Page 25

Chapter Twenty-Five

“Where are the napkins?” I shouted as I ran around the kitchen, trying to find the stack of napkins I had taken out just a minute ago. I swore I’d put them on the island, but now they were gone!

“On the end of the table, at the end of the buffet line, so it will be the last thing they pick up,” Kayden answered from behind me before wrapping his arms around me. “Take a deep breath, Lily.”

I obeyed, taking a deep breath in before slowly letting it out. “I just want everything to be perfect.”

“Your family are coming to see you,” he whispered in my ear, his breath hot on the shell of it, making me shiver and arch back more into him. “Yes, they want to see this place, but you’re what is important to them. We could be in a tent and they wouldn’t care.” He chuckled. “Well, they’d want to build you something nicer than a tent if that’s what they found us living in, but you know what I mean.”

I turned around and kissed him gently on the lips. “Thank you.”

He rubbed the tip of his nose against mine, something we used to do when younger. “Anytime. Now, go to your room and change while your mates finish setting up down here.” He swatted my butt and pushed my shoulders to direct me down the hallway.

On my way to my room, I popped my head into Elrith’s room, smiling when I found him and Kora playing with blocks that Dad had found in our storage that used to be mine when I was their age. They’d built what looked like the layout of a city, very similar in shape to Obselk. “You guys ready to meet more of my family?” I asked.

Kora looked up, a little fear in her eyes. “Will they like me?”

Squatting down, I met her eyes and nodded. “They’ll love you. My Papa Dan, especially, will like you.”

“How do you know?” she asked softly. “I’m a demon and they aren’t.”

“I’m a demon, too, and they love me. Plus, Papa Dan loves me a ton and you’re a lot like me.”

“I am?” she gasped.

“Yes,” I nodded. “You’re a lot like me when I was your age.” I actually worried it might make him cry and get sentimental, but it was hard to tell with him sometimes. Though, Grandpa Deryn swears he’s getting more sentimental the older he gets.

She smiled and stood. “I’m going to wear one of my new dresses.”

I stood as well and said, “That sounds like a great idea, Kora.”

“I’ll wear my new shirt!” Elrith said. “The one Grandpa Triston got me.”

“I think he’ll like that,” I agreed. “I’m going to change now, okay?”

They nodded, already headed in different directions to get their clothes.

There were still a couple hours until my family was scheduled to arrive, so I hopped in the shower, allowing myself time to decompress and relax a bit. I knew Kayden was right, but my bigger anxiousness came from it being my first time hosting my grandparents and great grandparents. I’d helped Mom and Dad, but this was my first time as the hostess.

After showering, brushing out my hair, and putting on some light makeup, I stood in my closet and debated which dress to wear.

“The purple one,” Mason said behind me.

I hissed in shock as I spun around, glaring at him as I felt his joy at startling me. “Rude, Mason. Rude.”

“You’re so easy to startle and make the cutest little hisses,” he teased as he wrapped me in a hug and bit my neck.

Gasping and arching into him, I gripped his shirt and said, “You bite me again and we won’t make it to the party.”

“Promise?” he breathed against my neck, his breath warm against the wet spot from his bite.

With every ounce of willpower I could muster, I shoved him gently away. “Out.”

He pouted, reminding me of his ten-year-old self when I’d refused to let him steal one of my shiny pens. “Fine.”

Once I was certain he was on his way out, I turned back to the closet and pulled the purple dress off the hanger. The dress was made from silk from a small bug-like demon that reminded me of a silkworm back in the other world, but so much softer. It was easy to spell with designs, too, which Druth apparently loved making. She designed this dress for me and did all the spell work herself, spending three days on it, according to Azgon. The vibrant purple matched the purple within my hair when it glowed and had a series of flowers and vines made from tiny crystals around the edges and around the mermaid cut bodice. There were slits on each side of the dress, but since it overlaid a bit, you only noticed if I stretched my leg out. It was the perfect style for someone who might need to fight while wearing it, which was a testament to my life so far that I needed that.

The only issue I had with the dress was that it was impossible to put on alone because you had to tie the laces in the back.

“Mason!” I called.

“Yes?” he asked, right behind me … again.

I couldn’t stop the hiss before it came out, which made him chuckle.

His warm fingertips slid down my bare shoulders to the laces. “Need help with these?”

“Yes, please.” I nodded.

“Oh, being polite today, are we? How refreshing.”

I rolled my eyes. “I’m always polite.”

He scoffed and began tightening the laces carefully. “Often, not always.”

“Pot. Kettle.”

His lips pressed against one shoulder and then the next. “Guilty.”

“Is everything ready?” I asked when he finally finished tightening the laces and patted my back to let me know.

“Yes. The kids are dressed and Kora even let me braid her hair,” he announced.

My mouth dropped. “ You braided her hair?”

His mouth curved down into a frown. “I’m great at braiding hair.”

“You braided mine into knots,” I reminded him.

“That was on purpose because you were being mean to me that day.” He smiled and said, “I actually watched a lot of videos on how to properly braid, in case you ever asked me to.”

“Can you braid tight to the side of my head?” I asked, curious.

He nodded. “Yes.” His eyes dropped to the dress and then up to my hair. “It would actually look really good with this dress. Want me to show you?”

Glancing at the clock on the wall, I hesitated because it was near time.

“Sit on the edge of the bed. We have enough time.”

I was careful with the dress as I sat and despite my nervousness about the time, I really wanted to see what he could do.

“I even made Kayden let me practice on him when he had long hair,” Mason admitted.

“Wait? When did Kay have long hair?”

“He grew it out for about a year,” Mason explained as he began to braid my hair on the right side of my head. “When we decided to come home to see you, though, he cut it.”

“Did it look bad?” I asked. Kayden would look good in any hairstyle, I thought.

“No, but he wanted to look his best when we saw you again, so he opted for a cut that he could style.” He paused and sighed loudly.

“What?”

“I forgot to grab hair bands first.”

Standing, he held the hair he had finished braiding as we walked to the bathroom together to get the small rubber bands I kept for the rare occasions when I braided my hair.

I froze as I stared at the mirror and the beautiful braid along the right side of my head above my ear. It was incredibly well done and showed he had indeed practiced a lot.

“You like it so far?” he asked, nervousness flitting down our bond.

“It’s amazing,” I praised. Looking in the mirror to meet his eyes, I asked, “You really learned this for me?”

He wrapped an arm around my waist and rested his chin atop my head, our eyes locked in the mirror. “I knew you were the one for me when I was a child and that never left. The separation we experienced was agonizing and I know we’ve discussed wishing we could go back and change it, but throughout it all, I never stopped preparing to be your mate. I never stopped doing what I could to become someone that would be useful to you. Whether that use came from my blade or my hands, I made certain I was preparing.”

Tears pooled in my eyes, but I blinked them away quickly so I didn’t ruin my makeup. “I love you so much, Mason.”

He kissed the top of my head and smiled at me in the mirror. “I love you, too. Now, let’s get this braiding job finished before your family shows up.”

When he did finish, I couldn’t believe how gorgeous it looked and how well it fit with the dress like he’d said it would.

There was a press of magic just as we headed out of the bedroom and I heard Mom squeal the next moment, which told me she and my fathers had teleported in.

“That dress looks even better on you than I thought it would,” Mom praised Kora.

We stepped into the living room and watched as Kora did a spin in it. “I like when it flies out!” Kora announced.

Mom gushed over her and it warmed my heart so much because I knew she would have reacted the exact same way had Kora been my blood related child or not. She was just an amazing person and knew these children deserved love.

Triston high-fived Elrith over his shirt choice and I was happy to see them bonding more.

Riddick noticed me first and whistled. “Where did our little girl go?” He walked over and hugged me, pushing Mason away with a hand to his chest. “You get her whenever you want. Let us have some time.”

“You’ve been saying that since I was eight,” I teased.

Branson pulled me away from Riddick and hugged me, patting my head gently. “And it’s truer now.” Pushing me back, he asked, “Who braided your hair? It definitely wasn’t you.”

I stuck my tongue out at him. “Actually, Mason did it.”

Branson looked over my head at Mason and said, “Maybe you’re alright for Lily after all. Any warrior who learns to braid for their mate is good in my book.”

“Thanks for the approval,” Mason grumbled sarcastically, but I could feel his genuine joy in our bond. Boys were so silly with their emotions sometimes.

Caleb grabbed me and draped an arm around my shoulders. “Show me around your new place before your grandparents get here.”

“Too late,” Grandpa Nico said behind us.

“I can show everyone around,” I told Dad and gave him a quick hug before I turned to face part of my family.

Grandpa Nico, Deryn, Rhys, and Foxfire stood behind Nana Jolie, all of them holding packages. “We brought presents,” Nana Jolie announced.

“For who?” I asked with an arched brow.

She laughed. “All of you, actually. Mason, take the one Deryn has. Kayden, take the one Rhys has. Elrith and Trey, I have yours. Kora, take the one from Nico. Lily, take the one from Foxfire.”

Trey, Mason, and I stared at her in shock, unmoving.

She smiled and said, “Well, I’ve had some gifts for you for a bit, but keep missing my chance to give them to you. So, I figured now is the best time. Come on, get your presents and open them.”

It wasn’t a holiday, but I wasn’t going to say no to presents.

“Go on,” I urged the kids, and they moved to get their presents.

My present was a new bracelet with several small mana stones in it full of magic. “There’s a bit from each of us,” Grandpa Foxfire explained. “We wanted you to have a bit of each of us with you. Just in case.” He pulled me into a hug and whispered, “I had to restrain your grandmother when we heard you were attacked. She wanted to burn everything down to get to you. We know you’re an adult now and capable of handling yourself and that you’re happy here, but we still worry for you.”

“Thank you, Grandpa.”

“I’m going to pick up your great grandparents. I’ll be right back,” Grandpa Nico said and disappeared the next instant.

I watched the kids excited over the new toys they’d been given. “Take them to your room, please,” I ordered them.

My mates had received some new videogames, ones that you didn’t need internet to play, which was nice since we did not yet have internet in the demon world. I knew the guys were missing playing games, so this would help. We’d also been given some new board games and card games, which would be great for family game nights.

“How did you like the bathroom?” Grandpa Rhys asked with a wide smile.

I hugged him and said, “Thank you so much. It’s amazing. Honestly, once I’m in there it is hard to leave.”

He laughed and smiled happily at my compliment. “I knew you’d need a space for decompressing.”

“Wait until you see the oasis in the backyard,” I informed him.

His eyes widened. “What?”

“You have to wait until everyone is here,” Trey said. “So we can give one tour.”

“Sounds like you’re just being lazy,” Nana Jolie teased him.

“Efficient, not lazy,” he said with a smile.

She scoffed. “You dragons are so alike.”

“Hey!” Grandpa Rhys said, indignant.

“Where’s my favorite great granddaughter?” Papa Dan yelled as soon as he was teleported in.

I rushed over and hugged the large werewolf around his stomach since that was as high as I could reach. “Papa!”

He hugged me tight. “There you are, pup!” After a tight squeeze he pushed me back and stared down into my eyes, emotion swirling in his. “Can you please be more careful moving forward? I don’t like hearing that you were injured.”

I smiled and said, “I will be more careful, promise.”

He frowned. “Your dad said the same thing before and ended up getting captured a few times since that promise. So, that’s not too reassuring. Maybe I need to move here with you, so I can be closer in case of emergency and in case you need a babysitter.”

I laughed, but then realized he was serious. “You want to move here? With us in the demon world?”

He patted my back. “We’ll talk later, but since I’m retired now, I’ve got time on my hands and I’d like to spend more time with those two pups.” He tilted his head towards Elrith and Kora who were chatting with my grandparents, telling them a story about something I couldn’t hear. “I can get my construction team to build a separate house, I don’t intend to impose on yours, but if your king is amenable to it, I’d like to move here.”

“I’d love to have you around more,” I replied immediately and meant it.

“We all would,” Kayden said behind me.

Papa Dan pulled Kayden into a hug. “How you doin’, Kay?”

“Better now that Lily’s recuperating here,” he replied.

“She does look better,” Papa Dan agreed, and they both looked at me.

“You sure you don’t want to move her for a change of pace and a bit of newness?” Mason asked.

Papa Dan smiled. “That is part of it. I won’t lie about a change of scenery being in order for this old man.”

“Sorry we’re late!” Tony yelled as he came in through the front door with Maya, elf Tony, and Jaeden right behind him.

“Maya!” I yelled and raced over to hug my friend.

We both squealed and hugged each other tightly, holding onto each other longer than usual since it’d been so long since we’d seen each other.

“What am I, chopped liver?” my brother asked with a scoff.

I patted his shoulder while still hugging Maya. “Thanks for coming, bro.”

Mason walked over and hugged Tony. “Don’t mind her, she’s just been needing some Maya time lately.”

“I don’t know how I feel about all of you together,” Dad said. “Whenever you lot are together, craziness happens.”

“Well, don’t start the party without me,” Piper said as she joined us, Talrinir behind her.

I hugged each of them. “Thanks for bringing her, Talrinir.”

Talrinir smiled. “Anything for you, friend.”

“Would you like to stay?” I offered.

“No, you spend time with your family. You and I will catch up in two days at our next meeting.” She hugged me again before heading out the door.

“Tell Jol I said hi,” I teased her.

She flushed and stuck her tongue out at me when she realized I was teasing.

“Alright, everyone is here, give us the tour now,” Dad ordered.

“Yes, sir,” I replied, but it was Trey who led the tour.

I followed at the back, watching as my adoptive family, friends, and the kids all chatted, smiled, and laughed together.

This was what all of the fighting and pain had been for.

This moment of complete peace and joy.

It made it all worth it.

“So, I’ve been thinking,” Grandpa Rhys whispered to me as everyone walked around and inspected the backyard, praising Kayden on his work.

“Oh?” I asked. “Should I be scared or intrigued?”

He chuckled. “Both.”

I waited for him to elaborate.

“I’d like to build a compound of houses here for our family. I know we’ll need Jol’s blessing, but I know all of us would like to visit more frequently, and we don’t want to impose in your house, especially with how many of us there are. Plus, I overheard Dan talking about moving here, and I think that’s a great idea for the old wolf. He’s been bored lately and missing you.”

“I would love that,” I said. “And I know Jol won’t have an issue with it.”

He smiled. “Great! It’ll make visiting for holidays much easier.” His smile dropped and I didn’t realize it was because I’d started crying until he wiped one from my cheek. “What?”

“I’m just so thankful that you all are so accepting of me, of us,” I indicated Elrith and Kora and the world beyond.

He hugged me and patted my back. “My sweet granddaughter, you could be an alien and I’d still love you.”

“You’re making my mate cry again?” Trey growled and pulled me away from Grandpa Rhys to wipe his thumbs beneath my eyes, likely fixing my mascara. “Do I need to fight him?”

I smiled. “Not this time. These are happy tears.”

“You think you could take me? I think you’re still a decade away at least,” Grandpa Rhys teased.

“I could, but that might make my mate sad, so I won’t,” Trey replied nonchalantly.

“Actually, I am curious how much stronger you’ve become,” Dad said. “I think we should have some training sessions tomorrow.”

“I want to train, too!” Elrith yelled.

“Me, too!” Kora yelled, raised her hand, and bounced on the balls of her feet, causing her dress to bounce with her adorably.

“It’s been a while since I’ve had a chance to go against you,” Mason said to Dad. “I think I can take you this time.”

Dad smiled wide. “Sounds fun.”

“Tomorrow at noon at our house,” Nana Jolie said. “We’ll have snacks, drinks, and fun!”

“Actually, I’d like to test something with you and Lily here,” Trey said. “It seems that she has what resembles siren powers here, and I’d like to see if you can be affected by it.”

“Oh, how interesting!” Nana Jolie said and smiled at me. “Leona is going to be even more sad they weren’t able to attend tonight once she hears about this.”

“I’m sure she’ll be here to visit soon enough,” Trey said. “We know she and Silverowl like to check up on Lily as much as you do.”

“We’re family, that’s what family does,” Nana Jolie said and winked at me.

We all went inside to eat and spend time together. It was an evening full of laughs and love. Exactly what I’d hoped it would be.

Mom draped her arm around my shoulders and pulled me into her side where I stood at the edge of the living room watching it all. “You’ve done well, Lily. I’m so proud of you. You’ve become an amazing woman and I know you’re going to accomplish even more with all of the plans you have for the orphans of both worlds and the unification as well. Just remember, you’re not alone and we’ll be here to help you whenever you need it.”

I leaned my head on her shoulder and said, “Thank you, Mama. For everything. If you hadn’t adopted me … I’m not sure what would have happened.”

She looked over at my mates who were bickering with my fathers about something. “Those men were made for you, just like mine were made for me. Fate has always had a way of sticking us in the path of the ones we’re meant to be with. And while I know I can never be your birth mom, I’m so glad I was able to become a part of your life. I’ve never once regretted picking you up that day and taking you home. Just like I know you’ll never regret it with Elrith. He and Kora are a lot like you. Strong, powerful, and determined to prove to the world that there’s more to them than their uniqueness. It’s going to be an interesting next decade.”

Glancing over at Maya and her group of men, I said, “I can’t wait to see that develop more.”

Mom laughed softly. “Your brother is smitten for sure. He may not have wanted to admit it before, but that group works well together. These next generations are really going to be something.”

While we hadn’t eradicated the new hate group, I knew it was only a matter of time. With my family working together, integrating themselves in both worlds and working to improve the lives of all races, I knew everything would be alright.

No matter what hardships we faced. No matter what new issues arose. This family would stay strong, work together, and our bonds would only deepen.

My mates looked at me, and I felt their love through our bond. This was my happily ever after and I would continue to work hard, to learn more, to improve, to ensure that nothing jeopardized it in the future.

“Who’s ready for dessert?” I announced.

“Me!” Kora, Elrith, Grandpa Foxfire, and Papa Dan yelled simultaneously.

“Ah, yes, all the children,” Nana Jolie teased, earning laughter from everyone.

Yes, this was exactly what life was supposed to be. Found family loving and laughing together.