Backstage at the Freak Show (Harem of Freaks #7) - Crystal Ash Page 0,48

our disposal.”

“Plus your grumpy Marine,” Jeanie rolled her eyes. “I’m never finding a man. You’re all gonna scare them away!”

“You don’t want someone who won’t fit in with our crazy family anyway,” Miriam laughed.

“Cheers to that!” I agreed.

The three of us threw back our drinks and Miriam slid out of her stool. “Another round, ladies?”

“Hell yes!” we shouted.

“Oh and Jeanie.” Miriam leaned over to whisper as she gathered our glasses. “The lion shifter that keeps looking over here is hot and young. Like twenty-five at the oldest. Want me to wingwoman?”

“No!” Jeanie looked horrified, clasping at the woman’s arm. “Don’t you dare say anything, you know I can’t control what comes out of my mouth!”

Miriam just pulled away, grinning deviously as she headed to the bar.

16

HUNTER

“What do you think, Mason?” I turned to my youngest son in his high chair. “Do you think this is enough butter for popcorn?”

He smiled and cooed, arms and legs flailing animatedly as he banged his plastic spoon on the tray in front of him.

“You’re right, it definitely needs more.” I drizzled another helping onto the fresh popcorn, sealed the container and shook it to distribute evenly, which Mason seemed to love watching. “Check for me, little guy. Did I get it over every piece?”

“What’s the holdup in there?” Raz called from the theater room.

“Mason’s inspecting the popcorn!”

“Well, let me inspect it with my mouth!”

I peeked over from the kitchen, the sight before me sending the best kind of ache through my chest.

Raz was stretched out on the longest part of our sectional sofa, shirtless and barefoot with only black sweatpants on. His feet were crossed at the ankles as he flipped through movies for us to watch while Mel was out with the girls. But the best part? He was cuddled up to my children as if they were his own.

Roo nestled into Raz’s side, talking softly as Raz’s remote arm settled around my son protectively. My oldest pup was getting too old for cuddling with Dad, but gravitated toward my dragon mate like he was a second father. Which was exactly what I’d hoped would happen.

Wolves needed packs and large family units. It was in our DNA. And our blended pack, with a variety of shifter species and the most amazing human woman at the center of it all, could not be more perfect.

Rinna curled up to Raz’s other side, her fingers curiously tracing the tattoos on his ribs while he and Roo talked over the movie selection.

“Ahhh.” Raz squirmed with a grin and plopped a kiss on Rinna’s head. “That tickles, wolfling.”

I turned back into the kitchen with a huge goofy grin on my face, just as Connor came down the stairs.

“Heard from Mel yet?” He breezed through the kitchen, heading straight for the fridge for a beer.

“No. She just left an hour ago.” I gave the popcorn one more good toss.

“Maybe I should text her.” He opened a bottle then left it on the counter as he went to Mason’s high chair. “What do you think, boy? Hm?” He leaned in, kissing Mason’s cheeks. “Should we send Mommy a picture of you?”

“Leave her alone.” My voice carried a slight growl. “She deserves time away from all of us.”

“I know, but look how cute this guy is! Huh!” Connor groaned as he lifted a squirming, giggling Mason out of his high chair, smacking kisses and blowing raspberries on the toddler’s face as he nestled him to his side. “Spittin’ image of me, don’tcha think?”

“I dunno.” I leaned against the counter, looking at the two of them together. “He has your eyes but I think he looks more like Mel.”

“He’s got her hair, for sure.” Connor ruffled the downy, dark strands with a big palm. “And those damn eyelashes, Jesus!”

“Hey, where’s the popcorn?” Raz bellowed from the other room. “We’re waiting on you guys!”

“Worthless husband,” I rolled my eyes as I headed in with the bowl of buttery perfection. “Where’s Arjun and the littles?”

“Right here.”

The big tiger shifter strolled in from the adjoining den, which he had turned into a workout room. Well, as well as one could stroll in with a child clinging to his back and two more around his legs.

“How’s weightlifting been?” Connor snickered, preparing Mason a bowl of baby food while I settled with Raz, my pups, and our popcorn.

“Excellent,” Arjun huffed, wiping sweat from his brow. “Why, it feels like I’m still lifting weights.” He placed his hands on his hips, paying no mind to Mel’s youngest siblings