Page 100 of Shifters' Fated Summer
“I really wasn’t planning on getting sweaty today,” I whined.
Turning, Cade arched an eyebrow at me. “I think weboth know that isn’t true.” He stepped closer, leaning down to kiss me briefly. “Besides, for everything you do right, I’ll reward you later. Deal?”
“Fine, you grumpy Alpha,” I muttered, crossing my arms.
He wrapped an arm around my waist, dragging me closer as he peppered kisses over my jaw and throat, down to my cleavage, until he got a laugh out of me.
With a smirk, he released me, slapping my ass as I stepped away. “Start with the balance beam, I want to see how you do.”
An hour later, I was sweaty but grinning. Cade’s harsh training style had given way to teasing banter and suggestive comments that sent my heart racing.
“We’re done,” he finally declared, and I almost fainted from relief. My muscles burned, and my knees had grown wobbly.
“I need a shower,” I said, striding past him.
His hand wrapped around my wrist. “One more thing.” He swung me around and pressed my back against the nearest tree, crowding into my space.
My heart rate kicked back up for an entirely different reason. Cade widened his stance, pinning me in place with his hips, one thigh between my legs, as his mouth caught mine. Our lips pressed together with a slow drag that sent sparks down my spine.
His hands tangled in my damp hair, angling my head the way he wanted. All I could do was whimper and grinddown on his thigh. He broke off the kiss, leaning back with a grin.
“You need to get off?” he said silkily.
“No, I need a shower,” I huffed. “But if you’re offering.”
“I’ve got other plans for you, baby,” he said. “I just wanted a few more minutes with you before the chaos.” Slowly, he stepped back, letting me reorient myself before we headed up to the house. Tentatively, I reached for his hand. Our fingers wove together, and he gave me a reassuring squeeze.
The sliding glass door opened, revealing the entire pack standing across the living room and around a table complete with a birthday cake, candles blazing.
“Happy birthday!” they chorused.
My mouth fell open. Cade had to guide me through the door as I stared. Spinning, I frowned up at him. His eyes crinkled with his smile. “We had the records from the vamps. Today is your actual twentieth birthday.”
“Come on, Summer. Let’s cut the cake and you can open presents!” Jem called. Luca stood in front of the cake, looking ridiculously smug.
“When did you even have time to bake this?” I asked, raising an eyebrow at him.
“I handled that,” Lux said, “but he lit the candles.”
“Blow them out!” Elowen encouraged, clapping her hands.
Luca guided me into the seat at the head of the tableand slid the cake closer. Taking a deep breath, I blew out all the candles.
The next couple of hours was a whirlwind of gifts and laughing. Elowen gifted me a set of brand new knitting needles and yarn. Jem got me headphones to go with the cell phone Luca and Cade gave me.
The presents kept coming, including a gorgeous bracelet with a paw print made of diamonds from Lana and Lux. They showed me their matching ones. Apparently, it was a family tradition.
We ate cake until our stomachs hurt, and everyone admitted cake for breakfast wasn’t the wisest choice.
Eventually, I excused myself, still wanting a shower and a few minutes of peace and calm. Quietly, my two mates trailed up the stairs after me.
Chapter 39
Swords Xing
Before my mates could grab me, I slipped into the shower. Cade joined me, but for once, he massaged my shoulders and rinsed my hair for me, and didn’t try anything else. I would have been disappointed, but it only ratcheted my anticipation higher for what would come next.
He pressed kisses to my shoulder blades and down my spine as I toweled off. “Come on, birthday girl,” he said, tugging me back into the bedroom, still naked.
