Page 36

E lle had never been spoiled, but after shopping all day, she admitted to herself she could get used to it.

Tony let Elle sleep until she woke on her own, and by the time she did, it was close to ten.

Elle turned down breakfast, but she did inhale a cup of coffee and took an insulated mug with her to sip as they drove to a shopping area.

Instead of it being just her and Tony, his parents went with them, and they included a glamoured Nekoma so he could see more of this new-to-him world.

Tabitha had to return to her job, but she promised Elle they would get together soon for a girl’s only day out.

When Elle asked Tony if he was okay with that, he insisted he was, telling Elle it would be good for her to get to know the females of the Clan. Elle was excited at the prospect.

Not only did Anthony buy Elle way too many clothes, he also had Nekoma choose items for himself since he only had the one tunic and pair of pants.

When Tessa suggested new shoes, Nekoma declined, stating his boots were fine.

Elle didn’t push him to accept more gifts.

She knew how it felt to be beholden to someone.

After shopping for clothes, Gregor drove them to a restaurant called Colden’s Key, which was owned by a Gargoyle and his human mate, who happened to be one of Tony’s cousins by marriage.

Another two cousins ran the location. Chelle was the head chef, while her brother, Robbie, was general manager.

Both were human and had been adopted by Tony’s uncle, Sinclair.

Elle would never remember all their names.

Each day, she was introduced to or told about even more of them.

When Chelle found out her family was there, she came out of the kitchen and greeted them.

Instead of allowing them to order, Chelle promised to fix something special for the group.

It had been the best meal of Elle’s life.

Nekoma had a million questions about the dishes and ingredients, and Tessa and Gregor did their best to answer them.

When they couldn’t, Tessa promised to ask Chelle later.

Next, they went to a store that sold household items. Elle had bought a few things from a thrift store for her bedroom at the farmhouse.

On Evyndral, the fae sewed and knitted their blankets and pillows, then bartered at the market for vegetables and herbs.

The quality was excellent, but there hadn’t been a large selection, so when Elle stepped foot into the home goods store?

She stopped and stared, not knowing where to start.

Anthony took the decision away from her, insisting they go up and down every aisle.

It helped that Tessa was there, providing humorous commentary.

Nekoma was equally as enthralled. Since he had no money, Anthony offered to purchase whatever Nekoma wanted, but again, he declined, so Elle tossed a few things her brother admired into the shopping cart, stating they were for her.

Fae didn’t celebrate birthdays in the same fashion as humans and Gargoyles did, but Elle figured she had at least thirty sun cycles of well-wishes to make up for where Nekoma was concerned.

When they got home, Elle showed Nekoma how to use the washing machine.

She was proud of her brother for not getting overwhelmed with all the new sights and sounds as they went about their day.

Then again, he had three willing Gargoyles to answer any and all questions, unlike Elle who’d had to figure everything out on her own.

As wonderful as spending so much time with Gregor and Tessa was, it had Elle missing her own father.

Not a day passed that she didn’t think about Ballymar.

In all the excitement, she had forgotten to ask the twins if they had seen their father since joining the royal guard.

Before meeting Tony, Elle dreamed of returning to Summerland and her home there.

Now she had a mate who she loved beyond measure.

That didn’t mean Elle wouldn’t want to some day visit Ballymar, but her home was with Tony and his Clan.

The twins had a responsibility as guardians, but now that Nekoma was in her life, he could portal her to Norway so she could visit with Yari and Trinity.

Elle never had friends, but now she did.

Living on Earth was turning out to be more than she could have dreamed of.

Gregor and Tessa were cooking supper while Elle, Tony, and Nekoma were watching Practical Magic at Nekoma’s request. Tony looked toward the front window and said, “We have company.” He paused the movie, and soon after, the front door opened, and two females entered.

One, Elle recognized as Harlow, but the other was a stranger.

She had red hair, not as bright as Tessa’s, and vibrant green eyes.

Elle had no doubt she was a strong Gargoyle, but the energy emanating from Harlow was powerful.

If it weren’t for her smile and kind eyes, Elle would have called forth fireballs to protect herself.

What was it Tony had said she was? A Gargoyle and Gryphon hybrid?

Harlow eyed Nekoma before saying, “I come bearing good tidings and a shadow.” She thumbed over her shoulder at the redhead. Turning to Nekoma, Harlow introduced herself and the other female. “You must be Nekoma. I’m Harlow, and this is Cailín.”

Nekoma, remembering his manners, stood and bowed his head. “Greetings Harlow and Cailín. I am Nekoma of Autumnvale, and it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

Cailín’s grin morphed into a huge smile, taking her from pretty to stunning. “Luna wasn’t kidding.”

“Cailín, don’t embarrass the guy,” Tony chided.

“What am I missing?” Nekoma asked, clasping his hands behind his back.

“Luna informed us of how handsome you are, but she also said the same thing about Elle’s other brother. Thran, right?”

“All fae are similar in appearance,” Elle explained, “other than our hair color. Dark fae have dark hair, and light fae have blonde.”

Cailín angled her head to the side. “If your father has dark hair, why is yours blonde?”

“My mother was D?nthúlú, a light fae, and the—” She turned to Tony. “How do I say it? The D?nthúlú have stronger...?”

“Genes? Chromosomes? I wasn’t very good at biology in school, but I think you mean that a light fae passes on their characteristics when having a child born of both light and dark.”

“Yes, that. I’m not sure why that is, though.”

Cailín took an empty chair. “Genetics are weird, but Connor could explain it. Or maybe Alyssa. She’s a biologist.”

“I’m surprised Tabby didn’t try to convince you to take over her protection job,” Tony said to the redhead.

Cailín grinned. “Oh, she tried, but I just came off a month-long babysitting gig. I didn’t want another one so soon. I did promise that when it’s time to go after Grevolus, I’d relieve her long enough that she could join the party.”

Harlow crossed the room and took one of the chairs.

“Speaking of which, we think we know which direction he’s headed.

There have been two carjackings in South Carolina, and yes, carjackings aren’t that uncommon, but in both instances, the victims described the thief as an old man.

Someone who appeared too frail to rip a door open and jerk the driver from the vehicle.

The first was in Allendale, and the second was in Walterboro.

Elle, where in South Carolina did you land when you came through the portal? ”

“Charleston. From there we headed south, then west.”

Harlow, who had her phone in hand, tapped at the screen. “Okay, that tracks. He might not be headed back to Charleston, but he is traveling that direction.”

Elle shook her head. “I don’t think he’d go back there.

There were too many people for one thing, and he hated the beach.

He swore he would rather die than see that much sand again.

The farmhouse was old, but it was still situated on quite a bit of land surrounded by trees.

The four l?mméfu of Evyndral were similar in landscape.

The only difference was the climate. Summerland and Springmire had milder climates, whereas Winterhaven and Autumnvale were cooler.

Grevolus always complained about the heat, so maybe he decided to head north now that he has the means to? ”

“What’s a lomfuh?” Cailín asked.

“It roughly translates to land. It’s what you would consider a village or small town.”

“And there are only four of them?”

“Besides Evyndral proper where the royals live, yes. But it isn’t like your towns here that are next to one another. There are great forests between them.”

“Did we lose Nekoma?” Harlow whispered. Elle glanced at her brother who had his eyes closed.

Nekoma refocused on their group. “My apologies. I was trying to track Grevolus. He isn’t moving at the moment and hasn’t been for a while.”

“What’s a while?” Cailín asked.

Nekoma looked toward the window, then motioned Elle to come with him. “The sun’s shadow was by that small tree when I first noted he had stopped.”

“About three hours then. Have you been tracking him all day? Is that what you’re doing every time you close your eyes?”

“Yes. It isn’t necessary, but it helps shut out all the noise around me.”

Elle placed a hand on her brother’s arm.

“You’re amazing.” Nekoma blushed, so Elle didn’t embarrass him further.

She returned to the sofa and sat back down next to Tony, grabbing his hand, and entwining their fingers.

He wasn’t jealous of Nekoma, but as he’d explained, the beast didn’t want her touching anyone else and vice versa.

“If Grevolus stays where he is, how do we find him exactly?” Harlow asked.

Nekoma twisted the braided bracelet that contained Grevolus’s hair, then pointed to it. “I use this to sense his whereabouts. If I conclude he’s secluded, I can portal. If not, we will have to travel by... what did you call the metal wagons? Cars?” Elle nodded.