Kendrick looked from her to Radclyffe then to Laelia. He pinched the bridge of his nose before giving Laelia a sour look. "You couldn't stop them?"
Laelia smiled and stood on tiptoe to kiss his cheek. "We've missed you too." She looked around. "What's for lunch?" She glided easily past Kendrick to take an empty seat.
"Oh, I like her already," Rheia said. "Are you a nurse?"
Laelia laughed. "In a way, yes."
Kendrick exhaled and pointed to them. "This is Serenity Meadowsweet, the temple head for the Water Temple in Storm Keep. The two who should have hogtied her and kept her home are her best friends and water temple dedicates Radclyffe and Laelia Juniper."
Radclyffe clapped a hand on Kendrick's shoulder. "You're the only one who likes tying people up old man. Don't project that kink on to me and my mate." He walked past Kendrick to join Laelia at the table.
Kendrick rolled his eyes and pointed her to the table. "You might as well sit down."
She gave him a flat look. "Thanks ever so much," she said sarcastically taking the seat next to Radclyffe.
Kendrick sat down next to a woman who was trying to catch her breath from laughing. "Oh hush you," he said smiling.
"My name is Anne Ashwood, Kendrick's mate," the woman said introducing herself.
Kendrick looked around wincing. "We should do introductions again."
The dark-haired young man next to Aiden popped up out of his chair waving his hand. "Let me! Let me!" he begged.
Serenity was shocked at the gentle smile on Kendrick's face as he nodded to the youngster. He wasn't known for his patience in Storm Keep. In fact, she had heard many a witch create dares involving approaching Kendrick for a spell or advice. He was legendary for being grouchy and ill-tempered. Maybe being mated had mellowed him.
Starting with himself Pip introduced everyone giving her a bit of information with each introduction. When he introduced the warrior Micah Sageson, her heart began to race. How? How could this be the man from her dreams? Under the table she squeezed her hands together. Was he her mate? Or did she have a premonition about him warning of something terrible about to happen because of the sickness? Micah looked a bit shell shocked. Had he dreamt of her too? He recovered quickly and winked at her in a conspiratorial fashion. He threaded his hands behind his head and tilted back in the chair watching her closely.
She turned quickly to smile at the sweet youngster. "Thank you Pip, that was wonderful."
He beamed at her. "I just met them too."
Serenity stared. "You've memorized everyone's names that quickly?"
Pip nodded looking proud. "Meryn says I am a genius."
"I'll say," Laelia agreed.
Serenity smiled at the two other familiar faces. "Hello boys."
"Hey Seri!" they said waving.
She had a huge soft spot for Nigel and Neil Morninglory. Between helping to care for the other youngsters at the orphanage and training for their warrior exam, they spent a lot of time at the Water Temple. They seemed to be the only ones who could be around Kendrick without being blasted or turned into small animals. When they were assigned to Noctem Falls she found herself missing them terribly.
"Now that you know everyone. How did you get here?" Kendrick asked.
"Queen Aleksandra found the Healer's Clause in the original spell used to create the city portals. It states that if a portal is opened from within the Water Temple, witches are able to pass through to assist in any type of crisis. She pretty much got us up to speed on what's been happening here. I have to say, I am very impressed with the progress you've made thus far."
Kendrick rubbed his chin. "I'm surprised that the Witch's Council allowed you to come." Serenity winced and looked away. "Please tell me you didn't disobey the Witch's Council to come here?" Kendrick said in a low voice.
Serenity turned back and scowled at one of her oldest friends. Unlike other witches in Storm Keep his poor attitude hadn't affected her in the slightest. She simply ignored it. "Where the hell else would I be? The Water Temple has the largest collection of body magic spells on record. Ever since I took over as temple head I've incorporated healing magic into daily studies. You have yourself to thank for that, by the way. You were a huge influence on me growing up and as I reorganized the Water Temple."
Kendrick threw his arms up in frustration. "I wanted others to know how to heal so everyone would leave me alone, not for you to be prosecuted by those puffed up, self-important muppets."
"Muppets," Meryn repeated snickering.
"Maybe it won't be that bad," she said, not really believing her own words.
"She'll just have to stay here," Micah suggested giving her a saucy wink.