Page 33

“Not long!” A feminine voice came from one house.

The tightly woven door shut behind them, and she pranced over to us.

She was everything a summer fae should look like.

She had golden sparkles on her cheeks, pointed ears, and typical human clothing of jeans and a short-sleeved shirt.

More so, she could go into the human town if she so wished.

She was, however, barefoot to feel the earth beneath her feet, and her cheeks were a bright red, as if she’d been out in the sun too much.

“Name is Meriam. The forest said you were coming. We thought we would give you time to acclimate before we rushed you, since you brought a human.”

Several other fae came out of their homes. Most were women, only one male. They all gave us enormous smiles and came toward us.

“I’m sorry, you said the forest told you?” Elena stepped forward.

Meriam nodded. “Yes, we can listen to the forest. Each tree, shrub, and flower is alive; you just have to listen. That is what the spring and summer fae do. There are usually more of us, but many of us left this morning.” Meriam gave a small smile, and another female put her arm around her shoulder.

I nodded in encouragement. “They will be safe. There won’t be any fighting. It will just be a quick extraction.”

“What?” Elena asked. “What’s going on?”

A male summer fae stood beside me, his presence as striking as the midday sun.

He towered over me, though he lacked the robust build one might expect.

Instead, he evoked the image of a tall Japanese Maple transformed into human form, with his elongated, slender frame and flowing deep crimson hair that cascaded down like leafy branches.

"Duke Idris," he began, his voice smooth yet urgent, "a stone fae, has taken humans captive, and our kin are assisting the Iron Fang in liberating them.

We owe this club our very lives and would go to any lengths to repay that debt. "

Elena’s eyes now filled with worry. “I didn’t know that was going on, Anaki. Why didn’t you tell me?”

I ran my hand through my hair. “I just found out before I brought you here. Bear, Nadia, Beretta and Tajah have gone, too. I’m not sure where Abuela and Luis are. I wanted to bring you here before we went to find them. Show you a little of the sunshine you missed, before—”

“Ah, Abuela and Luis? They are here!” Merium interrupted. “They are in my home. I was told to keep them hidden until Tajah and Beretta returned. Come on.”

Elena and I exchanged a lingering look before we were gently ushered into the intricately branched home.

The light, wooden vines were artfully woven into the structure, their broad gaps allowing sunlight to stream in from above, casting a warm glow throughout the interior.

At the rustic wooden table, Abuela and Luis sat, deeply engrossed in a lively card game while savoring brunch-style food.

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the scent of toasted bread.

“Luis?” Elena yelled.

“Mama!” He jumped up from the table and ran to her, this time being more gentle, and gave her a tight hug. “I got to see the fae! I also got to see Tajah’s shop. Mom, I can wield fire!”

Elena’s eyes widened. “I’m sorry, what?”

Luis crossed his eyes and stared in front at his fingers. He snapped them together, and a small flame appeared. “See! Fire!!”

“Umm,” Merium began. “Let’s not do that in the house. The vines don’t like fire so much.”

Luis covered his mouth. “Lo siento! I will not do it again!”

Elena stood up tall and threw her shoulders back. “Abuela, why can Luis wield fire? What did Tajah do to him?!” Her accent came out thick, and I felt my cocks twitch in reaction.

My mate was hot when she was mad.

Abuela waved her hand in dismissal. “Ah, don’t worry about it.

It's only fire. It isn’t like he can summon the Moon Goddess like I can.

” She wiggled in her seat in satisfaction as she rearranged her cards.

“After that blood test she did, we found out that we do have magic in our lineage, which I suspected.”

Elena perked her head up at that.

“I had awakened most of mine, but by doing it myself, I did not come to my full power. But it was enough to do what I needed to in this life.” She hummed to herself.

“Luis, however, he will have a full life, and with the help of Tajah, has unlocked the first level of magic inside him. She will take Luis under her wing and teach him everything he needs to know. Won’t she? ”

“Yep!” Luis smiled wildly. “She said I was a little old to be an apprentice, but I will do well since I learn so fast.”

I felt heat radiating off Elena’s body. Her heart raced, and her face contorted like she was eating a piece of sour candy.

Yes, she was mad.

“Hey, love, how about we go outside?” I placed my hands on her hips and pressed a kiss to her shoulder. “Let’s not get mad at Luis. He didn’t know,” I whispered.

Abuela smirked and placed a card down on the table. “Go, listen to your dragon, mija. It might do you some good.”

Elena growled and my cocks ticked in surprise. I pressed myself against her, holding her flush to my body. “Love, come on now. Let’s take a break and come back to this.”

Luis waved to his mother and blew her a kiss. “Bye, Mama! I’m so excited we moved here! I think this place is so much better than our old home, don’t you?”

Elena’s posture softened.

It was much better than her old home. More room for Luis to grow, and now that Tajah had awakened his powers. There would be no going back to Venezuela or anywhere else. They were trapped here.

A deep satisfaction rolled over me in waves at that thought.

Was that why she was angry? Or that Abuela invoked his power without speaking with her first?

“We will see you later, Luis. Behave for Abuela and Merium, won’t you?” I asked.

Luis nodded. “Sure thing! Bye!” he said, oblivious to the conflict.

I led Elena outside, and the brightness of the light bore down on her shoulders. She growled into my chest as I turned her to face my body.

“She’s out of control!” Elena banged on my chest. “She didn’t talk to me! That is my son! What if I didn’t want him to have those powers? How am I to raise him? I know nothing about magic or—”

“Mija,” Abuela stepped outside and shut the door. Her face was solemn as she came closer to us.

“You listen here, you old bat!” Elena stepped forward. I grabbed her by the waist and held her back. “You did something life-changing to my son!”

Abuela held up her hand. “I know I did.” Her gaze softened. “And it wasn’t a decision taken lightly. I came in search of you to ask yesterday, but discovered you had troubles.”

Elena stiffened further.

“I left you alone, but sweetheart.” Abuela cupped her cheek.

“Whatever happened to cause you such distress, I am sad I was not a part of it. That you felt you could not tell me.” Her eyes floated to mine.

“I am glad you have someone to lean on now, who can help you. Just know that what I did to Luis will help him in the future. So, he can protect himself.”

Elena swallowed and shook her head. “I can’t believe you did this behind my back.” I felt my mate relax further in my arms. My dragon soothed her with a deep rumbling in our chest as she turned and put her head under my neck.

Abuela sighed. “Mija, I know you don’t understand now, but hopefully when the time comes, you will. This was the only chance while I was alive to—”

“You aren’t dying!” Elena spun out of my arms.

Abuela chuckled. “No, not right now, but—”

“You will not die. You say that all the time. You are not dying or are going to die anytime soon. You will outlive all of us!” Elena slung her arms in all directions until Abuela grabbed them and held them to her chest.

“Don’t believe me, do you? After all the wards I have used, after all the magic around you. You still do not believe in me?”

Elena sniffed, but she dared not let a tear fall .

I stood behind her, my hand tracing the lower part of her back to lend her my strength.

She wasn't giving up, but giving in to her elder’s words.

“I did it because I wanted to be a part of Luis’ awakening.

You and Emmie have your soul mates. You will be taken care of and won’t need the magic.

Luis is young and will be taught in the ways of his ancestors.

It would bring me great joy for him to follow in my footsteps until he finds his soulmate one day.

This will protect him. Don’t you see that?

Did you see how happy he was? How accepting he is of Tajah?

They are perfect for one another as teacher and student. ”

I felt my mate’s tension loosen.

Although I didn't appreciate Abuela's decision to act behind my mate's back, I couldn't deny the aura of magic that surrounded her.

Her voice was steady and sincere, devoid of any deceit, and I sensed no malice in her intentions.

She genuinely wished the best for her descendants.

Abuela had embraced the Iron Fang from the very beginning because she understood it would ensure their safety.

Her wisdom even played a crucial role in helping me earn Elena's trust.

But how did she know her time was so short?

“Luis, knowing magic in this world and living here in the Iron Fang, will benefit him.” I managed to say.

Elena let out a huff of annoyance but rubbed my arm that was wrapped around her waist for comfort. “Fine, but anything else, I want a phone call or text message if you do anything to my son.”

Abuela smiled and nodded with glee. “Of course, of course. That won’t be necessary. I won’t do anything else to him.”

Elena hummed in annoyance, as if she didn’t believe her.

“Now.” Abuela gently cupped her hands around Elena’s face again, her touch warm and comforting.

“Why don’t you two go on a stroll? Hmm? There’s a weeping willow just beyond the homes here.

It’s very romantic.” Her eyes twinkled with mischief as she turned away, and moments later, Meriam returned carrying a soft, plaid blanket and a wicker basket that emanated the mouthwatering aroma of freshly prepared food.

“You have been so stressed, and this is supposed to be your vacation, Elena. Now, go have some fun for once.” Meriam added a playful wink and smiled encouragingly, full of affection.

Elena’s shoulders dropped, and she shook her head. “You are a crazy old bat, did you know that?”

Abuela shrugged and wrapped her shawl around her shoulders tighter. “Si. You would find it strange otherwise.” She eyed her and held out her arms for a hug.

I released Elena, allowing her to be enveloped in the comforting embrace of family warmth.

"Come on, you too, dragon," she called, her voice playful and inviting.

I exhaled a soft laugh, stepping in to encircle Elena, keeping her snugly between us.

As we gently pulled apart, my eye caught Abuela slyly slipping a tiny, empty glass potion bottle into her pocket.

She shot me a wink, her mischievous grin momentarily lighting up her face before it returned to its usual calm expression.

Why did that seem more ominous than it should have?