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“I don’t mind if you do. I’ll do anything for you, Daisy.”

I’m struck momentarily breathless at the bone deep certainty in his words, and I cling harder to his shirt to keep myself from falling. Although I think I’ve already fallen for Kai and his dirty mouth and playful teasing.

“I guess if we’re going to attend the party you’ll want time to get ready.”

It’s not even noon. How long do girls usually take to get ready?

“I think I have plenty of time. It isn’t until this evening, right?”

“Well yeah, but my mom and sisters have already started getting ready back at the house. I thought it was like a thing for females to take an entire day to get ready for a party.”

I laugh and the tightness in my chest unfurls.

“I don’t think I’ve ever taken an entire day to get ready for anything, but maybe I could call Calliope and ask her to come over and help me?”

“Probably a good idea. I wouldn’t be of any help. I think you look magnificent in anything.”

He pinches my butt through my long wool skirt, and we spend the next half hour chasing each other through the gardens and laughing. Only stopping when we fall into a pile of freshly raked leaves that start to burn and sizzle under Kai’s touch.

Chapter 15: Kai

I had very different plans for this evening. Mainly not being at my family’s house and exposing Daisy to whatever my mother has planned for tonight. I still don’t want to go, but I’ll do anything to make Daisy happy. I’ll just have to be extra vigilant. Most in attendance aren’t accustomed to having a hybrid at one of their parties.

This is going to be a fucking disaster. I need to convince Daisy not to come. But then she’ll just think I’m ashamed of her, when in fact it’s the opposite. In the beginning I wanted others to see us together to spread gossip to my mother, now I want everyone to know she’s mine for real. Just without the familial meet and greet.

Everything is a mess. I just want to spend time with Daisy and ignore my relatives. Maybe I could at least make the evening more bearable with Endo and Keiko’s help. Endo’s always on my side and Keiko, with her sweet nature, would help anyone.

Running through the forest between Daisy’s place and mine, I use my enhanced speed to return to the house I was hoping not to see until tomorrow.

Dozens of luxury cars line the circular drive and staff in white blazers scurry around setting everything for the party. Ridiculous pomp and circumstance that they roll out at any given opportunity.

I bypass the task focused waitstaff, my nieces and nephews who run around like this is their own personal amusement park, and cousins tapping away on phones who raise a brow at my rapid pace.

I want to spend as little time away from Daisy as possible. Since Daisy doesn’t require twelve hours to prepare like my mother and sister, I only left her with an hour to get ready. More than enough time, at least that’s what she said. So, this trip home has to be quick; change my clothes, talk with my brother, and warn my mother to be on her best behavior. Because once again she’s getting what she wants, no matter how many times I said no.

Endo is in his room getting dressed when I find him. Lots of males, and females, go topless or all natural for the equinox celebration, but for our swanky soirée clothing is not only required but usually high-end brand labeled. Thankfully it’s not black tie. Endo dons a pair of dark brown slacks and an ivory dress shirt with gold buttons. Just enough flash to appease our mother.

“Hey. I thought you were gone for the night. What are you doing back here? You know if Mom sees you, she’ll guilt you into staying.”

“No need.” Leaning against the door frame, I watch as he meticulously buttons the shirt and makes sure the collar lays flat. “I told Daisy about Mom wanting her here for the party and she said she wanted to come. So, looks like we’ll be joining you tonight.”

Endo stops fidgeting with his shirt and turns to face me, a frown marring his face.

“You sure that’s a good idea? It’s not just mom she’ll have to contend with tonight.”

“No, it probably isn’t a good idea, but when I told her I didn’t want her to come, she got upset. Thought it meant I was ashamed of her. Even trying to explain it’s for her own good wouldn’t appease her. She wants to meet my parents. Weird as that is, I couldn’t tell her no.”

Sighing, I run my hand through my tangled hair. I’ll have to brush and style it before I leave to pick up Daisy. I wonder what she’s going to wear tonight, if she’s going to do something different with her hair. I know she likes to wear it down to cover her ears, even though I find them immensely alluring and perfect. She’ll no doubt be shoeless. I never have asked her why she doesn’t wear shoes. With the nights getting colder I don’t want her walking here with bare feet. I’ll have to drive to pick her up. When I first arrived, I rented a luxury sports car to get here. I haven’t had much use for it since arriving but I’m glad I have it so I can pick up Daisy and save her feet from the cold.

“Have you told mom yet?” Endo asks concerned. He should be, I am.

“Not yet, I wanted to talk to you first. Ask you to keep an eye on her if I’m not around. Run interference if needed.”

“Of course,” he answers immediately. I knew I could count on him, and since he already knows Daisy, he’ll be a friend for her to talk to if I get pulled away.

“Thanks. Can you mention it to Keiko too? I plan on introducing them, but I want her to know ahead of time that Daisy will be coming so she can help too.”

“Sure, no problem. Have you warned her about…everyone?”