Page 26 of Devotion

“No,” she said, hiccuping with laughter as she straightened. “I just realized. You’re not a golden retriever boyfriend. You’re a goldendoodle. You’re always causing trouble, but we love you because of it.”

Squaring his shoulders, he smirked. “Mate, Sunshine. Not boyfriend. I’ve never been just your boyfriend.”

She blushed and squirmed against me. “Mate.”

“Also, I’m more of a German shepherd. Loyal, loving, and ready to tear out the throat of anyone who threatens our pack.”

I rolled my eyes. “Please. You’re more of a Chihuahua. Loud. Needy.Small.Shall I go on?”

“You... You’re mean,” Kingston grumbled before turning away and walking back to his pie, shoulders slumped, head hanging. Bloody hell, he knew exactly what he was doing. “It’s okay, Jake. Don’t listen to him. He’s just jealous. Everyone knows you’re not small.”

Sunday smacked my chest. “Noah, now look what you did. You hurt his feelings.”

Oh my God. The manipulative bastard.

“Kingston, wait,” I called, knowing I was a sucker but equally knowing the night would not right itself if I didn’t do this.

He turned around, eyebrows lifted expectantly. “Yes, Thorne?”

“You’re not a Chihuahua. I’m sorry.”

“Annnd . . .”

Sunday elbowed me in the side.

“Oof, watch it, dove. You’re stronger than you look.”

“Come on, Noah. Be nice.”

Heaving a sigh, I said, “You’re not small.”

“What?” Kingston asked, raising a flour-covered hand to cup his ear. “I can’t hear you.”

“You’re not small,” I said, louder this time but with the most petulant edge I could muster.

“I’m bigger than you?” he asked, like he was repeating something he’d just heard. Grinning smugly, he nodded. “No fucking duh. Now go enjoy your picnic before the food gets cold.”

That absolute tosser. He ruined my surprise. “Fuck you, Kingston. We’ll see how it goes the next time you try to plan a romantic night.”

“That’s the difference between you and me. Sharing is caring.”

“You only want to share when it’s someone else’s turn. You’re as selfish and possessive as the rest of us.”

“What part of alpha wolf do you struggle with, vampire? Of course I am.”

Sunday threaded her fingers with mine and gave my hand a squeeze. “Let him watch? Please, Noah?”

The way Kingston’s eyes glittered with mischief told me this had been all part of his plan. I’d never say it, but he was a fucking mastermind when it came to getting as much time with Sunday as he could.

“Fine. But you need to establish some rules for him. Last time, he ended up bursting into our space like a bull in a china shop.”

She pressed a kiss to my cheek. “Thank you,” she whispered before turning a steely-eyed gaze on Kingston. “You’re going to behave, aren’t you, Kingston?” Her voice was low and laced with a sensual dominance I didn’t recognize. The wolf certainly did, though. His entire demeanor changed.

“Yes, Mistress.”

“No speaking unless spoken to. And you’ll keep your hands to yourself. Got it?”

He swallowed and nodded, adjusting himself behind his joggers and leaving a floury handprint behind as evidence.

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