Page 183 of Justice

As for him and Blaise? That was a story for another time.

When Dimitri spotted the numerous bags they were carrying, he turned to me with a sigh. “We’re going to need a bigger gift table.”

I scurried off to find one. I couldn’t even be annoyed about it. I wasn’t the only one who liked to spoil Matty. Everyone enjoyed seeing how he lit up over even the smallest gift or gesture.

He brought joy wherever he went, something we were all grateful for.

That was the real reason so many people were helping out right now. Sure, they probably would’ve for anyone’s birthday. But the fact that it was Matty’s?

I had more helpers than I knew what to do with.

After carrying the new table in, Blaise and Dimitri helped me move all the gifts over. Once that was done, I stepped back to survey the room with my hands on my hips.

“Good,” I said, nodding slowly. The balloon arch looked stunning and Harlow had straightened the rest of the banners. I’d die before I’d admit it, but they were straighter now. The karaoke machine, much to my dismay, was plugged in and ready to go. The dining room table was practically groaning under the weight of the food from the caterer, a beautiful three-tiered cake in the centre. Each layer was a different flavour, covering all of Matty’s favourites—red velvet, chocolate fudge cake, and lemon drizzle.

All that was missing was the cupcakes.

Just in the nick of time, Ferry burst in, a carrier in his hands. “I’m back.”

Leo bustled in, reaching for them.

“No,” I barked, glaring at my future brother-in-law. “You dropped the last ones, remember?”

Leo glared right back at me. “It’s not like I’m going to drop two lots in a row.”

“It needs to be perfect for Matty.”

Leo’s expression softened, and he gestured for Ferry to pass me the cupcakes. “It’s already perfect, Sebastian. He’s going to love it.”

Various people chimed in with their agreement, and to my horror, I felt myself blushing. I felt like I was under a spotlight with six demons, three humans, two mages, one wolf, and one vampire all staring at me.

“Find somewhere to hide,” I snapped at them all as I added the cakes to the empty stand. “Oscar, text Lucky and tell him we’re ready.”

The only people missing were Lucky, Riley, Ethan, and Matty himself. Ethan couldn’t make it, away with his boyfriend as usual, but Riley was coming. Knowing he couldn’t be on time if he tried, Lucky and I had agreed that he should arrive after Matty. Otherwise, he’d likely turn up as they did, ruining the whole surprise.

Lucky had taken Matty to a spa for the day, something he thought was his present from me. He thought we were going to Leo’s for a quiet dinner to celebrate.

He had no idea that all his friends were waiting to surprise him.

“Two-minute warning.” Oscar’s voice had everyone sprinting for hiding places as I ducked behind the armchair.

“This is my spot,” I hissed at Toby as he crouched down beside me.

“Calm down,” my cousin muttered. “Not like we have to be hidden for long, just enough time to jump up and shout.”

“Doesn’t matter.”

Toby smirked at me.

“What?”

“Just think it’s cute, that’s all.”

I glared at him. “What is?”

“You getting all worked up over throwing your human mate a birthday party of all things. Never thought I’d see the day.”

“Keep talking like that and I’ll stake you.”

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