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I didn’t know what to say. I couldn’t believe it myself. Fae children were so … rare.

Lust came up behind me, putting an arm around my waist.

“The council didn’t listen to any of the wailing and whining about all the fae couples who don’t have children. They decided to put her with a couple with children so she wouldn’t be alone.”

Oh my gods. I was going to cry.

The fae boy spotted her first and waved so hard he nearly toppled over.

“I’m Tamsin,” the girl said with an impish grin, “and we made you something!”

The two fae children ran forward and thrust a necklace of leaves, beads, and what looked like squirrel bones into her hands. “You’re cool. Wanna come live with us?”

Kiva stared at the necklace. Then at them. Then at Sloth.

“It’s okay,” he murmured, kneeling beside her. “You can go. And if you ever want to visit, the manor’s door is always open to you.”

She hesitated—just for a moment—and then launched herself into Sloth’s arms.

“You’re not my dad,” she whispered fiercely. “But you’re mine.”

My throat clenched as he responded. “And you’re mine, you tiny terror.”

She pulled back, gave Sloth’s cheek a kiss, and finally turned to her family.

Her new family.

They welcomed her without hesitation, her small frame wrapped in warm arms and laughter as they led her away, the boy already asking if she could teach him how to steal cookies without anyone noticing.

I stood there long after the last child had gone.

Just as I turned to go, a voice stopped me.

“Hazel? Or … sorry, Wrath now, is it?”

I whipped around, my mother standing directly in front of me in a peasant skirt and tank top, hands sheepishly fidgeting with the large bangles on her wrists.

The sins hesitated behind me, picking up on my hesitation.

“I … what are you doing here?” I asked.

She sighed.

“I’m sorry about Xavier. I hadn’t known he was such a piece of shit.” Her face twisted. “I knew they were babysitting a cabin for a minor god, so I went and tripped the wards hoping he’d show up and kick their asses.”

Her eyes flitted up to me.

“Is it true you did most of the work?”

Lust made a sound of disbelief from behind me. I didn’t blame him.

“Wait …” I began, trying to keep it all straight. “You went to one of the pack’s hidden cabins and tripped the wards to get back at them for me?”

She nodded. “But apparently you were already there kicking ass and taking names.” Her face twisted with distress.

“The kidnapping. What nonsense. I heard the remaining females and cubs will be absorbed by another pack, probably the Yellowstone Pack out west. They’re rebuilding and have a new Alpha, a female! So progressive.”

I blinked, confused about this new brave world of a supportive mother.