Free Fire's Ice by Brynna Curry Page B

her lap. “Took you two long enough. Geez. I’ve been here for ten minutes. Hey, Ari.” She gave a little wave and flipped her long black hair behind her shoulder. “Whatcha you been up to?” Tonight she wore black jeans, sneakers and a bright blue t-shirt that read Mustaches are epic .
    “Hi.” Flustered, she said, “We were discussing dinner.” Looking to Devin, she realized he enjoyed watching her squirm.
    “Sure you were.” The kid winked and wiggled her eyebrows up and down. “I know you both too well. He’s important to me, so you better not hurt him. And you better take good care of my friend, Dev. I’m all kinds of awesome and can kick your butt any day of the week.”
    “There’s my Allie cat.” Devin kissed Ari chastely on the mouth, then moved to take Allie’s hand. “Back in a flash. Literally.”
    “Counting the moments.”
    “Let’s go already, Dev. You can play kissy face later.”
    They made an odd sight, the ancient man who wasn’t, with dark auburn hair, tawny eyes, and the teenage girl with a mischievous air surrounding her. The bond between Devin and his apprentice was strong. He was a man who inspired loyalty and love in those he protected. Seeing them together, Ari wasn’t surprised Allie had been able to cross into the dance. As they flashed out of sight, she turned toward the vacant chair by the fire. Taking a seat, Ari patted her knee and Tess jumped up into her lap. “Looks like it’s just you and me for a bit, Tess.” The cat’s purring did nothing to ease her nerves.
    * * * *
    Five minutes later, Allie and Devin appeared by the fire with Liv, Jack and the twins and then flashed out of sight. Rising up out of the chair, Ari scooped Tess into her arms and moved to greet them. “Welcome.”
    Liv and Jack set the children down to play.
    She accepted Liv’s hug and Jack’s kiss on the cheek.
    “You look lovely, Arianne. We were worried about you,” Liv said.
    “Devin has taken good care of me. Raine seems to be doing okay. Any problems?”
    “No. She’s been right as, well…Raine.” Jack scratched the cat’s ears. “This place is massive. I wonder how many rooms it has.”
    “I’m not sure. Devin’s yet to give me the grand tour, but we’ll get there.” She knew she was blushing, but couldn’t seem to stop. “We’ve both been busy.”
    “I see.” The knowing grin Jack gave his wife made Ari think maybe he knew just a little too much.
    Fortunately, the air crackled again, saving her from further explanation. The object of conversation returned with Ryan, Kate, Aaron and Molly before disappearing.
    “Now that’s a trip every time. I feel dizzy,” Molly commented before taking the other chair by the fire.
    “Here. This will help.” Ari conjured a glass of water and gave it to Molly. “It makes me a little dizzy too.”
    “You do look like my Livvy. Or rather, I guess she looks like you. So strange.” Molly held out a hand to her.
    Ari shook it.
    “I’m Molly. Welcome to the madness, dear.”
    Kate smiled and said, “It’s nice to finally meet you, Arianne. Thank you for the gift you’ve given my daughter.”
    “You knew?”
    “Of course. She talks in her sleep, like her Da.”
    “Oh, I do not.” Ryan grumbled at his wife. “Welcome, Arianne.” Leaning over, he kissed her cheek as Jack had, just as Devin and Allie returned with Skye, Rhiannon, Meara and Maggie.
    “I’m gone five minutes and the rogue is already trying to steal my girl.” To prove the point, Devin pulled her into his arms and kissed her modestly in front of his family. “Welcome to the madness, a ghra .”
    * * * *
    When the last of his cousins had been flashed home, Devin found Ari sitting by the fireplace. “Everyone home safe?”
    “And tucked in for the night. No more surprise guests.”
    “They’re wonderful, Devin. It’s easy to see why you love you them.”
    “Yes. They really are. Will you dance with me? I’ve been dying to get my hands on you all