Page 112 of Shattered

Liam laughed. “All’s fair in this game.”

Mackenzie stepped into the kitchen and found his son, a boy—Alika—he’d guess, and Abby sitting in the living room playing video games while Riley grabbed drinks from the fridge. Mackenzie cleared his throat, and Liam jumped to his feet, as though he’d been caught doing something he shouldn’t be. Then, the scent hit Mackenzie in the chest. This boy, speaking whatever hip, new language he was speaking, was Liam’s mate.

“Dad,” Liam said, joining Riley as he shoved his hands into his back pockets. “It’s a teacher day, and Alika’s parents work—teach in New Mexico, so I thought he could spend the day here, with us. He’s new here.”

He stared at his son. The boy’s cheeks were pink with embarrassment or frustration, but the dark circles he’d witnessed since before the full moon were gone, and it surprised Mackenzie. He appeared genuinely happy for the first time since they returned from Everett, too.

The boy stood then, turning to face them. Surprise filled Mackenzie. The kid was human, Japanese, it appeared. If he had to choose a word to describe the boy, he’d say cute. And, though he had a big voice, standing there with Mackenzie, he’d been almost awkward and shy. His short, black hair had been styled at an odd angle and his almond-shaped, brown eyes sparkled with happiness. He was also a good two or three inches taller than Liam. “Good morning, son. It’s good to meet you.”

“Howzit?” The boy held out his fist.

Mackenzie bumped it with his. “Uh, it goes?”

The boy laughed. “Good.” He glanced at Aurora. “You da meme Abby been talkin’ bout?”

Aurora tilted her head. “Huh?”

Liam shook his head. “She’s not my mom. She’s uh...”

“Aurora,” she said. “For now, you can call me Aurora.”

“Aurora,” he replied. “L’dat.”

“Here you go,” Riley said, handing Alika a glass of orange juice. “Alika’s from Maui.”

Explains the accent, Mackenzie chuckled to himself. “How long have you been in Arizona?”

“Few months,” Alika answered before taking a sip. “Tanks, Riley. First trip to da mainland, too. My parents are professors at the University of New Mexico-Gallup campus. Whatchu do?”

“Alika,” Liam said, elbowing the boy. The scent of his son’s embarrassment had Mackenzie chuckling.

“I’m in construction, and Aurora works for the Sheriff’s Department as a dispatcher,” Mackenzie answered.

“Hinna,” Alika said. “You work fo’ da po-po?”

Aurora nodded. “I do.”

“Our uncle is the Sheriff,” Riley added.

“Whoa. Impressive.” Alika grinned before taking another sip of his orange juice.

“So, can he stay?” The pleading glint in his son’s grey eyes, tore at Mackenzie. How could he say no? “Yes. We have rules, though.”

“I remember,” Liam said.

“Good. When court’s over, we’ll go out to eat. Alika, you’re invited, too,” Mackenzie said.

“Awesome, Mr. Raferty.”

Mackenzie blew out a breath and snorted. “You’ve got a lot to learn about us Rafertys. First, it’s Mackenzie or Mac. My father was Mr. Raferty.”

“I like Mac.” Alika grinned.

“Then we’ll get along just fine.” Mackenzie crossed to the coffee pot then grabbed two of the travel mugs out of the cupboard. “I don’t know how long we’ll be this morning. But, if you need anything, call Caden or Jase. If you can’t get ahold of them, call Rapier, he’ll send one of the brothers.”

“Charisma already called,” Riley said. “She’s on her way to watch us. Said you’d probably need the help, and Royce would meet you at the courthouse.”

He sighed then laughed. “Of course, she’d be here. Good, then listen to your sister and help her with the twins and Mikey.”

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