‘You know I agree. We are done hiding, Farren. And it seems the universe has decided a new stronghold is in order,’Zehra added. With everything changing in my life, I decided to go against my better judgment and trust my mates. They’d proven to be trustworthy so far, and if Levi and his dragon could agree, how could I not?
“The moment this turns south?” I started, only continuing when all eyes were on me. “We’re gone.”
“Agreed,” Kane said. “This feels dangerous, and I don’t fucking like it.”
“But this feels like home,” Levi countered. “More than any place ever has.”
“Despite the disgusting white shit on the ground, I can’t disagree with that,” Avi said. His pale blue eyes scanned the town around us. His sigh was heavy, but it wasn't the kind of weight that dragged you down. It was heavy with contentment, which was almost as dangerous. Contentment meant that we were more likely to fight because his happiness, and future happiness, was worth that much. “Yup. This is right.”
“Then it’s settled,” Niko decided. “We’ll update you on our situation when we get there. Kylan knows the details, but we haven’t had a chance to share them with you. They were a bit too heavy to just drop on a brand new mate.”
“That’s alright. Apparently, our lives are just going to be a mix of fantastic sex and chaos. Bring it the fuck on,” I said with more confidence than I felt, but the words did the trick. Everyone laughed softly, the mood lifting enough that we could all breathe easily as Niko changed directions, leading us across town.
‘Are you doing okay?’Zehra checked in. She knew me well enough to know that this should be having me panicking, barely breathing as it clawed away at my anxiety. I’d be tucking tail and running, hiding, if not for them. But as I thought it over, I realized that this didn’t feel as terrifying as it used to.
‘Oddly enough, I am,’I said. Her surprise was intense, and I chuckled to myself.‘Strange, isn’t it?’
‘No. You aren’t alone anymore, and that changes everything.’
She was right. Everything had changed. Instead of falling apart when my skeletons burst out of the closet, my life seemed to be falling into place. Sure, we now had dragons to worry about, but this was a different time than our childhood. Attacks like that weren’t acceptable any longer, and we had an entire town of humans and supernaturals ready to defend us at all costs.
For once, I wasn’t terrified, but humbled. It was odd to have to face how much you meant to people, especially after years of assuming no one cared. Now, I had four amazing mates by my side. Together, I knew we’d be able to handle anything this crazy universe threw our way—which was apparently going to be one fucking thing after another.
Bring it on.
16
Farren
The place their friend Kylan had managed to snag was amazing. It was more of a complex, with three buildings on one property. To the left was a smaller empty building, to the right a business storefront, and behind it a house. They’d already started renovations if the tarp-covered wood stacks meant anything, but the snow was not going to make that easy.
“I thought I smelled some witches,” a man’s voice rang out. The blond witch was grinning as he came our way. He was handsome, with a dimple on his chin and kind eyes. “We got lucky, didn’t we?” He gestured at the place behind him.
“You did. It took forever for the city to vote to put it back on the market,” I said. “Welcome to Emberwood. I’m Farren.”
“I’ve heard a lot about you,” he said, eyes brightening at the sound of my name. “West and I didn’t find each other until I was older, but he’s always talked highly of you.”
“He’s great,” I agreed. “A bit crazy and sarcastic, but that’s part of his charm.” He laughed at my description.
“That’s an accurate description,” he agreed before turning to the others. “Come on in, my coven’s working on the shop. Be prepared. Quinn and Jude might force some tea on you.”
“Actual herbal tea blends?” Niko said excitedly.
“Oh yeah,” Kylan said, gesturing for us to follow. When he pushed the door open and ushered us inside, the others didn’t turn around. They were busy hanging shelves on the walls, a short brunette guiding them. “Brought some tea testers.” He clapped Niko on the back before jumping in to help.
“Really?” a dark-haired witch asked, dropping the hammer he was holding and rushing behind the counter. It was lined with kettles and cups, and he clicked the button on one. “Can I guess your perfect blend?”
Niko arched an eyebrow at the challenge, stepping up to the counter and sliding into a seat. Apparently, he’d forgotten introductions in the face of specialized tea blends.
“I’m Farren, by the way,” I said to the room. I chuckled and turned to the new group who was now focused on us. “This is Avi, Levi, Kane, and Niko.”
“Quinn,” the omega said with a smile. “My beta wolf over there is Nolan. Then the tea maker is Jude. My alphas are Kylan, who I’m sure you met, then Maxon the wolf, and Draven my vampire.”
“My vampire… I like the sound of that,” Draven growled possessively, pulling her in and kissing her silly. I glanced away, biting back a smile. They were adorable together, and I loved that they weren’t afraid to show it.
“We’re afraid we have a few things to discuss,” Kane said bluntly. They glanced at him, but it was Maxon who spoke up, his voice gruff.
“Then we won’t do it here. We’ve got the house set up already. We’ll head back for snacks, and whatever bomb drops you’ve got, when the tea is done.”