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“Is it nice? My mate—” I started.
“It’s an exact replica of ours, but I’ll go tour it and, if it’s good, I’ll put some money down. Is that fine with you?”
We both had trust funds, so I wasn’t worried about my brother putting money on anything, but I would be sure to pay him back.
Onyx took the phone from him. “Blaze, you and… Shit, I don’t know anyone else’s names except Karelis.” I introduced everyone, and they introduced themselves, even V’s mates. “Get here as fast as you can. We’ll set you up, and I’ll be damned if anything happens to my brother-in-law and his family.”
I swallowed against the emotions bubbling up inside me and looked at the others. They were my best friends and Karelis was my mate but now, Onyx was absolutely right—we were a family.
“We’re probably leaving tonight, then. I hope they have the dorm room ready.”
Onyx shrugged. “We have an extra bedroom, and V does, too. Pick your poison. We’ll make do until you get a place of your own.”
“Wait, why are you all together?” Karelis asked. “Did we interrupt something?”
Asher took the phone back. “I’ve got a roast and veggies in the oven. We’re having family dinner.”
My chest sank. It had been a long time since I had one of those. I missed them. “We’ll be at the next one. Thanks, everyone.”
“Keep me updated,” Asher asked. “Text me when you leave and then on your way. If you get in trouble or need help, we’re here.”
“Thank you all,” Karelis added.
I ended the video chat, and Karelis began to cry.
“What is it?” I asked. We all rushed her as though she were on fire.
“I haven’t had a family since I was little, and now you three have—you’re all my family.”
Epilogue
Karelis
Asher met us at the front door, his mates at his sides. “Brother.” He held out his arms, and Blaze stepped into his embrace.
“My long-lost twin.” Blaze patted his back. “Finally we’re back together.”
“How did you ever get by without me?”
The two of them were getting ridiculous by the time Adan pushed them into the townhome and the rest of us followed. “Our mate is tired, Blaze. You two can renew your brotherhood once she’s sitting comfortably with a cold drink.”
“That’s right.” A woman I recognized from our chats as Onyx took my hands and squeezed them. “Welcome to our home.” She led me into the living room and pushed me onto the couch. “I’ll make drinks.”
“Onyx is a bartender at the Midnight. It’s a shifter bar, but it attracts all the paranormal types in town.” Raven sat down beside me. “I’ve been putting in a few shifts there, too, along with Valentina. She and her mates will be by later to say hello.”
I was so tired I could barely keep my eyes open. We’d been packing all night then traveling to get here, and I couldn’t even think straight. “I know we’re not getting into the other townhouse for a couple of days, but would anyone mind if I lay down for a little?”
“It’s the relief.” Raven patted my arm. “After a bad situation, I just want to rest. I’ll take you to the guest room.” I followed her and sank down on the big bed, kicking off my shoes but too exhausted to do more. My eyes had drifted closed when I heard all the voices from down below. Laughter and chat, Blaze and Asher holding court. I was not ready to throw myself into the middle of all those people, not quite yet, but it warmed my heart. We’d come a long way from the Rejects Academy, and I was ready to take full advantage of the opportunity offered me at the Urban Academy. For my education as well as the safety that it now afforded me. The headmistress hadn’t thought it would be a good place for me, but with my new family, that had all changed. If only we’d been able to stop the king. We’d be forever looking over our shoulders with him out there, but I’d have to trust that the team that took down Valentina’s uncle could help me figure out a way to stay safe.
Especially with my mates as part of it. We hadn’t killed the king or anything, but he’d been pretty beaten up, and he wouldn’t want to get close to us again. The big coward.
“Mate, you want to come down and meet the rest of the family?” Blaze asked. He had another family, too. Parents and siblings besides Asher, but these were the ones we would be spending time with. My wolf thought for a long time, and I hoped she was right.
“Can I have just a minute to freshen up? Run a brush through my hair?”
“Of course.” He came in and sat on the edge of the bed. “But before we go down, there’s something you should know.”
“Yeah?” I got off the bed then down on my hands and knees as I hunted for my shoes. How did they always end up under the bed when you kicked them off next to it? “What’s up?”
