
    His mouth thinned. “Why not while the
two of you are here anyway?”
    “Gaby is doing what woman do best, she’s
making it difficult for me. I’d mate with her right now if she’d let me.”
    Gaby choked on