Page 150 of Our Deceptive Heat

A girl comes on the screen, and she smiles. She looks about fourteen, she’s clearly not, but I can’t quite place her. “Happy Birthday, Ryn Fate. You saved my life. You might not remember me, but I worked as your father’s assistant a year ago. Because of your kindness, I decided to go and find a better opportunity.”

The screen changes, and an older lady comes on. I recognise her from the hotel on the island, what’s her name, oh, yes, Sonya! “You have a beautiful voice. Everyone here misses you, and if you ever want to come back, you will be welcome. Happy birthday.”

I glance at Tyr, who moves to take my hand and tug me forward.

Mako’s sister comes into the frame with Aunt Ariel, Envy’s mother Denise, and Mama D. Selene smiles and waves with both hands. “Happy birthday, dearest. We’ll see you soon!”

The others blow kisses and hold up a cake.

“We miss you!” Ariel sings out. “Come soon so we can have a party!”

“Don’t you make her cry, Digs!”

“Mum!”

She blows us another kiss, and the screen goes black.

It flickers on, and I gasp. Kelly appears with Ezy and Gael at his back. “Happy birthday, Songbird. Come visit us soon. You know where I am. I hope you find the happiness you always sought. And if those idiots you call pack need their asses kicked, I’m a call away.”

The image flickers, and I see a hockey rink with a dozen players. One skates towards the camera. “Happy birthday, cuz. I sent you tickets. Come party with us next time you’re free and bring that pack with you, we want to meet them!”

Raider looks amazing. His black hair flops over his eye, but when he smiles, he’s the same old Raider. I spot Kit and Callan, Raider’s best friends, waving from the side of the ice and smile. I miss them.

“Holy fucking shit! It’s like I was cloned!” I hear Bailey mutter.

I get the giggles hard.

The screen flickers, and Molly leans back, pressing her glasses up her nose as she smirks at the camera. “Happy birthday, boss. I want a raise. And a job! Call me!”

I toast the screen. “So hiring her. Of course, I’m hiring her.”

Tony comes on next, his old face smiling wide. “Ah, I knew you kids would work it out. Happy Birthday, girlie. Make them work for it.”

Tyr mutters something about finding a new job, but Tony just waves.

He pauses and frowns, a cryptic glitter in his eye. “Call me when you’re ready.”

On and on, the videos stream, from fans and people we know until, at last, my mother appears.

She looks tiny and unsure. Like a huge part of who she was that was holding her up and together is missing. She’s aged so many years, and she’s not wearing makeup.

“Happy Birthday, Auryn. I hope your dreams are always bright and never bitter.” She sniffs, and her eyes get watery. “I don’t think I ever wished you happy birthday before. So silly. That man was so evil, I blame myself. I do.”

I find myself reliving the last moments we had with Dad. Mako reaches out and clasps my hand, reminding me I’m not alone.

“Never was much of a mum. You raised yourself, you and your cousins. We, uh, we didn’t do a very good job. But I’m proud of you. All of you. Just…” she cuts off and swallows hard. “Just have a good time, baby, and thank you for everything you did. It wasn’t right, and it wasn’t fair. But thank you.”

The recording is stilted and stiff, and I get the impression something for her has changed, but I don’t know what it is. Still, I take the happy birthday for the miracle it is.

Tyr encircles my waist, pulling me into him while Locke and Lia move towards me. Everyone does. The Raines are one united front.

We aren’t six children dumped in a mansion anymore. Typhor, Chile, China, and Cara can’t hurt us.

The screen turns black and flickers before a familiar dining room appears.

“Aunt Auggie!” Lia shouts.

Auggie laughs, and I realise that she’s being live streamed. “Happy birthday, kiddo.”

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