Page 22 of Mink Hijinks
A flurry of fur and paws knocks me back a step as a few of my family tries to climb my legs to get closer. One nibbling, Rennie, from the tail color, gets around my neck and lays himself like a scarf. Pax barks out the cutest laugh when Rennie’s sister Lorrie does the same to him.
I can’t help but laugh, feeling the warmth of my loved ones. I can’t believe I almost missed this.
My mother, in her human form, stands at the edge of the chaos, her eyes sparkling with joy. She steps closer to greet us.
“And who is this my dear son brings with him?” she asks, taking Pax’s hand gently.
“Uh, Paxton Freely. But just Pax,” Pax stammers, glancing up at me. “I... I’m really happy to be here.”
“Don’t worry, none of the kits bite.” She stops and tilts her head. “Okay, they only bite when provoked, which isn’t often. They’re just excited to see their favorite uncle.”
A shout of “Hey!” rings out from my brothers. Gone only a few days, and I missed this so much.
Mom holds out her hand and Lorrie unwraps herself from Pax’s neck and hops into mom’s offering. “You’re just a sweet baby, aren’t you, Lorrie?”
Lorrie nuzzles mom’s cheek and flops around her neck.
“I didn’t mind,” Pax says.
“They’ll all do it, if you don’t watch it,” my brother Leon says coming up behind mom. “We’re still having fun out here, but we’ll all introduce ourselves shortly. I’m Leon. These two are mine.” He takes Rennie from my neck and I miss the warmth.
“I really don’t mind,” Pax says with a laugh. “They’re sweet.”
“Come inside, both of you,” my mother beams, leading us toward the porch door. “Let’s get you warmed up.”
Once inside, the heat hits me like a comfort blanket. The scent of roasting meat, cinnamon, and cookies envelops the room. More laughter and cheerful chatter comes from the living room.
I press a finger to my lips so mom doesn’t ruin the surprise when I enter the living room. I prance in with my bag and, “Ho! Ho! Ho! Who’s been good this year?”
Misty squeals and pushes to her feet to slam me with a hug. “You big a-hole! You told us all—” Her eyes go wide when she notices Pax. Her mouth drops open. “Who is this?” She sidles up next to him and gives him the same examination she gives all of our prospective partners. Making sure they’re good enough for her big brothers.
Pax, thank goodness, doesn’t even flinch. I may have warned him about Misty on the way here.
“Pax Freely. Fated mate of Aaron.” He holds out a hand, but she lunges for him in a hug that knocks him into a wall.
“Misty Elena Horence, where are your manners?” my mother says as my sister’s Omega laughs from the couch.
“It’s okay,” Pax squeaks when Misty lets him go. “I’m excited to meet everyone. Sorry about just dropping in like this. We got bored at the cabin.”
Misty bounces on her toes. And Pax and I launch into the PG version of how we met. As we do, others gather round.
I tell my part where I’m just laying down for a nap.
“I need a chair to demonstrate,” Pax says, and one of my cousins obliges. “I just got off this long flight from Virginia and I was so tired. So, I get to the cabin and lay my head on the pillows and something ismovingunder my head.” His eyes go delightfully wide and the kids gathered around cackle. “I move and there’s this big moving lump in the middle of the bed. I grab my phone.” He slides it from his pocket. “And dash away.” He hops on the chair and trembles, miming a phone call. “Yes, hi. There is agiant rat in my bed.” The kids’ laugher peels out and Pax grins so wide. My heart is full watching him tell the story.
“Silly Pax, he’s not a rat!” one of the kids say.
“Oh, I found that out real fast. Aaron shifts right there. Naked! And tells me he’s not a rat, thank you very much!”
More laughter. I really needed this. My mind swirls with endless design possibilities, and I wish I had my sketchbook withme. Pax being so open with my family makes my heart warm. I can’t believe he’s mine.
Mom comes around with a tray of hot chocolate. Pax’s eyes light up when she passes him a steaming mug. “For me?”
“Absolutely,” she says, handing it over. “You’re doing so well, Pax. I know all of this must be overwhelming, but we don’t bite. Well, unless provoked.”
His cheeks flush with warmth. “Thank you. I’ve never feltthis… part of something before.”
I squeeze his hand, feeling a fierce protectiveness surge within me. “You’re part of us now. Always.”
