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Ezra turned around and snapped at me. “Shouldn’t you be with your own alphas instead of bugging me?”

Maybe. But after spending the past few nights all huddled together in my makeshift nest, I needed a little breather.

And I had years of missed opportunities of making fun of my brother to make up for.

I reached down to where Wasabi lay at my feet, giving her a little scratch behind her tufted ears.

I’d still been passed out when we’d arrived at the castle, but my pack and my cousins, who thankfully hadn’t been called to fight,had made sure Matgar tended to Wasabi’s healing wounds right away. And now she was back to normal, minus her battle scars.

I ignored the fact that I’d soon be leaving her behind, because whenever I thought about it, I’d start sobbing. Wasabi had saved my life, and she was more friend than pet. Matgar and Canna had both assured me they’d take good care of her, and while I trusted the gruff, rough-around-the-edges beast master and my new sister-in-law, it didn’t mean I wasn’t going to miss her like crazy.

But Earth could barely handle shifters and vampyrs who looked exactly like humans—there was no way they’d be ready for a giant dragonfly/tiger/snake.

Yes, she’d be safer here, even if it broke my heart.

Canna came over and sat down beside me, giving me a conspiratorial look. “Alphas,” she sighed, shaking her head.

“Alphas,” I concurred, handing her a not-grape.

Once word of Alaroth’s demise had reached Nivardi, he’d immediately disbanded the keep. He allowed the shifters to stay there while they explored their new options, giving them complete freedom to shift and make new packs.

Some of them had stayed at the haven to help the betas rebuild the structures into something less “prison-campy,” while other betas made the trip to the keep with the returning soldiers, looking to reunite with long lost loved ones.

After helping us secure the castle and flushing out any Alaroth sycophants, Kian had flown back to the hidden vampyr village to let them know it was safe to live in the open now.

Unsurprisingly, they decided to stay where they were for the time being, but promised to send a small delegation to the castle today.

Why?

Because Ezra was being crowned the new King of Vespera.

Politically it made sense—he’d been Alaroth’s Commander, and with the shifters and vampyrs now free from his slavery and genocide, they outnumbered the free Starborne fae. After many hours of debate with Alaroth’s old advisors and my pack, we’d all come to the conclusion that the kingdom was long overdue for some change, and Ezra was the best prepared to lead them.

He also, sadly, wasn’t much interested in returning to Earth with me. I couldn’t say it didn’t hurt, but I understood where he was coming from. On Earth, he was officially dead. He wouldn’t be able to get in touch with his old friends, nor could he really get a job—he’d flat out refused to work for Cam under the table. Plus Canna was fromhere, and he worried about how she would adjust.

So Vespera it was.

Ezra was taking his new position very seriously, but I could see the doubt in his eyes. The guilt. The apprehension.

He fiddled with the sash again and I sighed. “Hey, Canna, can you go check on the other omegas? Florian’s coming out of his heat, and I can only imagine how difficult it’s going to be keeping any of them clothed long enough for the coronation.”

Alaroth’s harem of omega concubines sadly also decided to stay in Vespera, dashing my dreams of opening a shifter spa back in Maiingan Hollow.

Canna looked at Ezra for confirmation and he gave her a patient smile. “You don’t have to ask me for permission, honey. I’m your partner, not your master.”

Her cheeks blushed and she looked down at her slippered feet. “I’m sorry. Old habits are hard to break.”

Canna was bright, sweet, and definitely able to give as good as she got, but she and the other omegas here had had total submission drilled into them from when they’d first showed their designation. She still sometimes slipped into the idea that pleasing whichever alpha purchased her for the night was the most important thing she could do, and it was going to take some time before she learned to break free from that mindset.

I knew the makings of a smart aleck when I saw one, though, and trusted she would get over it eventually.

Ezra walked over and gave her a reassuring squeeze on her shoulder. “You don’t have to apologize either. Or listen to my stupid sister. She’s not the future queen anymore, remember?Youare.”

I twirled my hand with an exaggerated flourish and bowed towards her, bringing a giggle to her lips. “Well, I think she’s probably right, anyway,” she said. “The last thing we want is Florian’s pheromones inciting an orgy at the ceremony.”

“Or is itexactlywhat we want?” I asked, wiggling my eyebrows.

She laughed again, getting up and heading out. “I’ll be back soon.”