We reach the crumbling wall bordering the far outskirts of the old village outside of Cecily’s castle. Knowing we’re just about there, we all shift back to human form. Our girl has a sparkle in her eyes, knowing she’s coming home for good.
I scoop up her hand in mine as we walk toward the castle. We can’t see it yet, the area is still filled with trees, but I remember what it looked like from her vision of the past. I know what this area could look like once again, and I know she won’t stop until her people recognize the safe haven this home used to represent.
She squeezes my hand back, and we make our way through the final trees out into the open. The castle comes into full view, the stonework shining through in blotches while the rest of the siding is covered in Queen’s Thistle vine. Cecily lets out a squeal of excitement upon seeing her home. Letting go of my hand, she quickens her steps until she’s rushing to the heavy front doors.
Marcus runs out in front of her, just before she reaches the door. With a smile on his face, he bows as he swipes the door open for her. Cecily’s tinkling laughter can be clearly heard as she forces him to stand up and leaves a kiss on his cheek. William comes up next to me and mumbles, “Seems my brother is stealing my knightly moves.”
I let out a chuckle and pat William on the back. “Seems to me this just proves how alike you are.” Leaving him where he stands, I make my way to the front of the castle where my woman is waiting for the rest of us to catch up.
The landscaping before the castle has received some TLC; the weeds have been pulled up and the ground is tilled. You can tell seeds were recently planted, and there are plans to put in walkways.
Walking up to the front entrance, Cecily fists the front of my shirt and pulls me toward her. She’s now wearing a maroon summer dress with thin straps, a teasing neckline, and a skirt flaring out right around her knees. Her lips slam onto mine, and I instantly thread my fingers through her hair keeping her in place.I knew she forgave me.
Her arms wrap around me and she pulls our bodies flush against each other. I’m surprised over her brazen behavior right in the entrance of her home; it’s not like it’s empty in there. While I’m surprised, I’m sure as hell not going to discourage it. My tongue darts out and she instantly allows me access. Her sweet taste is everything I want.
My hands release her hair and travel down her back until I’m filling them with her ass. I lift her up and her legs wrap around my waist. Marcus comes up behind her, placing his hands at her sides. “You guys think this show is a good idea right in front of the castle for anyone to see? Maybe we should find a room.”
I bite Cecily’s lower lip and it pops out of my grip as she leans back and lets out a moan. “Sorry, Peppermint Patty. I have some kisses for you too.” She turns her head a bit more and he hungrily accepts her affections. Alex approaches our side, and as soon as Cecily and Marcus break the kiss, she’s pulled from my hold.
She wraps her limbs around Alex and beams at him before hovering her lips over his. Their noses nuzzle before their lips softly press against each other. Their kiss is slow, with a passion simmering right under the surface. Damn, I didn’t realize how much it would turn me on watching her with one of my brothers. I wonder how hot it would be to watch her riding one of their cocks.
I reach down and adjust myself as Alex runs his hand up her thigh and under the hem of her dress. Her breath hitches and Klaus is quick to swoop in behind her, and pulls her off of Alex. She lets out a whimper, and Alex groans, “Dude! I wasn’t finished with my turn!”
Klaus just rolls his eyes at Alex before saying, “You were working her up too much. We’re about to walk into the castle filled with her subjects, and her lust-filled gaze is for us only.” He spins her around and leaves a gentle kiss on her lips before glancing at William. “You going to have your turn?”
William clears his throat and makes a few hesitant steps toward them, before gaining his confidence. He cups her cheek and kisses her lips before pulling back slightly. “We might be five hundred years late, but we’re finally home. Want to show me all of the places you told me about?” Her smile is absolutely radiant as she gazes up into his eyes and gives him a nod. She grabs his hand and turns around.
“I’m so happy to finally be home and to have all of you with me. We may still face some challenges, but we can accomplish anything together. How I was blessed with such perfect mates, I’ll never know. I’m just thankful you’re all in my life. I know it will be one filled with love and laughter. Always being supportive of each other.” She rocks on her feet as if she has too much pent-up energy. “Ready to head inside?”
We all nod and she proceeds to lead the way into the front entrance of the castle. As I pass through the doorway, my ears pop and I’m suddenly bombarded by all kinds of sounds. Putting a finger in my ear, I wiggle it around to get the popping sensation to settle down. Noticing my movements, Cecily gives a sympathetic wince.
“Sorry, I probably should’ve warned you about the spell. I didn’t want anyone to interrupt our moment, so I put it up to make sure everyone was distracted from coming toward the front door, or noticing our arrival.” With her words, she places a hand on my arm and the pressure in my inner ear is relieved.
She loops her arm with mine and we make our way deeper into the castle. Footsteps come thudding in our direction and my brothers rush in front of us to make sure Cecily is protected. She lets out a small growl but ultimately allows their protective nature to continue without saying anything. Her best friend, Thea, comes into view and we all relax.
Upon seeing Cecily, Thea lets out a squeal and rushes to hug her. “I knew I felt your return, you sneaky thing, trying to hide for a moment. Come on! You need to see who’s in the throne room!” Thea grabs onto Cecily’s hand and drags her along down the hallway as we follow closely behind them.
We enter the room through ornate doors, the Queen’s Thistle vine carved into the wood. It’s a detail I didn’t notice until now so I can’t be sure if they were there the other day when we left or not. One thing I’m sure of, the room didn’t look like this before. There are now drapes framing the large expanse of windows, a runway of carpeting leading from the doors right into a dais with five perfectly matched thrones. There are still sconces affixed to the walls, but instead of holding flaming torches, they now have lightbulbs. A few chandeliers have been added as well, hanging from the elevated ceiling.
Within the room is a whole crowd of people. Right away, I spot Adam, the Alpha of the group of shifters we found already inhabiting the area. In front of him stands a couple with their backs to us. When Adam sees us arrive, a smile stretches his face, reaching his eyes and causing wrinkles to form at the corners. He raises his hand to wave and his booming voice can be heard throughout the room.
“Everyone! Our champion is back! She’s the one who saved us from being trapped in our animal forms, the woman who has devoted herself to shifter kind, she is a Queen in her own right. Please allow me to announce the woman we’ve named our ruler! Her Royal Highness, Queen Cecily of the Shifters!” His announcement leaves our small party speechless and most of the individuals in the room show some form of their memories being returned to them.
We haven’t had time to discuss when we were going to lift the spell covering Cecily’s identity, but it’s been taken out of our hands now. I glance over at her to try and gauge how she’s handling this situation. She has watery eyes, taking in the fact her people had chosen on their own to call her their Queen. Something more impactful since they didn’t even know she really was their Queen. There isn’t a higher honor she could’ve asked for.
I know through the bond she’s harbored doubt about her ability to handle the role she’s destined for, and now she’s been given a sign from her people showing full faith in her position. Adam is gripping his head with both hands, and the couple in front of him turn around with huge smiles on their faces. I instantly recognize them from the glimpse of the past we saw while touching Cecily.
Our girl sucks in a shocked breath and lets out a whimper before she runs for her parents as they move toward her at the same time. They all throw their arms out in a big group hug as they cry over the emotional reunion. This time, I see the shimmer of a barrier being thrown up around them for privacy. I’m sure the only reason I’m able to see through it, is because Cecily is my bonded mate, and no amount of magic would be able to stand between us.
While I can’t hear anything, I’m able to see their lips moving as they all talk at the same time. Cecily’s mother wipes away her tears as she presses a kiss on her forehead and pulls her in for another hug. The words—“I’m so proud of you”—are clearly mouthed. I know how much the phrase will mean to Cecily coming from her mother. Her father keeps one arm around each of the women, listening intently as Cecily speaks to them.
Slowly, the rest of the individuals in the room come out of their dazed state of having all of their memories returned to them. They search the room with wide eyes, seeing everything with a new light and probably searching for their Queen who they now remember but can’t see.
I speak into my mate’s mind, letting her know what’s going on since she’s clearly blinded to what’s happening outside of her reunion.“Precious, your subjects are coming out of the memory reveal and are searching around for you.”
Her gaze lands on mine and she gives me a nod of thanks before giving one more hug to her parents. A mask covers the emotions that were present just a moment ago. A small twinge of despair tugs at me with her obvious old habit of trying to appear emotionally indifferent to her people. Back when she was last known to them, it was seen as a weakness to show any kind of emotion to others.
William is the first one to walk toward her, and the rest of us follow. We all stand as a united front as Cecily drops the bubble she placed around her and her parents. The moment the shield is dropped, the room begins a rippling wave of people dropping into either a bow or a curtsy. Each subject showing their respect, until the final two performing the action is her parents.
