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Luke nods and turns his head, looking at Zach. “I’m sorry for snapping, Zach.”

Zach shrugs and punches Luke lightly on the shoulder. “Just give Mom more credit. She went hundreds of years without us. Plus, she can be a dragon when pissed off.” He thinks for a moment. “Hm, I suppose you’ve never seen that side of her, goody-two-shoes Lukey.”

“I’ve seen her get angry at you and Zane plenty, though,” Luke admits, a small smile tugging at his lips.

My eyes sting as I watch them. Not only because I am, once again, witnessing this incredible family bond. But also because, while I may be watching this from the sidelines through an incredibly clear window, this will never be something I can be a part of. Not really. Their bond is the purest of water and the sweetest of wine. They are the most pristine of gardens, and I am nightshade growing within.

“I know it’s been hard being away from her, Luke. I cried like a baby when I first got to Avalon.”

Luke’s eyes go wide, and he gapes at Connor. “You did?”

Connor nods. “I was all alone. I didn’t have you guys. It was my first time away from Mom and Dad for an extended period.”

Luke thinks for a moment. “At least I have you guys. And Summer and Alice.”

“And Rafe,” Connor adds. “I know he doesn’t act like it, but he loves us too.”

Luke shakes his head. “Not me. I’m not a fighter like you guys.”

Connor blinks, taken aback by the statement. “No, you’re not a fighter. You’re way more special than that, Luke.”

“Okay, wow,” Zach grumbles, leaning against the elevator wall.

Luke sighs heavily. “You should see how Rafe looks at me when he sees my wings.”

Connor winces. “That isn’t about you, Luke. Like I said, Rafe has some demons. It’s not you. It’s never you.”

Luke runs a hand through his hair, stepping back to stand tall on his own.

We arrived at our floor a while ago, but no one had even looked up when the doors opened. They were focused on Luke and making sure he was a little more healed than he was when we stepped into it. His eyes are clearer now, more unburdened, and Connor smiles at him. “Ready?”

Luke nods, and we leave the elevator together. Connor scoops me into his arms, and we launch into the sky. Connor holds back, his brothers racing each other as they weave through the clouds.

“What is it?” I ask, watching him. Some of the burden I saw on Luke’s face now shrouds Connor’s.

He sighs, watching Luke in the distance. “Luke and Rafe are more alike than either of them knows.”

I search his face, my heart aching for him. I pinch his chin and tilt his head toward me before brushing my lips over his.

Connor hovers in midair. “What was that for?”

“You’re just a really good guy, Con.” I press a kiss to his cheek. “You’re strong.” I kiss the other cheek. “Kind.” I kiss the corner of his lips. “Handsome.” I kiss the other corner of his lips. “Mushy and wonderful.” I hover my lips over his. “And you have the biggest heart.”

Connor smiles. “I thought you hated my mushiness,” he teases.

My lips twitch, and I brush my lips over his. “You make it hard to hate.”

He smirks. “Well, you’re going to have to endure more of it now because I was holding back before.”

I groan. “Oh, no.”

Connor laughs and spins us in the sky before rapidly descending toward the portal to Avalon.

50

Summer

We land back at the Morningstar house, tension still radiating from Luke. It escalates when Rafe steps onto the porch. Deciding that I can’t handle another confrontation between the brothers, I excuse myself and head home. I barely make it back onto the quad before I’m tackled by a small, solid body. She takes me to the ground, clinging to me.