Page 110 of Ice Rebel

“Cole was the runt of the litter,” Samantha added, her eyes widening as soon as the words slipped from her mouth. “It’s just a term.”

A sudden hush swept over their lively conversation, the only sound utensils clanging against plates.

“We really did try and teach our kids not to be so flippant about their heritage,” Patrick finally said. “When they were kids, we were worried that one misstep, one slipup and we’d face scrutiny and anger from the townspeople. We were all forced to keep a secret and for some, that alone destroyed their lives. After a while, we weren’t happy any longer. We were suffering in silence.”

Maggie nodded. “The kids were just kids. The boys wanted to play hockey with their friends. Samantha wanted to have sleepovers. So very slowly, we stopped being anxious if people began to find out.”

“It was difficult, so damn difficult at first being in such a small town, but we managed.” Patrick reached over, taking his wife’s hand into his.

“Once the folks in town finally realized and accepted half their neighbors were shifters, they relaxed and that was long before the reveal. We never wanted our children to feel ostracized. They are all brilliant, talented individuals who deserve every chance life has to offer. Even if they can be difficult to deal with.” Maggie’s glare shifted from Ford to Beck to Cole, her evil eye rivaling any mother depicted on television.

“You have an amazing family,” I offered. “And while Cole is a little bit grumpy and usually a know-it-all, he’s not bad for a shifter.”

“Oh!” Beck exclaimed. “She’s got your number, brother.”

“I told you she was too smart for him,” Samantha added.

“I heard your brother is a hockey player.” Georgia was elbowing Ford to try to keep him quiet. The three brothers were so much alike it was daunting.

And in some crazy way, seeing them together made me happy. Or maybe jealous.

“Yep. Jagger is determined to be considered a great player,” I shared.

“He is a great player. Just a little bit arrogant.”

Hearing Cole made me laugh. “Just like you are.”

Another round of oohs and aahs all the way around the table. I could tell by the many casual yet private looks shared between Maggie and Patrick how much they loved each other and adored their children.

“Jagger is actually a very nice guy.” Samantha barely looked at me.

But I caught the inflection in her voice and gasped. “Do not tell me you’re going out with him.”

The table grew quiet, everyone watching as she took a big bite of her cheeseburger, taking her time chewing and swallowing. She even dared torment us further by pulling her napkin to her lips, wiping several times. “He’s really a nice guy. You should have seen how he handled the reporters after you two left in a hurry the other night.”

“So?” Beck chided. “The question on the table is whether the two of you are dating.”

When a slight blush swept across Samantha’s jaw, all it took was for her to lift gaze toward me for both of us to start laughing.

I couldn’t help myself, tossing my napkin at her as I’d do if we were alone. “You are not.”

“Not yet. In the next week in between games.” She was more sheepish than I’d seen her.

“And the family continues to grow.” Ford smacked his hand on the table.

“Hold on, now,” she corrected. “We haven’t gone on a date yet. And I feel the same way about dating a hockey player as Chelsea does.”

I threw Cole a look before shaking my head. “Just be mindful of his bite.” My comment seemed to break the remaining tensions. For the next several minutes, there was no discussion about shifters, merely a family talking about the week they’d had.

While the others continued eating, I enjoyed the conversation almost as much as the delicious food.

“What’s going on with the data center?” Ford asked.

Patrick’s smile immediately faded. “It’s complicated. The company isn’t being forthcoming, but a lot of people in town are on board with the claim of bringing in new jobs. More money.”

“You don’t believe that’s the truth,” Beck piped in.

The patriarch reached for his glass of wine and by the look on his face, I sensed how concerned he was. “I don’t know yet.”