Between Shadow & Ruin (Fangs & Fae Saga Book 2)

seventy-nine.

I took Ava and Noah to the mall as promised. We walked through each store as they picked out new birthday outfits and a few things they wanted.

"Momma, this doesn't count as your day with us," Ava promptly reminded me. I laughed as I looked through some racks full of baby clothes.

"Yeah... I know. I already know what I want to do with you – and Noah, too."

"What is it?" Noah asked, excitedly. I shook my head.

"No, I won't tell you. I want you to be surprised when that day comes, but don't worry. I've got some good things planned." I threw a few things in my bag for the baby and headed to the cashier to check out. We walked through a few more stores, but we didn't get anything. I had hoped we were gone for long enough. I texted Val and Zane asking if they were done. They weren't, so I said I'd take them out for lunch. The general consensus was that burgers were going to satisfy their needs.

We walked to the car and I drove to their favorite burger restaurant for lunch. The kids ordered their food and I got something small to eat. I still wasn't used to eating fast food – something about the taste or maybe the way it was cooked, but I definitely preferred the taste of something cooked at home. Noah and Ava enjoyed it either way so I waited for them to finish. I texted Odie asking what he wanted and then walked up to the counter and ordered three meals, one with extra pickles for Val, one with bacon for Zane, one with a large fry and extra burger for Odie, and three milkshakes. Ava, Noah, and I waited for the food. When the employee handed me the bags she smiled.

"Cravings kicking your butt?" she asked.

"Oh, no. This isn't even for us. We ate already. Their mom, dad, and older brother needed lunch, so I'm bringing this home to them." She looked at me curiously.

"Oh... are they not yours?"

"No, they're mine. We have a bit of a non-traditional family."

"Oh, a blended family! That's nice." I decided letting her think that was easier than to explain the nuances of our relationship. I thanked her for the food and the twins helped me carry everything back to the car. Before pulling out of my parking space I texted them again telling them I was on my way, whether they were ready or not. When we got inside, the house was normal, though I could see quite a bit of magic emanating from their bedrooms and throughout the backyard – they must have hid Aria's decorations behind a veil.

We put the food on the counter, and I went to get them to come eat. Odie pulled his burgers and fries out of the bag before I could even find Val and Zane. He grabbed his milkshake and sat down at the table to eat. Val came rushing into the kitchen from the basement. She was sweaty, and her breathing was heavy – her heart rate was quick.

"Everything okay?" I asked.

"Yes. We didn't have much time to hide everything..." Val said. "But I think we got it all. They have no idea what we're planning?"

"None. But I could only stall for so long. Luckily, there was a bit of traffic on the way home." Zane came down from upstairs.

"... I smell bacon."

"Yes, I got your burger with extra bacon." I laughed. I heard his stomach growl as he walked towards the bag to grab his food. He grabbed his milkshake and sat down at the table next to Odie. I followed Val into the kitchen. She reached into the bag and pulled out her burger and slowly unwrapped it. Her stomach growled as she took a bite. I saw her body language relax as she took a deep breath, closed her eyes and chewed. She grabbed a fry and shoved it in her mouth before taking another bite. "I got you a strawberry milkshake too." Her face lit up with excitement as she turned around to grab it.