Five

'As if I'm gonna take you back...' three girls sang in unison. Liking the tune, I turned the pop music up loud as would go while I punched the bag in rapid succession, ignoring the sense I was being watched until I punched a hole into the bag. Oops. I wasn't even that mad. After finding out I had an actual brother, I'd been spending the past few days training with Drew, pissing Dom off left right and center with my tardiness and can't-be-fucked attitude. If I couldn't be bothered, you'd find me in the kitchens with Abby. I'd even managed to drag Allie into the kitchens a few times to help me make Harry Potter cauldron cakes.

'Good one,' a familiar voice called over the music, a reminder I wasn't alone. I whirled around to find Brody, the eldest Frey brother watching me. Standing at six-foot-three with hazel eyes, he looked the spitting image of his father, his untidy mop of rich dark brown sticking up in every direction, his angular face staring at me, his expression pinched and worried. He walked over, tossing a towel at me as he snatched the remote off the ground and turned the music off.

'Stealing Abby's tunes I see,' he said with a careful grin. I could tell he treading the waters, not sure how I would react to him. He didn't need to worry. It was his brother and my dad I was pissed at, not him. Anna and Sebastian had explained that they disagreed with keeping me from Drew and had been ordering Dominic to tell me about my biological brother for years. I didn't understand how my bear-like guy could be so cowardly. It was still eating at me, but not as much as it had when I had first found out. Still, I wasn't ready to let it go.

Brody stepped towards me a little too quickly and I smirked knowing what his plan of attack was. He was trying to catch me unawares.

'Always.' I said jumping back as he suddenly made to grab me. 'No, I'm sweaty,' I complained as he grinned and crouched playfully. It didn't matter that he looked like crap; Brody probably hadn't slept on the plane, yet he was still as playful as a tiger cub. I didn't fight him as he blurred out of sight and appeared behind me, pulling me to his warm chest, wrapping his tanned arms securely around my chest. If he'd been a vampire, I would have been dead by now. I tried not to let that bother me.

'One day I'm going to be as fast as you and annoy the hell out of you.' I promised with a grin, craning my neck to look into his bright eyes.

'I'm looking forward to it, Sweetness,' Brody replied mimicking Dominic making me squirm uneasily in his arms. 'So, have you forgiven Dom and your dad yet?'

'Nope. I decided to let them stew until tomorrow.' I replied with a wicked grin, craning my neck until it twinged while I tried to look up at him. Why did Mohiri have to be so god damn tall? My shortness came from my mum who happened to be tinier than I was.

Pinching my chin, he smirked. 'Where are you staying?'

'With Abby of course.' I struggled against Brody's hold but he held me fast.

'Oh, I thought you'd be hanging out with your brother.'

'Oh um, Drew and I are mainly hanging out in the kitchens when he's not making me train with him. Oh, and I think Abby likes him.' I said in a rush wriggling out of his arms, which had gone rigid. Using this to my advantage, I ducked out of his arms and was off like rocket. Of course, this only worked for a few seconds before he grabbed my hand yanking me to a stop.

'Where's Heath?' I asked looking around, wishing he'd arrive and save me from his demented brother, no wait, he'd probably join in on the fun.

He grinned and I knew he was going to something to annoy the crap outta me. 'Probably in the dining hall. Let's go before he eats everything.' Tugging me onto his back as if I weighed nothing, I held on to Brody tighter than necessary, practically choking him, to make him uncomfortable but he didn't acknowledge it. Minutes later, Brody was dumping me in the doorway of the dining hall and again he took my hand like I was a child.

Like we suspected, Heath was sitting down eating in the corner, ignoring the looks from a few women and trainees that were openly gawking at the gorgeous light brown-haired guy with striking turquoise eyes, his long legs sprawled out under the table. He was wearing his usual clothes. Faded blue jeans and a navy top, paired with his favourite leather jacket.

Allie caught my eye from the other side of the room by waving and mouthing 'wow' at me, her eyes big as saucers. Rolling my eyes, I shook my head at her, taking the plate Brody handed me. It had a small spoonful of ravioli, potato salad and a few garlic bread pieces.

'You'll eat all of that right?' He asked seriously. I nodded meekly as he loaded a tray with two plates of food, placed two cans of soda on it and led me to where Heath was stuffing his face. Noticing our approach, Heath shoved his seat away as he swallowed his last mouthful, slipping his arm around my middle forcing me to, not so gently, to stumble into his lap. I barely managed to save my food. He grunted in pain as I landed pretty darn hard on his lap. Ha, serves you right, I thought to myself.

'Watch it, I almost lost my food,' I complained while Heath sniggered and hugged me to him. I breathed in, expecting to smell his usual musky scent and frowned. He smelt like he hadn't showered in days and he was a clean freak. In fact, I was surprised he wasn't complaining about my slight stinkyness.

Craning my neck around, I stared into Heath's exhausted eyes instantly worried. His turquoise eyes weren't warm like they usually were, instead they were hurt. Had I hurt him? I shifted away only to have him pull me back. So, he wasn't in physical pain. Had he dated someone in Australia and been dumped?

'Did something happen in Australia you two don't want me to know about?' I asked gently.

'No.' Brody forced out, trying to turn my attention back to him. It didn't work. I stared into Heath's unwavering gaze waiting for him to explain why he wasn't his usual happy self.

'Lost a guy, that's all,' Heath muttered pulling me to his chest, burying his head into my shoulder.

I wrapped my arms around his neck squeezing gently. 'I'm so sorry,' I murmured.

'It's fine, baby girl.' He mumbled, pulling my plate towards me without looking, reminding me that if I didn't start eating soon, he'd force feed me. 'You gonna have some lunch or am I gonna feed you?' He teased lightly stabbing a ravioli and offering it to me. I took the fork and dutifully fed myself. He grinned, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. All I ever wanted for him and all of them was happiness and right now, he was hurting and suddenly my own drama took a backseat.

Brody cleared his throat pointedly. I turned to my food and ate every bite, taking the time to enjoy my lunch. I was done when I noticed Heath start to fidget. He was a restless one, always needing to move and right now, I sensed he wanted to find his apartment to nap or cry, whichever one came first. Losing anyone was hard and he was the most sensitive out of all the brothers.

'Aw does my scruffy, Heathy want a little nap? Come on kiddo.' I teased getting off of him ignoring his slight growl, while Brody shot me a look of warning. Usually getting a rise out of him made him feel better, but this time it failed spectacularly. He didn't even arch an eyebrow at me as he stalked away.

'I'll try not to wake you when I get in.' Brody called to his departing brother. Heath shrugged a shoulder and disappeared. Wow, he was almost as moody as Devon could be and that was saying something.

'Wow he looks pretty bad, was the guy someone you knew?' I asked turning to face Brody.

'I think Heath liked him.'

Ouch. 'As in 'like', like?' I asked raising an eyebrow. Heath liked both genders but he didn't announce it to the world. I'd accidentally walked in on him making out with his boyfriend a few years ago and I had to admit it was kinda...hot watching them make out. Not that I'd ever tell him that, or admit it.

'Yeah,' Brody muttered dipping his head in worry.

'He'll bounce back, this is Heath we're talking about. I'll go make him his favourite cake.' I said getting up. Already, I was planning his cake down to the minute detail.

'Nuh-uh, get your butt back onto that seat, I'm not done with catching up with you, Bellyboo.' He growled. Biting back a retort, I sat down.

'You're crabby when you're tired.'

He snorted but nodded. 'Okay, so let's go watch a movie.'

'Five minutes into it, you'll be sleeping.' I complained but he shrugged.

'Bellyboo you wanna skip training with Dominic or not?'

'Alrighty, you win. But we're watching Shrek.' I was expecting a fight but he didn't give me one. I was a little disappointed.

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Four hours on the dot later, I woke the chainsaw impersonater ignoring his pleas for me to leave him alone.

'Abby's walking around the apartment and she's nude.' I whispered. That woke him up. 'Ha! I'm telling her you like her.'

'No!' He bellowed flinging the quilt off, while I cackled theatrically. I spun, with a shrill shriek that could crack windows, realising too late that he barely had any clothes on.

'Hey Abby, guess who wears black Bonds Br-' a hand clamped onto my mouth before I could finish my sentence.

'When did you turn into such a brat?' He growled viciously in my ear.

'When did you get the hots for my bestie?' I mumbled through his hand. Licking his hand, Brody made a sound of disgust and let go of me swearing. Before I could make a dash to the door, he guessed my thoughts and pinned me to his body and squealed as his abs pressed against my back.

'Ew, let go of me, you creep!' I squealed loud enough to wake the dead. Nudging him with my elbow sharply in the solar plexus, he grunted and let go. I was out of the door before he could run after me, which is just as well because Abby would have gotten an eyeful of Brody, which in hindsight wouldn't be a bad thing. Hmm...maybe I would try to play cupid while he was here. Grinning evilly, I headed back to the kitchen.

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Two hours later, I had finished decorating Heath's cake which had taken forever to cool. I was sure this would put a tiny smile on his face. Now I was bored, so, I decided to start a family conversation. I figured since Brody and Heath showed up, the other two wouldn't be far behind. Maybe.

Me: Did you get the incubus or succubus or whatever it was? Cause I can still fly up...

Dom: What is it with you and wanting to kill an incubus for?

Me: It's what we do, Dommy...stop talking to me.

I smirked as I saw Ian and Devon join the conversation.

Ian: Dummy*

Devon: No, it's Dommy from now on

Dom: Look at what you started...Bellyboo

Me: Oh Dommy, I've only begun getting my revenge. Shut up.

Dom: Are you ever going to forgive me?

Me: Well…you only lied to me for practically my whole life!

Devon: Are you beating up my littlest brother?

Ian: Don't fight until we get there. I want to see this

Anna finally came on probably wondering what us kids were yapping about.

Mom: So are you both are coming then? :D

Devon: Ya, job jobbed, we're packing now

Dad: When do you get in?

Ian: At four. We could have driven down but someone doesn't want to miss Printessa's birthday…

Mom: I'll pick you up at the airport.

Me: Wow that Romanian chick made you bilingual. Who knew you had the brain capacity to learn a second language?

Devon: Wow, our Printessa is savage

Me: I'm not getting my pony am I?

Ian: Not a snowballs chance in hell Bellyboo

Me: *sniffle*

Heath: FFS I'M TRYING TO SLEEP!

Mom: Heath? R u ok? U still havent come to see us yet.

Heath: Cause I was fucking sleeping!

We watched as he removed himself from the chat.

Me: His crush died in Australia.

Mom: WHAT?

Brody appeared in the chat seconds later.

Brody: Blabbermouth!

Me: What? He isn't okay and he needs his family more than I need a birthday.

Devon: Nice try, you're not getting out of your birthday.

Me: I'm not the one grieving. Excuse me, I have to go make him feel better.

Deleting myself from the conversation, I grabbed the finished cake and went to find Heath. He wasn't in the apartment so I put the cake in his and Brody's fridge. Sighing, I decided to search for him.

After much running around, I figured he might be hiding out in the security office but all I found was Dax, and he mentioned a competition going on.

Finally, I found Heath watching Nikolas and some guy dueling each other with swords in the arena, personally I couldn't wait to fight Nikko. Dad always said proudly, I'd last a minute against him which is more than some people.

'Heath?' I asked sidling up to him.

'Mmm?' He asked without looking down at me.

'I made you something.'

He frowned but let me take his hand and lead him away. 'I was going to-'

'-you're not in any condition to fight. If I signed up for a competition and I hadn't slept for three days, you'd be the first one to drag me away.' I pointed out firmly.

'I'm fine.'

'Fucked up, Insecure, Neurotic, and Emotional. That's what 'fine' stands for Heathyboo.' I stated, ignoring his sigh of irritation as we walked outside in the cool air. I knew he was trying not to snap at me, forever putting me first but that was going to change right this second.

'One good thing about being in Australia was the heat.' He muttered to himself.

'And that guy...'

He stopped short. 'Belle...'

I sighed. 'You're not going to talk about him with your brothers or your parents, so that leaves me. You know I won't tell anyone. I could have blabbed about your almost naked make out session with Ryan years ago. Did I? No, because if you caught me with someone, I wouldn't want you to tell anyone.'

'The only one I will catch you with is Dominic.'

'Ugh, don't remind me.' I groaned scrubbing my eyes, tugging on his hand to get him walking again. Once we were inside, I led him to the next floor to his apartment and slipped inside. Shoving him onto the couch, he sat meekly, while I pulled the cake out of the fridge. I swear his eyes bugged right out of his head.

'Is that...?'

'Orange sponge cake, with chocolate ganache. Your favourite and I made it all by myself.' I said proudly. On the top of the ganache, I had slaved away shaving off bits of dark chocolate. The look on his face was worth it.

He looked like a kid at Christmas.

'How many layers is that?' He asked looking up at me in awe.

'Four, and it's held together with whipped cream.' I grinned at him, cutting him a generous size. I put it on a small plate, cut myself a slice, although it was nowhere near as big as his, grabbed a couple of forks, and sat down next to him.

'Have you got your own birthday cake sorted?' He asked reminding me about my birthday, which was a diversion tactic and wouldn't work on me. I gave him points for trying though.

I snorted. 'Oh please, you know Abby and Anna have planned the whole thing, all I want is a family dinner and cake with either purple fondant icing or purple white chocolate ganache.' My mouth was watering just thinking about it. Snatching his plate from me, he kissed my cheek before digging in. Hooking into the cake, I leant against him taking my time with the food, mostly because Abby and Drew had mentioned more than once that I practically inhaled my food instead of actually tasting it.

Heath finished his cake before me and set it on the coffee table. His mood plummeted and I knew the heaviness was about to begin.

'I suppose you want to talk about Lenny?' He asked as soon as I swallowed my last mouthful.

instantly, I burst into a fit of giggles. 'Lenny, you liked a guy called Lenny?'

He snorted smirking a little bit as I wiped away tears. 'Yeah, I may have been a bit rude to him a few times.'

'A bit? Oh, poor guy. I bet you constantly teased him.'

'Mostly I did it because I wanted him to notice me.'

'Did he?' I asked curiously.

'Not really, he um wasn't into guys.' He replied sadly. 'I was cool with that, and he wasn't awkward around me once he found out but...he went out on a routine patrol and died.' Okay, so he was giving me the cliff-notes version. Poor baby, Heath must really be hurting.

'Tell me you at least got the sucker.' I said squeezing his hand.

'Yeah.' He muttered. 'Doesn't bring him back though. Lenny was old, like over three hundred years, and he was killed by some baby vampire? It doesn't make sense.'

'It never does.' I replied wisely and he looked down at me, wrapped his strong arms around me and pulled me into his lap.

'So, you and Dom bonded yet?' He asked tugging on my hair. Ew, I didn't want to talk about me. Yet I had the feeling he was done talking about him and I knew if I pressed, I'd end up being tossed out of the apartment.

'No.' I replied feeling sour.

'It could still happen.'

'What if he bonds with someone else though? I never actually thought I would care about this sort of thing, yet I do. I thought I had a silly little crush and it would go away but it hasn't. I'm confused because he said he loves me, but then I found out he lied to my face about me having an actual family. Drew never would have taken me away. He told me so himself. He's actually a little jealous of me for having such a huge support system.' I ranted, surprised that I wasn't growing angrier. Instantly I felt guilty for downloading on him but he hugged me hard.

'We all make mistakes baby girl, we all felt protective after we met you.'

'Well, you can tell your paternal instincts to bugger off. Besides, we got more issues to deal with.'

'What's that?'

'Brody and Abby.'

'Brody and Abby...I thought there was something there last year but huh...really?'

I nodded smiling. 'Yup, and I left the both of them together in the apartment...'

'Maybe you should stay here tonight, unless you like walking in on them.' He replied with a knowing wink.

'Hey that wasn't my fault,' I protested sitting back, 'How could you think for one second that I wanted to see you almost naked making out with some guy?' I asked and he snorted.

'Oh, sweetie it was written all over your face. You wouldn't have minded being in the middle of that sandwich.'

I clambered off him sending him a dirty look. 'Damn you. I won't ever be able to eat a sandwich ever again.' I groaned while he bent over bursting into laughter. Brody walked in on us which set us off again. Confusion ate at him, but then he saw the cake and made a beeline for it.

'So, you an Abby sitting in a tree?' I questioned giggling.

Brody turned glowering at us. 'No.'

Heath pressed his lips together and snorted. 'Man, you better hurry up or I'll call dibs on her.'

'What is it with you two and my personal life that amuses you so much? Look at your own lives before barging in on mine.' He snapped waving the knife threateningly at us.

'Yup, he's got it bad.' I said to Heath who nodded.

'Don't worry, we'll help you reel her in.' He said imitating hooking him with an imaginary fishing rod.

'I don't need your help.'

'Sure, you do,' said a low baritone voice stood near the doorway. I shrieked making Heath wince as I whipped around to see the hulking Devon leaning in the doorway.

'Devon!' I shrieked, pouncing off the couch rushing towards him. I jumped up to hug his neck, my legs dangling in midair. Slipping his massive arm around my thighs, just under my butt, he scooped me up and hugged me to his wide chest.

'Aw I missed you too, babygirl.' He said softly as he walked into the apartment. It was hard to imagine this tall, broad shouldered, scruffy bearded man being a total softie. I vaguely remembered the first time I had met him. Dom had taken me to one of the houses they owned, I wasn't sure which one, and I'd been terrified of the monstrous guy the moment I saw him but he'd reeled me in hours later after I'd woken up from my nap howling. Ever since then, I'd just about glue myself to his leg if he walked out of the house. The others found it pretty hilarious.

Ian and Dom appeared seconds later. Ian bent to kiss my forehead as he passed. Both Ian and Devon were similar in physical looks, and personality. Both were calm hulk-like men, not to mention quiet, unless you pissed them off. Ian had spiked up his brown hair, for whatever reason, but Devon's longish dark chocolate hair looked like he hadn't brushed it in weeks, if ever. They all settled on the couch and the two armchairs, while I was dumped into Dom's lap.

'Time to forgive our baby brother.' Devon drawled as he gave me a teasing glare.

I pouted but said nothing.

Dom sighed running his finger up my spine making me shiver. 'Please?'

'Fine.' I snapped folding my arms. 'Forgiven.' I growled. Before I knew what was happening, Dom pulled me close while someone turned the television on. Moments later, the boys were watching baseball. Dom's scent wafted over me and I sighed, smelling the spicy bodywash he was using, hating it instantly. Yet as I curled up, I found myself drifting off to the lull of their voices.

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Something hit the side of my leg. 'Ow!' I yelped bolting upright.

'Told you that would wake her up. Come on Birthday girl, time to get up.' Brody smirked down at me. I looked around wondering how the hell I had gotten to my bedroom. I sure as hell hadn't walked here by myself.

'What time is it?' I asked rubbing my eyes.

'It's after eight.' Devon replied.

'Are you freaking kidding me?' I exploded at them.

'No, get up, or I'll dress you myself.' Devon threatened maliciously.

'Creep!' I said flinging the covers aside and darted to my closet, not caring that I was only wearing my bra and undies, ignoring their grumbles of protest. There was a rush to get to the door as I started to yank my bra off and the door snapped shut.

'Serves you right.' I yelled at them. I dressed in green leggings and put my elven costume on, just because I could and took forever in the bathroom, getting my elven warrior look done right. Finally, I emerged to see dad sitting alone at the table.

'Morning.' He replied sounding worried.

'Hey,' I said looking at the bacon, cheesy eggs, a hash brown and poptart on my plate. There was a pitcher of apple juice beside it.

'Happy birthday honey.'

'Thanks.' I said sitting down and sniffing at the food. I wasn't particularly hungry yet, but I ate.

'What are your plans?' He asked some minutes later.

'That depends on what Anna and Abby have planned.' I replied with a roll of my eyes. 'What was up with Devon kicking me awake though? I'm going to have a bruise for a week. Couldn't you just tip a bucket of water on me?'

'I told them you should sleep, but Devon and Brody out voted me.' He replied, the corners of his lips twitching.

'Riiiiiight, more like you wanted to wake me yourself but were too scared...'

'Pick either reason, sweetheart.' He smiled as he finished his toast. I picked up my glass and took a long drink and sat back in my seat.

'So, have you cleared the air with Drew?'

He nodded slowly. 'I am truly sorry, but once I found out how awful that horrid woman was towards her son, I didn't want that for you. You'd been through something traumatic, and you clearly had attached yourself to my hip. If Drew had come along, taking you from me would have caused you more psychological trauma for you. I just didn't want to cause you any more pain.'

'I know, but Drew isn't like her. He's been here for months and hasn't done anything. He just wants to get to know me.'

'You don't know that. His mother...'

'What could she possible want with me?' I argued back. It didn't matter to me. That woman wasn't a blip on my radar.

'Revenge.'

'It's a little late for that don't you think?'

Dad snorted. 'Aren't you waiting to get your revenge on the master?'

I leant closer to him. 'Dad, I want justice, not revenge. I'm not petty. I just want to do my job to the best of my ability and whether I choose to be in the kitchen with Abby, or an actual warrior, I need you to have my back and trust me. Drew is not a threat, and even if he was, he can't hurt me any more than that vampire did.' I promised begging him with eyes. Finally, dad gave in, probably because it was my birthday, but I'd take any win I could get. Turning back to my plate, I ate the rest of my cooling breakfast and downed another glass of juice.

'Are you ready for your presents?' He asked cocking his head to the side.

'Do you even need to ask?' I quipped, while he rolled his eyes at me, got up and walked to the back of the couch, leant over it and picked up a purple box. At first, I wondered what could possibly be in it, but then I heard a scuffling noise and I froze.

'Dad, what exactly is in there?' He asked and I bit my lip as he placed the box in front of me.

'Actually, this one is from Sara. She and Nikolas got back from a job last night.'

'She hasn't captured more Imps has she?' I asked weakly. I still hadn't gotten used to them, especially since one of them kept flashing me his male parts every time he saw me. Ugh. I shook my head.

Just as I was thinking the worst, I heard a mew, sprung out of my seat and lifted the box lid. Sitting dead center in the box was a very young, not to mention tiny grey tabby werecat with dark green eyes with a gold ring around the pupil. Unlike werewolves, only some werecats could phase into a human form, while others for whatever reason couldn't or wouldn't. They didn't live in packs, or close communities, and the werecats who could phase to human form often took humans as mates. They were incredibly loyal to anyone they loved, and even the youngest werecat could be vicious when provoked. The only two ways to tell the difference from a normal cat and a werecat was the golden ring around the pupil. Two tiny elongated fangs would grow as she aged.

As I stared in shock, the kitten made a soft squeak. Well, that was a good sign at least.

'Um...this cat could become human.' I said in a hushed voice.

'Yes, she could. Sara found her in a vampire's nest. She didn't agree with Nikolas.' Desmond replied with a chuckle.

'She's only a baby, at least five weeks old.' I said reaching into the box slowly. The kitten didn't make a sound so I continued reaching in until I felt the soft fur tickling my fingers. Seconds later I was bringing the tiny half-starved bundle of bones and fur to my chest. 'So, I guess this makes you a grandpa, then.' I teased lightly as the kitten purred. Dad stared at me for a second and then slowly nodded.

'Only if she phases.'

'She's still my responsibility regardless.' I was torn between punching Sara and kissing her. I wasn't sure if I was up to the responsibility to be a mother to this werecat. I was only seventeen! Well, once she grew up, she might take to the wild but still…

'Sara wouldn't have given you this gift if you weren't ready.' Dad murmured, as usual reading me like a book. A knock on the door made us jump and the kitten made a pitiful noise. Before dad could open the door, Abby flung the door open, with Allie right behind her. They each held gifts, their eyes bugging outta their heads when they saw what I was holding.

'Aw, what a cutie,' Allie trilled while the kitten turned her head to look at the newcomers.

Abby however froze on the spot. 'Is that? Oh my-where?' She demanded looking at me.

'Sara, obviously.' Allie answered for me with a roll of her eyes. She walked over knelt down and tickled the kitten under the chin.

'What a sweetheart.' She said as she sat down on the carpet. I sat down, placing the tiny kitten on my knee.

Abby sat down eyeing the kitten warily as she hugged me a little robotic like.

'So, um happy birthday,' she said handing me a blue package. Ripping the paper off, the kitten mewed at me pitifully. Allie kidnapped the kitten and for a split second I felt a rush of possessiveness before it faded. Shaking it off, I stared at my new quilt and pillow cover set and my favourite brand of lip gloss and a mixed CD.

I'd mentioned heaps of times I needed a new quilt cover and Abby, as always, delivered. Wordlessly, I hugged her as I turned the forest patterned quilt in my hands. Scrunching up the paper, the kitten suddenly decided playing with paper seemed more fun than licking Allie's fingers and skittered down my leg, pouncing on the wrapping paper. Her tail was upright and fluffed up. It was bloody adorable.

'We're going to have to kitten proof the apartment.' Dad mused to himself as I reached for Allie's present. Tearing the paper off, I grinned at the four bottles of Attic hair dye and more lip gloss. Hugging her hard, I grinned to myself.

'You two get me so well.'

'Yup. I wonder what the Frey's got you.' Abby replied with a wink.

'I gave them a list. Actually, I'm not sure if they even remembered to go shopping.' I said as I scrunched up the paper with a snort. The kitten padded over to me, stumbling a little letting out a high-pitched mew.

'Are you hungry, baby girl?' I asked scooping her up.

'They're not easy to tame, Belle.' Abby cautioned. 'She may decide she wants to be with someone else.'

'I know.' I replied with a frown. Yes, it would suck if this kitten decided to switch buddies on me but I didn't want to think about it today. A shadow fell over us as Devon slipped into the room. He had a small box in his hand which I figured was some perfume.

'Whoa, you got yourself a werecat.' He said as he plopped down beside me, said a quick hello to my friends before reaching for the kitten plucking her up. She hissed, her hair standing on end and tried unsuccessfully to jab her baby fangs into his thumb.

'Aw, he's got spunk.' He crooned holding her close, despite the kitten's squeaks of irritation. Snatching her out of his hands I placed the kitten in my lap.

'She,' I corrected with a glare.

'Ooh, someone's maternal instincts are kicking in, I see,' he smirked leaning over to kiss my cheek.

'I'll forgive you if you give me my present.' I said as he smirked handing over the small box. Tearing open the box, I found a replacement bottle of Rockin Rose and the new perfume which was called Bliss. Both were in glass transparent bottles that resembled a spiral in blue and green. I hugged him hard and kissed his cheek.

'So are the other Frey's awake yet?' Abby asked leaning towards the door.

'No, Brody went back to sleep.'

'I said the others.' Abby replied rather stiffly. I guessed like me, she hated realising that everyone knew about her not-so-secret crush.

'Yes, but you meant Brody.' I replied with a grin, ignoring the death glare she sent me. Biting the inside of my cheek to cover a smirk, I smiled when Dom entered the room with a box in his arms. It wasn't wrapped so I peered at it and saw it was a yogurt maker. A replacement for the one that had stopped working months ago. I hadn't even mentioned it to him. He knelt down and kissed me. Allie swooned while the kitten in my lap made a sound that may have been disgust.

'Happy birthday Sweetness.'

'Thanks.' I said blushing furiously. He looked down at my lap and his eyes bugged out.

'Sara.' He muttered with a shake of his head.

'Yup.' I replied scooping the kitten up showing him my little bundle of joy.

'Good luck with her, I hear once they turn four and start phasing, you'll be in a world of trouble.'

'So, will you... daddy.' I teased. Dom stared at me and I enjoyed the look of complete shock on his face. He had four years to get used to the fact that he was going to be a parental figure to an orphan werecat.

Beside me, Devon started to shake before he couldn't hold his booming laughter in and soon, he had the girls' cackling along with him.

'What's going on?' A voice near the door asked and we turned to see Anna and Sebastian walking into the room, their arms laden with presents.

'Oh...' Sebastian trailed off looking at me with wide eyes. 'A little young to be starting a family, aren't you?' He asked while Anna whacked him on the arm shooting him a dark look.

I snorted and turned to look at the orphan kitten who turned her head around to gaze into my eyes. For a second I felt a wave of helplessness coming from her.

'Don't worry, I'm yours, if you want me.' I promised her.

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I still didn't like being the center of attention but the day had been really good. After Heath and Brody had shown up just after ten, each of them had fussed over the tiny kitten, although she would run to me with her bristled tail if she'd had enough, which meant their attention was suddenly turned onto me and I was swooped down upon and given numerous hugs and kisses. Finally, the boys settled down and decided to turn every single one of the cardboard boxes I had on hand into a jungle gym for Gemma.

She was too young to answer to her new name anyway, seeing as if she was a human infant, she'd be six weeks old, still, I found myself whispering her name while she napped on my knee.

Sara and Nickolas arrived with kitten milk, a nice green baby blanket, a small fluffy bed and a kitty litter tray and a whole heap of chocolate for me. Heck even the twins had brought me a plate of brownies; I just hoped they hadn't inherited their cooking skills from their mother.

By lunch time everyone was starving, so we had a nice lunch outside seeing as it wasn't too cold and then the guys and I had had a movie marathon while the girls went to get started for my dinner party. I had offered to help with the cooking but I'd been outvoted.

Now, I was sitting at the head of the table with Dom on one side and Abby on the other. Dad was beside Dom sitting next to Sara talking about chess, while the Frey brothers' and Drew were having a fight over baseball. I however was watching the kitten tugging at a small bottle making slurping noises looking so adorable it ought to be illegal.

'It's amazing how quick it happens, isn't it?'

'Huh?' I asked blinking. I turned to Abby who was watching me wistfully.

'My sister had one, a werecat I mean.' She said blinking away the tears. 'I'm sorry this is your night.'

I grabbed her hand squeezing it a little as I finally remembered why Abby would be behaving slightly off. 'No, I'm sorry. I forgot about Willow and Trace.' I whispered guiltily, remembering the girl from the photos. She'd been twelve when she'd been taken and killed. Abby still blamed herself even though there was nothing she could have done. Willow had snuck out of the compound and run off with some teenage boy she had met on the internet and had been found dead two days later, discarded like trash in a ditch on the side of a country road, miles and miles away from her home. I was lucky I knew that much, thanks to Dax.

She sniffed and carefully wiped her tears without ruining her black eyeliner. I was grateful that Allie was too busy gawking at my brothers to hear what was going on. We were soooo not ready to take a depressive trip down memory lane.

After a few moments, Abby composed herself and squeezed my hand. Dom kissed my shoulder, and I turned to him.

'Feeling neglected, are we?'

'No, look.' He said and I looked down to see Gemma had finished her bottle and had padded onto Dom's hand, curling up in his hand, peering up at me drowsily. I smiled.

'I think she likes you.'

He stared at her. 'You sure you're ready for this? If she was a normal cat, I wouldn't blink but she's...'

'Could you have turned me away?' I asked softly and he shook his head.

'Well, babe, neither can I.' I said reaching over to kiss him. Whoops erupted around the table and I wrenched away from Dom giving Heath the finger.

'Pay up.' He said to Devon who sat across from him. Scowling, Devon threw some money at me while shooting me a dirty look.

'Could be worse, you could have bet on whiskey.' Niall called out making us laugh. Shaking my head, I turned and kissed Dom not caring when another round of hoots erupted around us.