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She winked and looked around. “Where’s Silas?”

I’m here.

“Do you want to help me with the wrapping?”

Instead of answering her, Silas giggled and leapt onto her lap, snuggling to get into a comfortable position.

“Let’s see what we have here?” Neri held up a pearl white parka. “Wow, it’s so beautiful. Thanks Jade and Noah.”

“Oh, honey, there’s more. Several chipped in, but I picked everything out.”

Over the next half an hour, Silas ripped open the wrapping paper with glee and Neri thanked everyone for their gifts. She laughed at Silas’s glee whenever he tore through the paper, scattering it everywhere, before he awed over her gifts. Soon, Silas blinked as his body sagged with sleep and Xander lifted him from Neri’s arms.

Wait.

Xander glanced at his son and nodded. He lowered Silas to face Neri.

Happy birthday, Neri. Thanks for letting me open your presents.Silas gave Neri a kiss on the cheek.

I’m glad your parents let you stay up past bedtime. Love you, little man.

Love you, too.

As Xander lifted him to his shoulder, Silas breaths were deep and even. He eased up the stairs, taking care not to jostle a tired Silas, before everyone turned back to the birthday girl.

“A few more to go.” Thalia said.

Kai sidled over to him.What did you get?

Hunter took a deep breath, needing his advice.Can we go outside?

The older vampire nodded and Hunter followed him through the kitchen and onto the back balcony. He leaned against the railing, his gaze moving over the Snowfall city skyline.

“How did you know you wanted to marry Liv?”

“The same way I knew the first time I spotted her she was my mate. And yet despite every instinct screaming at me to claim her, I lied to myself, and then her, and almost lost her. Watching her in the hospital, her frail human body failing her, I felt selfish for wanting to turn her and guilty for putting her in that bed. But I wanted her as mine, forever.

“Marriage, while we never talked about it, seemed a logical step because I wanted to show her my commitment. She forgave me… after she awoke as a vampire. I needed to prove to her I wanted her. As my wife, my mate, and my life partner. I regretted nothing since I decided Liv was mine and I was hers.”

They grew silent as they both remembered the good days and the bad of the last four years. The knowledge he felt the same way about Neri as Kai about Liv, solidified his plans. His hand slid into his pocket and he fingered the box.

“I plan on asking Neri to marry me.”

“And you already bought the ring?”

Hunter nodded.

Kai slapped a hand on his shoulder and squeezed. “Don’t make my mistake. You know Neri is the one woman destined for you and although we have all the time in the world, some things shouldn’t wait.”

And with those parting words, Kai walked back inside.

Hunter stayed outside a few minutes longer, preparing himself for walking back inside, getting down on one knee and proposing in front of their family. He chastised himself for not asking Thalia for Neri’s hand, but his instincts told him he had to propose tonight.

As he turned back toward the door, he sucked in a breath as Damian teleported in front of him, blocking the door. There is an evil smile on the asshole’s face and Hunter shifted his feet, ready for a fight.

“What do you want?”

His smile grew wider, but he didn’t say a word.