Total pages in book: 112
Estimated words: 106600 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 533(@200wpm)___ 426(@250wpm)___ 355(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 106600 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 533(@200wpm)___ 426(@250wpm)___ 355(@300wpm)
I have lost one battle, not the war. This is still mine for the taking. I’ve always been in this for the long game.
Remembering my purpose, I pull out my cell phone. I lift it to my ear and wait as the other line rings. It doesn’t pick up until the third ring.
“Hello,” the voice on the other end comes through gruffly.
Good, he sounds detached. I believe I have the perfect timing. Invoking insanity is my strong suit.
I snort to myself. The water wielder’s mate has the spirit of İntikam. They’re making this all too easy.
Very well done, Eden.
“Bardo. It is time. I have your task for you.”
Intruders
“Go upstairs with Dracon. We’ll be up as soon as the ceremony is over,” I say to Beck and Bourne as they pout because they’re going to miss the ceremony.
“But we promise to be quiet,” Bourne tries one more time.
“Why do you want to be down here with all those old folks? The ice cream and cake are all upstairs. My mom is in the kitchen. I can get her to sneak us some snacks,” Dracon says, trying to help me out.
“Yes, come on, Bourne,” Beck sings and takes off.
I shake my head and stand to my full height. We better get this show on the road before those two eat their weight in sugar. I’m not dealing with that shit for the rest of the day and night.
Billy comes up to me and slips her arms beneath my cut and T-shirt. She runs her warm palms up my back as she smiles up at me. Dipping my head, I take her lips.
When I break the kiss, I lift my hand to pull her shirt aside and look at the spot Taylor singed earlier with her flames. Billy covers my hand and gives it a squeeze.
“It’s fine. It’s already healed, thanks to you. Come on. They’re waiting.”
I turn and look around at everyone gathering. This has already been a long day, and it isn’t halfway over. I feel like we haven’t stopped since getting back from Japan. Bradan showing up on death’s door has caused me to think about how grateful I am for my mate and her powers to protect herself and our family.
Bradan is looking more and more like himself. He’s been joking and is as lively as ever. We’re looking more like a family around here. I’ve never known where I belong more.
“Shall we get started?” Nuvos asks.
Nuvos, the eccentric golem, oversees all weddings, blessings, and bonding ceremonies like this one. He will perform the naming ceremony for my sons. That will be one proud day for me. I can’t wait.
“Yes. They’re setting up for a celebration upstairs. We shouldn’t keep them waiting,” Kendrick replies.
“Ah, yes. I was informed there would be a stone cake for me. Let’s be quick,” Nuvos says happily.
My brothers and I move to our respective locations on the crest engraved on the floor. I tug Billy to stand before me and look into her eyes. I can see the love she has for me in her gaze.
I get choked up as the look overwhelms me coming from this woman. A few months ago, she wouldn’t let me help her carry her groceries up to her apartment. I could barely hold a door open for her.
But now, she’s standing here looking at me with so much trust and love. Nuvos steps into the center of the crest, getting into his position, ready to begin. I smile down at Billy, ecstatic to finally bring her fully into our community.
“Wait, oh god. Does this mean that one water fairy who talks too much will be able to bust in talking all the time?” Billy asks through our link, causing me to laugh.
“No, you don’t have to let anyone in you don’t want to. They know the rules. It’s not a social line. It’s for community business and emergencies. Unless there’s a bond with someone who wants to talk, you can shut them out like you do me.”
“Shut up before you’re the only one I don’t let in.”
I give a laugh and smile at her. Our life will always be entertaining. “I’m so glad I found you. I love you, Billy.”
“I love you too.”
Nuvos begins and we fall silent. The temple is filled with excitement. The queens are finally officially taking their thrones. This is huge for the community. We can definitely use the boost in morale around here.
No sooner than I have the thought things begin to go wrong. Our mates begin to lift into the air. Their heads are thrown back and their mouths open. This shouldn’t be happening like this.
My thoughts go to our babies. I don’t know what to do as panic I’ve never felt before fills me. My brain is trying to process what’s happening.