AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“And your mom’s right,” I tell my niece.
I approach the family of three. Kendrick’s asleep in his stroller, tucked away in a world of dreams. Fylox dropped him off about an hour ago, and he’s been peacefully sleeping ever since. Nothing disturbs our young king from his sleep. He’s a heavy sleeper like his daddy is.
“Damn,” Valentina says, checking my outfit out. I decided to go all out. I turn fifty-one only once in my life. If I have my own birthday bash, I might as well look like the flyest motherfucker on this side of the earth. “Where did you find this outfit? Are you friends with Diddy?”
I chuckle. If she only knew. “Why are you two not joining us?”
“Somebody has to watch the kids,” Valentina says.
Aris adds, “You and Felicita always help out with Penelope Jade. That’s our birthday gift to you. One night of filthy… Debauchery.”
“What does de-bo-cherry mean, Daddy?” Penelope Jade asks her father, and we all melt at the sight.
“It’s a grownup word,” Aris quickly comments. He turns to me. “My mother-in-law’s already at the party. Go on. We’ll protect the babies for one night.”
I say goodbye to them, and on my way out, I run into Weston. He’s dressed up like me, but the younger version. He’s a just-hired professor, and I’m the guy that runs the school. He’s got Amalia on her carry bag, and her head’s pressed against her father. She’s asleep. Why are all the babies sleeping when Felicita and I aren’t in charge of them?
“Give me a second,” Weston urges me. I wait outside while he leaves his daughter to Aris and Valentina. Out of the Wraith siblings, Aris and Valentina are the most experienced parents. They’re trustworthy, and from what the family tells me, they behave more these days. They used to be two raunchy kids.
Weston returns, fiddling with his suit jacket. “I guess I’ve got drool on my clothes. Perks of being a parent, I guess.”
“Don’t let your sister see,” I tell him. Amused, we make our way to the palace.
“Are you excited about your party?” Weston asks. “It’s quite the fest. Felicita went all out. She had me calling up old friends. Mandy almost divorced me.”
“You’re joking?” I ask.
“Nah, Mandy doesn’t plan on divorcing me. She loves the ranch too much.” I glare at him. “She loves me, too. Just a little bit… Felicita put a lot of effort into all of this. It’s classic Katantia.”
“I don’t want any of it,” I tell him. “I would’ve been fine with a family dinner.”
“You’re really not into the Katantian traditions, aren’t you? That’s a pity. Men your age—”
“What about them?” I lower my tone, giving him the Jordan my soldiers fear.
“Nothing,” he quickly corrects himself. “Just saying. Katantia’s for everyone to enjoy. You work so hard, man. You deserve a break.”
“I can catch a break when I’m dead,” I tell him, and the kid shudders. Weston’s not really a kid, but, damn, he’s easy to scare.
We arrive at the palace, and on the outside, it’s business as usual. Our ID cards are scanned, and we’re checked into the system. My soldiers at the door escort us inside, and immediately, I hear the music.
Next to me, Weston starts singing along. I’m this close to shutting this party down. I’m the boss tonight. It’s my party. I don’t want MC Hammer music at my party. Fuck this party!
“If you bust a move, I’m kicking your ass out of here,” I warn Weston, and he nods cheekily.
It’s a palace party, so the guest list is slim. Yet, once we’re inside the Main Hall, my eyes are flooded with professors and schoolgirls. I can see why Aris and Valentina stepped out. Aris is a professor, and the two keep their sex lives private now, so this would’ve hit too close to home.
“The man of the hour is here!” the DJ announces. Yes, Felicita hired a DJ. Among the dancing bodies of the crowd, we venture inside the celebrations. More horrid nineties music plays, and I curse it out in my head. I’ve seen enough skirts, white shirts, and high heels in one minute to last me a lifetime.
This is a VIP party, but even a VIP palace party has a separate VIP section. Weston and I wander over there, reuniting with the family. Kamila’s sprawled all over Fylox’s lap, wearing a skirt that I don’t even want to look at. I fear that I’ll get a glimpse of something I don’t want to see if I do. Nope. Not this man. My daughter-in-law and my favorite soldier ever are making out like they’re teenagers. I decide not to pay them any attention.
Mandy walks up to us. She’s dressed more appropriately, and the buttons of her blouse aren’t unopened. She even wears glasses, accentuating her big brown eyes. She’s one of the curviest girls in the party, and she wears the title with pride. Five years ago, she didn’t feel as comfortable in her skin.
“Happy Birthday!” She gives me a hug, and I reciprocate it. “You’re looking good today.”
“Thank you. Right back at you,” I tell her. For the young women of the family, including Kamila, I’m a savior. I’m a guide. The wise man. They love looking at me like I have all the answers.
I would love to have all the answers.
