Deception by B. C. Burgess Page B

both raised a hand toward granite clouds. Then Quin started the countdown. “One . . . two . . . three.”
    Flames shot from their palms – a pair of burning spheres too similar to say which was bigger. Soon after leaving their bodies, the fireballs combined, and Layla gasped as a cluster of flames the size of a small house soared above the lawn. The magic quickly reached a height equal to the tallest timber, so Quin waved a hand and extinguished the spell. Applause and a few whoops rose up from their family, and Layla wiggled with excitement as she found Quin’s eyes.
    “I'm calling it a tie,” he decided, pulling her knuckles to his lips, “unless you want to contest my decision and ask the others.”
    She shrugged, trying to stifle a smile as she tilted her chin. “I think mine was a bit bigger, but whatever.”
    Quin laughed as he poked her in the side, making her flinch and giggle.
    “Okay, okay,” she conceded. “They were too close to call.”
    “That's probably the last time I'll be able to match you. From now on, you'll kick my ass at my own element.”
    “I'll try to kick softly,” she promised, fluttering her lashes.
    He grinned as he pulled her under his arm. “How do you feel?”
    “The same way I always feel after playing with fire. It’s like taking a shot of adrenaline mixed with happy gas. Screw energy drinks. We should market post-power euphoria.”
    He laughed as he rubbed her vibrating shoulder. “So you’re ready for a race?”
    She flipped her gaze to his, her mouth falling open as she pointed. “You set me up, and I fell right into it.”
    His dimples deepened as he pulled her hand to his heart. “Aren’t you glad you did?”
    “Well,” she huffed, searching for an argument, but she didn’t have one. “I can’t deny the boost of confidence I get after performing magic, but that was scandalous and ornery and someday I’ll start catching on to your tricks.”
    “So you’re ready for a race?” he repeated, smoothing her wrinkled brow.
    She smirked and shook her head. “Count me in.”
    “Excellent,” he approved, taking her cheeks.
    After giving her a happy kiss, he looked to the family, and Layla looked as well. A few seconds later, her cousins Banning and Brietta, along with Quin’s cousin Skyla, flew to meet them.
    “Hey, Layla,” Banning greeted. “You look great.”
    “Thanks, Bann.”
    “How do you feel?”
    “Almost back to normal. Quin fixed me up nicely. How's your dad?”
    “Tough as nails is what he'll tell you.”
    “I'm glad he's doing better,” Layla offered, floating to Brietta and Skyla for hugs. “How’s your dad, Sky?”
    “Much better,” Skyla assured. “What were he and Kearny saying earlier, Bann? Something about how there wasn't a magician alive who could break them?”
    “Yeah,” Banning laughed, “as they were getting their bones mended.”
    Brietta somersaulted over Quin and grabbed him in a headlock. “So, Mr. Fix It, what did you call us up here for?” She fruitlessly tugged a few times. Then she flipped in front of him and jabbed at his ribs, but he smoothly dodged her dainty fist.
    “Ready to get beat in a race?” he asked.
    “Excellent,” Banning approved. “Bri's starving for her humble pie.”
    Brietta’s long blond hair fluttered behind her as she slid through the air and swept Banning's feet out from under him. Then she laughed and pointed when he tipped sideways. “You're just mad because you can't beat me.”
    He straightened and grabbed for her, but missed. “No. I just like to see you get beat.”
    “Such a loving brother,” she countered. “What would I do without you?”
    “Pick on somebody else,” he answered, swiping at her again, but Brietta was too fast.
    “But I like picking on you,” she cooed, swooping in to ruffle his fair hair. “You're my favorite.”
    He finally caught her, but rather than retaliate, he wrapped one arm around her shoulders and kissed her head. “You're my favorite, too,