Page 152 of Enchanted

What if they didn’t want to let me back in? I wouldn’t blame them if they didn’t.

Even if it would break my heart.

Rami sent love through the bond, echoing it with his words. “I love you. Everyone in this house and the one a couple of streets away loves you too. Nothing is going to change that.”

Logically, I knew that was true, but my feet had come to a halt and I couldn’t make them move.

Just then, I heard a sound I hadn’t heard in years. It had my breath catching in my throat.

Matty’s laugh.

Suddenly, I couldn’t wait a second longer. I opened the door and stepped through.

Several of them, including all the humans, had their backs to us, but Sebastian and Ferry didn’t. I saw the moment they recognised me, their mouths opening in shock as their words trailed off.

“Everyone, I’d like you to meet my mate, Ethan,” Rami announced, his hand tight around mine. “Or, should I say, re-meet.”

Heads whipped around, shock on every face. But there were only three I cared about.

Matty, Lucky, and Riley turned as one. Their eyes were wide, mouths hanging open in disbelief. None of them said a word, completely dumbstruck.

Come on, Ethan, you can do this.

I took a deep breath and smiled. “Hi. I know this is a surprise, but⁠—”

I didn’t get another word out. Matty gave a soft sob, and suddenly he was there, throwing his arms around my neck and practically strangling me.

Before I could hug him back, two more bodies hit me. We tumbled to the ground, the four of us in a sort of cuddle pile. I couldn’t tell whose arms were whose, just that they were all hugging me.

I think that was the moment the tears started.

“What the fuck?” Riley was whispering. “How the fuck?”

Lucky was speaking too, repeating the same sentence over and over. “I can’t believe it. I can’t believe it.”

Only Matty didn’t speak. He was far from silent though, sobbing unreservedly as he held me.

“I’m sorry,” I croaked through the tears. “I’m so fucking sorry.”

That had Matty pulling back, blinking at me owlishly. “Wait, what are you sorry for?”

Riley and Lucky sat back too, both looking confused. Several feet away, I saw Rami, Ezekiel, and Sam ushering the others away to a table we’d set up under the trees. It wouldn’t give us much privacy, but I was grateful that they were doing what they could.

“I’m sorry for ghosting you all.” I looked down at my hands, shaking in my lap. “For getting so involved with Dave that I let you all slip away. I’m sorry for not reaching out over the past few years, and especially since I became Rami’s mate.”

Riley’s eyes narrowed. “When did that happen, exactly?”

I winced. “A year and a half ago.”

Hurt crossed all their faces and I felt like the worst kind of arsehole.

Lucky shook his head sadly. “I won’t lie, Ethan. That stings.”

“I know,” I said heavily. “I’m sorry. I had reasons, and I’d like to explain them, if you’re willing to listen?”

They were all silent for a second, exchanging looks. It had my heart breaking in my chest. Once, I would’ve been included in this silent discussion, but not now.

I looked up to find Sam staring at me. He patted his chest lightly and smiled. It had the chokehold on my heart lessening slightly.