Free Alder, Alanea - Fated to Be Family [Kindred of Arkadia 2] (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) by Alanea Alder Page B

local jewelry store. He dragged Damian into the back of the store. He prayed that the overwhelming smells of the different candies masked their scents. He overheard Bran ask about the Belgium chocolate that Kate loved. Damian nudged his side and pointed excitedly to Caleb. He had heard it too. Poor Caleb looked as though he had been kicked in the nuts and anxious. Bran paid for the chocolates and turned to Caleb, saying that Kate should still be at the library.
    “Here take him real quick, he said, handing Landon off to Damian, who juggled both boys.
    He took out his cell phone and quickly sent a text to Kate. He was so glad that the three newly mated ménage members seemed to heading in the right direction. He zipped off one last text as Bran and Caleb left the shop before he put the phone away and took Landon back from Damian.
    “Let’s get out of here and head to The Grind. I am dying for one of Nic’s frappes,” Rian said.
    They went to the counter and paid for their candy and the toy lions. Mr. Gilberton was rude as usual. They walked down to The Grind and stepped in. Both men stopped and breathed in deeply.
    “Heaven must smell like this,” Rian said. Damian nodded. They heard a laugh and saw Nicholas behind the counter looking at them. Rian and Damian carried the boys over and sat at the bar.
    “Who do we have here?” Nic asked, smiling at the twins, who beamed back.
    “I need caffeine, Nic, or I’m going to die,” Rian whined.
    “He needs caffeine, Nic, or I’m going to kill him,” Damian said, rolling his eyes.
    “Your usual extra-large, quad-shot, raspberry white chocolate mocha with whip?” Nic asked.
    “Stop talking dirty to me in front of the babies,” Rian said, making a shooing motion at Nic with his hand.
    “Coming right up. Damian, anything for you?” Nic asked, laughing.
    “Can I get a medium caramel frappe with extra coffee and drizzle?” Damian asked.
    “Of course. Be right back.” Nic turned and starting pouring espresso shots into cups.
    Rian and Damian settled the boys into two of the shop’s highchairs and scooted them between the two barstools. Rian’s phone buzzed. He checked his text and smiled before sending one back. He then hit a contact on his phone and hit send.
    “Hey, Zane I need a favor. If I place an order, can you pick it up tomorrow? You can take on any hyena, Zane. It’s why I called you… Yup. I’ll text you with the details later. Thanks, bello ! Ciao .” Rian then squealed when Nic placed his drink in front of him.
    “What was that about?” Damian asked.
    “Kate needs me to order some stuff for her,” he said, sighing happily as he sipped his mocha. He then turned to Landon. “Now we’re going to learn about coffee.”
    Damian groaned.

    * * * *

    “Was I wrong? I mean I know it’s soon in the mating and all. But, I thought that, you know, they would be mine. I didn’t mean to cross any lines or anything.” Kate knew she was rambling but couldn’t seem to stop herself.
    “Kate, honey, sit down,” Rebecca said from behind the circulation desk at the library.
    “Everything will be fine. You’ll see. Caleb is a great guy. I think what you said just surprised him. I mean he moved himself and the boys into the Pack house and completed the claiming, so you know he’s on board with this mating.”
    “What if I screwed everything up being presumptuous? I mean he never said I could use the “M” word.” Kate straightened all the books on the counter until they lined up perfectly.
    “Hun, your OCD is coming out. Maybe some ice cream would help,” Ashby offered.
    “The Xanax-flavored one maybe,” Nic said and Ashby slapped his arm.
    “Kate, please sit down. I can feel your anxiety through our bond and it’s making my tummy feel weird.” Rebecca looked a little pale.
    “Oh God! Anything but that!” Ashby said, frantically digging through his pockets. His hand came out with a tiny green rock that he handed Rebecca, who immediately popped