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“Ditto,” Tyren mumbled.
I tightened my hold on all of them, wishing that fate would be kinder to us and would never take them away from me again.
* * *
When we realizedthe get together was quickly turning into a party, Shane texted Killian, who showed up with Lavinia. Now that I remembered them, we hugged, and Lavinia told me with tears in her eyes that she was glad I was back.
“Oh, I have something for you,” Shane said. He grabbed one of the pretty flowers from the mountain and handed it to Lavinia. “I had almost forgotten it, but thought you might like to do some experiments with it, see if you can use it in a potion.”
“It’s so beautiful.” Lavinia held the flower like a precious jewel. “It’ll be a shame to destroy it.” A wide smile spread over her lips. “But I also can’t wait to start!”
Ariella joined the party. I hadn’t officially met her until now, but she was a good friend of Shane’s, and if he trusted her, then so did I.
Rue cooked and Lucille distributed the booze. There was beer and wine for the adults, and soda for the kids. I asked Rue if she wanted any help, but after hugging me tight, she shooed me from the kitchen every time I checked on her, telling me I should sit down and relax.
I did relax, and I felt loved and happy. I was surrounded by family and friends, and it felt like heaven.
I knew this feeling wouldn’t last, so I hung on to it with both hands.
Rue made spaghetti and meatballs, and when she brought it to the table, she apologized for cooking something so simple. She didn’t have time to make something more elaborate.
“I love your spaghetti and meatballs,” I told her, and it was the damn truth. Everything Rue cooked was perfect.
We all sat around the small table, our arms and legs touching, but as I looked around the table, my heart so full, I wouldn’t have traded it for anything. These little moments made life worth living.
I raised my glass high. “To family and friends.”
“To family and friends,” they all repeated, raising their glasses.
“To having my mate back,” Shane said, his eyes on mine. “To being able to face anything with her by my side.”
Awws echoed around the table, but I had eyes for Shane right now. He leaned into me, pressed his lips to mine in a soft, barely there peck. My toes curled anyway.
We kept the conversation light and fun during dinner and dessert—ice cream and homemade chocolate syrup. There was no destruction, no dragon, no crazy demon wanting the take the underworld back. There was just us and happiness.
Lucille had one glass too many and started playing “I spy” with Minsi, and even Tyren joined in, forgetting about his video games for once. Shane leaned back in the chair, his arm behind mine, his finger playing with my shoulder, as we watched the game and laughed when Lucille’s slurred words sounded something else entirely.
Time stretched and the busy day finally caught up with me. I yawned and after that, everyone formed a line to leave.
“I’m glad you’re not dead,” Dom said.
“Me too!” Lucille grabbed my arms. “Did you know Shane was very grumpy and lost while you were away? Don’t ever do that again!”
I smiled at that. At least she didn’t sound jealous or mad that I was his mate, and not her.
Dom put an arm around Lucille’s shoulders and took her away.
Next was Rue. “Do you want me to watch the kids tonight?” she asked, one of her eyebrows up in her hairline.
My cheeks flamed. “Hm, I don’t think that will be necessary.”
“If you say so.” She hugged me again. “Get used to this. I’ll embrace you many, many times.”
“I’m not complaining.”
She kissed my cheek then left.
Ariella halted in front of me. “It was nice meeting you, Raika.”
