Page 21

twenty-one

ada

O ur bonding party is in full swing at the Blackwood Estate.

Rue and her mom insisted on hosting the event, and just as I predicted, Selene hit it off with them. She helped organize everything, and she’s even in talks to help plan the coven’s Sabbat celebrations from now on.

Selene is the first person to grab me and pull me in for a hug once Ulgan and I arrive at the party. She and I have become closer since we met at Ulgan’s apartment. Joining my little girl gang of misfits, she’s become one of my closest friends. She’s even been helping me decorate the new house, and boy does she have excellent taste.

Now that Ulgan and I have moved into our new home, Selene has thankfully agreed to take over the lease for my cottage. It still seems unreal that he helped build a whole ass house for me. The art studio is probably my favorite room. Well, besides the bedroom. The studio has beautiful large windows that let in just the right amount of natural light for painting. Ulgan even built me a custom table and cabinets so that I have plenty of space to create and store supplies. He’s so thoughtful to have given me such a generous surprise. He’s yet to let me paint a portrait of him naked, but I think I’m wearing him down.

The inside of the sprawling estate is decorated—and enchanted—with hundreds of thousands of flowers that hang from the ceiling and can be found on every available surface. It feels like we’re in a whimsical garden surrounded by those who Ulgan and I love dearly. Everyone is scattered throughout the room eating the almost-too-pretty-to-eat hors d'oeuvres and chatting happily.

Ulgan and I make our way around the room, thanking everyone for coming and celebrating us. It doesn’t escape my notice that Theo has some difficulty keeping his eyes off of Rue today. There’s something there that I just can’t put my finger on.

Isla and Hannah are both having an animated conversation with Miss Laurel as Kaida zooms around the room twirling in her new flowy dress. Everyone I love is under one roof.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Sebastian walking toward us, flanked by some familiar faces.

“Ada, you look like an absolute babe today!” Clio rushes at me, giving me a big hug. Her fiery curls pop in contrast with the deep green dress that she’s chosen. Sarah isn’t far behind, wrapping her arms around me next. My coworker always looks elegant, and this floral romper she’s got on is perfection.

“Ada, this party is gorgeous. Congratulations to you and Ulgan. I’m so happy for you.” She gives both Ulgan and I a warm smile. Sarah looks behind her, and grabs the hand of a large giant of a man. “Max, this is my friend Ada that I’ve been telling you about, and her new mate Ulgan. Ulgan, Ada, this is my mate, Max.”

Max looks lovingly at Sarah before turning his gaze to us, wishing Ulgan and I a wonderful life together. His gaze travels back to Sarah, where he looks at her like she hung the moon.

“Brother, get over here and congratulate them!” Sarah turns to Sebastian, tugging him forward.

Wait, Sarah and Sebastian are related? I know that they belong to the same pack, but I certainly didn’t know that they are siblings.

“Brother?” I quietly whisper to her.

“Oh yeah, did I forget to mention that? This grumpy ass has been blessed to call me his sister."

“Blessed? More like cursed,” Sebastian mutters under his breath, clearly amused. So, Sebastian is related to both Clio and Sarah. Those girls sure have some explaining to do at our weekly dinner later this week.

Sebastian is dapper in a gray suit, something that he looks incredibly uncomfortable in, as he pulls at his tie. He and the high ranking members of his pack are here to represent the shifter community.

“Congratulations to the happy couple. I hope y’all have many years of happiness ahead of you. On behalf of the Artemis Pack, we hope that you’ll accept these gifts, and also take my thanks. We wolf shifters aren’t always included in events like this, so it means a lot to my people. You will have the gratitude and protection of the pack for as long as I’m alpha.” Sebastian hands Ulgan a large basket overflowing with handmade soaps, candles, and jams, made by members of his pack. The pack is known for their unique locally sourced artisan goods.

Big tears pour down my face. “Sebastian, get over here so that I can hug you!”

His entire body stiffens as I wrap my arms around him, but eventually he relaxes and returns my hug.

Releasing Sebastian, I address all of the shifters standing behind him. “Please enjoy the party, and I am so excited to get to know you and your mates.” Each of the men gives me a smile and goes off to enjoy themselves. Sarah and Clio each give me a wave and join their pack mates.

Suddenly, Theo appears beside Ulgan, buzzing with excitement. “Hey man, you won’t believe who I just ran into. Stefan from high school! Come with me and say hi.” Ulgan appears excited to hear that an old friend is able to be here today.

“Ada, is it okay if I borrow your mate for a few minutes?” Theo asks. I swear, sometimes they act like two little boys when they’re together.

“Yes, Ulgan may come out to play.” We all laugh.

“Thanks, Ada! I’ll be sure to have him back by curfew.” Theo gives me a wink. They walk outside and I can hear their cheers of excitement even over the sounds of the loud party.

“Ada, you look stunning, sweetheart.” Angeline comes up beside me and wraps me in a hug, then holds me at arms length to take in my dress. All of the ladies in my life went with me to pick out this sweet floor length blue dress with lantern sleeves and beautiful floral embroidery that matches the flowers surrounding us. “You are my second daughter, and to see you this happy and in love is the best gift anyone could ask for. I’m so happy for you.”

After stepping in as a surrogate mom, I don’t think I will ever be able to repay her. “I love you, Angeline.”

Edie and Harold make their way over to us. “Angeline you have outdone yourself. Thank you for everything you’ve done for my boy and Ada. This whole place looks like a floral dream.” Harold nods enthusiastically while keeping his hand on Edie’s back. Those two are so damn cute.

“Your Selene and my Rue are to thank for all of this. It was their idea to bring spring a few months early,” Angeline replies. “That Selene is a powerhouse that I look forward to working with again, and for our families to get to know each other better.”

“Hi, Sunshine,” Ulgan whispers in my ear from behind me.

“There you are. Did you have fun with your friends?” I’ve grossed myself out with how much I missed him in the short time that we weren’t together.

“Yes, I did, but I missed my mate. I have one more surprise for you, if you’re ready.”

What could he possibly surprise me with now? Is he gonna bring out a new car or something?

Ulgan clears his throat, and the room becomes quiet. “Hello, everyone. Ada and I want to thank all of you for coming today to celebrate our mating bond. There is one final surprise that I have in store for my gorgeous mate. It has come to my attention that as a part of human wedding ceremonies, there’s typically a cake that the couple cut together. If you know me, I happen to know my way around cake.” The crowd bursts out laughing. He grabs my hands and speaks directly to me, “Ada, I love you with my entire heart. This cake was made by me, with love.”

Suddenly, Theo and Sebastian carry out an enormous five tiered cake with round layers and a rainbow of frosting in a variety of pastel colors.

“Ulgan, it’s gorgeous,” I accidentally shout, in love with the cake and forgetting to use my inside voice.

He chuckles at my reaction, and the rest of the crowd follows suit. “I thought you might like it, since you’ve never been shy about your love of color.”

We walk over and cut out a slice of the cake while the room cheers. We each take a bite of the cake, and I swear that I moan the second it hits my taste buds. Vanilla sponge with lavender and a lemon curd filling.

“Holy shit, Ulgan. This may be my favorite cake you’ve ever made.” The crowd goes back to chatting and having fun, and Ulgan and I are left to spend a few moments alone together.

“I’m glad you like it. You actually inspired the flavor,” he said mischievously.

“Really, how so?” I ask curiously.

“Remember how I said that orcs can scent their mates? Well, to me you smell like lavender and lemon.”

“Awe, that’s sweet.” He’s such a romantic. “What about the vanilla?”

He leans in close, whispering so only I can hear, “When that delicious body of yours gets aroused and your pussy soaks your panties, there’s a touch of vanilla in your scent. It’s mouthwatering.”

He—what? I slowly blink at him, making sure I heard him correctly. “You made a cake inspired by how I smell when I’m turned on? I can’t decide if that’s deranged or the sexiest thing that’s come out of your mouth.”

“Would it help if we snuck away for a few moments so that I can show you what else my mouth can do?” The big goof wiggles his eyebrows up and down at me. I don’t need to be asked twice.

My gaze meets his and I see the same heat in his eyes that’s working its way through me. “Follow me, I may know just the right place for us to ‘freshen up,’” I say, holding up my fingers for air quotes.

“I’ll follow you anywhere, my mate.”

Hearing him call me his mate will never get old.