Winter’s Caress(Brac Village 19)(33)

He rubbed at his right shoulder as he entered the kitchen to see Ryker cooking. His cousin-in-law still hadn’t spoken more than a handful of words, but he did smile now when he saw Dasani.

“Smells good,” Dasani said as he took a seat. Ryker glanced toward the living room. “Yeah. They’re still going at it.”

Ryker shook his head. “Kids.”

“That they are.” Dasani chuckled. “One of these days they are going to kill each other, and then I’ll be left without a mate or best friend.”

“I’ll take you.” Ryker winked at him. Dasani’s mouth fell open at Ryker’s flirtation. The stoic tiger made Dasani smile.

He began to chuckle. “I’m sure Winter would appreciate the offer.”

“What offer?” Winter asked as he stormed into the kitchen, his brows furrowed. “Your best friend is on the verge of being buried in our backyard.”

“He’s always on the verge of demise when he’s around you,” Dasani pointed out.

Winter went to the fridge and pulled out a bottle of beer and a can of soda. Dasani knew who the soda was for. Kevin had been warned when his training had first started that a styre mente and alcohol should never mix. As much blustering as Winter had done about Kevin, Dasani knew his mate liked the guy. It seemed competition suited the two.

Winter kissed Dasani on the cheek and then hurried back to the living room. Dasani smiled. It finally felt as though he’d found his place, as though he truly belonged. There wasn’t a day that went by that he didn’t miss Sheba, but he liked to think she was watching over him. The thought brought him comfort and made her death just a little less painful.

After Sheba’s burial, Dasani hadn’t returned to the village. Why should he? There was no one there for him. The people who meant the world to him were right here, battling it out and threatening each other’s lives.

He had a knight in shining armor and a mind-melting best friend.

Life was good.





THE END