“He treats me like a queen,” Raihana replied with a toss of her head.
“A queen that you are,” I added teasingly, putting mini-Oreos into the Oreo cheesecake shots.
“Of course, I am a Rossi by blood. Royalty is in my genes,” she said airily, making us all laugh.
“Rayhan… I don’t know how to choose just one thing, but he never gave up on me even when I had given up on myself. He’s the truest and sexiest man I have ever met. Not only that, but he’s an incredible son, too.” Delsanra smiled, a faint blush on her cheeks.
“He is. I think Rayhan definitely gets the award for being the most charming alpha around,” Raven agreed. “Robyn, your turn.”
“Damon’s kindness. He always puts others before him, and he has a heart of gold.” I nodded. I agreed with that one, too.
“It’s true, Damon always gives and never expects anything in return,” Raven agreed, sprinkling chocolate over the trifles.
“Oh, I’m sure he expects enough in return, right, Robyn?” Raihana smirked, startling Robyn a little, but even with her chocolate skin tone, I saw the slight blush on her cheeks.
“Aww, someone’s blushing,” I teased as Delsanra and Taylor whistled.
“I’m not,” Robyn denied, making me chuckle.
“My turn! Liam, I love the way he’s so pure. He’s always so patient and caring. Honestly, you may not see it, but he’s always worrying for others. He always thinks about his family and makes time for everyone,” Raven stated with a smile. I nodded. It was true, Liam did do what he could for us all.
“For me, it’s what an amazing dad Zack is to Chase, and on top of that, what an incredible mate he is to me, someone I can always rely on,” Taylor added, smiling faintly.
“Aww,” Raven said, hugging him. “You’re getting emotional.”
“I’m not,” Taylor said, hugging her back. “So, what about our Queen’s mate?”
My mate, my king, my Alejandro…
“His heart. Alejandro always cares for others, and he never expects credit for it. He doesn’t even see how much he does or how much he cares. He does everything from the heart. He’s perfect,” I said softly, my heart skipping a beat at the thought of him.
“That’s sweet. You two are an amazing couple,” Robyn said with a small smile as the rest nodded their agreement.
“A very hot couple, too,” Taylor added, making me smile slightly.
“I guess so.”
“Mama?” I turned, seeing Kataleya standing in the doorway.
One year on, her heart wasn’t healed, but her smile had returned to her face. My angel was over seven now, and although it broke my heart to see her still using one hand when she thought no one was watching, I just prayed that with time she would heal. She still wore the locket Alejandro had gotten for her, but Kiké was the one she hugged while sleeping at night.
“Yes, my darling?” I asked as I motioned her to come in.
The worktops were covered in trays of baked goodies and mini dessert shots. Raven had asked why they were so small considering how much everyone ate, but visually appealing food was needed, right?
“Can I get some milk for me and the girls?” She asked. I planted my hands on my hips.
“Did Azura or Skyla send you?” She looked at her shoes before glancing at the hallway door.
“Skyla did,” she admitted after a moment.
“Tell her she can come have some in the kitchen. Azura, too.” She nodded before running off. I went to the fridge to get the milk out.
Azura… Mom and Dad had told her the truth about her birth a few weeks ago, and she didn’t seem bothered. In fact, she had asked why it was necessary to tell her when she was still their favourite daughter either way. Mom was worried about her reaction, saying she feared she’d keep stuff inside. Although she didn’t say it out loud, I knew she meant like Aunty Indy keeping her troubles inside. Mom had made it clear to her that if she ever wanted to know more or had questions, she and Dad were there to explain and answer them for her. However, Azura didn’t change, being the same firework as always. Mom had nothing to worry about because Azura loved her greatly. She was Liam’s and my baby sister, Dad’s and Mom’s daughter, and nothing would change that.
Alejandro had told Mom and Dad about Atlas as well, and although Dad didn’t think it was important for them to ever know of each other, Mom said that it wasn’t his or her choice to make but Azura’s. In a few years, they’d tell her about him, too, not wanting to overburden her right now.
“What’s on your mind?” A deep voice came as a strong pair of arms locked around my waist, sending off a storm of sparks through me.
