AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Really?” Ayda gasped. “I hadn’t even thought about immortality.” She could barely say a word. Hùisdean picked up on how her body tensed and kissed her temple.
“One thing at a time, remember? You can bask in how much you love me for now.” Hùisdean whispered, and Ayda relaxed. She knew they were big topics, immortality and a royal wedding, but she knew one thing above all else—she loved Hùisdean, and this was her destiny. They had all the time in the world now. They’d figure it out.
“I do love you.” Ayda grinned. “I don’t want to completely give up my work in Scotland, though.”
“You don’t have to,” Imra supplied helpfully. “Portal travel works on the islands again. Nothing keeps you from going to work every day and returning here. Of course, provided you want to stay here.”
Ayda looked to Hùisdean. He shrugged. “I’ll go wherever you go, my love.”
Ayda thought of her life in Scotland. The parts of it she loved—working with magic, helping the O’Neil brothers. She could do that and portal back to Carenlume. The idea of coming home to a place filled with family and love…was the greatest reward Ayda could imagine.
“I want to stay here.” Ayda smiled. “With you.”
“Done.” Hùisdean grinned. Ayda turned towards Elion and Imra.
“I do have one question for you… Someone here knows how to make an americano, right?”
Epilogue
Ayda was flipping through her notes in Emmett’s office. Calum was still pushing for her to take up a staff position, but she’d placated him by offering to guest lecture. She was speaking to a graduate class on the benefits of working with the land to set wards instead of working against it. It was a night class, and Hùisdean agreed to come and work out with Emmett, Calum, and Finley. After her lecture, they were planning on going to a big family dinner at Calum’s townhouse.
“You’re going to be fine.” Mara grinned.
Ayda gasped, dropping some of her papers in surprise. She hadn’t heard Mara arrive, but the succubus leaned against the doorframe. She was dressed in her signature red and gave Ayda a thumbs-up.
“I’m still nervous,” Ayda admitted, picking up some of her scattered notes. Mara walked over and helped her pick up the rest.
“They’re students. They are going to love to hear what you have to say and ask a lot of questions. Plus, everyone has heard the story of the Scottish witch who became the ancestral heir to the Carenlume throne.” Mara waggled her eyebrows, and Ayda groaned.
“I don’t know what’s so fascinating about it.” Ayda disagreed, but Mara only laughed. Ayda and Hùisdean’s story had spread through the magical world like wildfire. Everywhere she went, Ayda had people asking her questions. Her phone was ringing off the hook, with every supernatural resident in Scotland wanting to hire her.
Having a famous bloodline did wonders for your business reputation. Not long after they broke the Shetland Islands’ curse, Ayda rang her parents and told them the whole story. They were immensely proud of her and planning a winter visit to Carenlume.
“Oh, you look hot in a suit!” Pippa emerged from the library, sticking her head in Emmett’s office.
Ayda straightened her jacket. “Is it too much? I figured I should stick to a professional dress code.”
“You look perfect.” Pippa smirked. “If I was still single—”
“Pippa.” Emmett’s deep brogue cut her off. He appeared behind her, placing his big arm on her shoulder. “You aren’t single.” He pouted, and Ayda tried not to laugh. Emmett’s possessiveness of his mate was typical of a wolf who’d been mated for less than a year; that didn’t make it any less funny.
“Oh, this is where the party is!” Fern popped up behind Emmett, squeezing past him into the office. Calum and Hùisdean trailed in behind her, dressed for a workout.
“I’ll walk you to class.” Fern smiled. “The rec center is on the way, so the boys will follow us.”
“Okay.” Ayda blushed, still anxious.
“It’s going to be fine,” Fern insisted.
“Honestly,” Pippa shrugged, “you can tell them if they ever want to break an ancient curse, they should set up a matchmaking company. Between you and Fern, we’re 2-0 on ‘true love’s kiss’ saving the day.”
Hùisdean crossed to her side, touching her back. “Remember what we talked about,” he whispered for her alone. “You got this.”
Ayda rolled her eyes playfully and shoved her notes into her bag. “I know.” She grinned. “I’m still better at spellcasting than you.”
“Now, that is still technically up for debate—”
“Ayda is better than you,” Mara supplied helpfully.
