AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Yeah. We figured I should tell you in person, because we decided to go through with the mating. She had to pick someone because of the goddess’s magic, and I was there.”
“And because she wanted you,” Dakota said gently.
My heart swelled.
I fucking hoped so.
It still didn’t feel completely real, though.
“You don’t owe me an apology,” Aev said, his lips curving upward in a small smile. “Naomi and I were incompatible. I didn’t want her any more than she wanted me, despite the hell the bond put me through. Thank you for telling me though; this is a lot better than hearing the gossip.”
I jerked my head in a nod.
I doubted that Aeven and I would ever be friends, but I didn’t see any reason for us to be enemies.
“We wish you both all the happiness,” Dakota said, smiling softly as she stepped closer to Aev. He pulled her to his side gently, and the difference between us hit me harder than it had even before.
He was kind and gentle; I was rough and harsh.
Fate had intended my female to be with someone nicer than me. Easier going, too.
And yet now, she belonged to me.
And I’d love her better than that bastard could ever fucking imagine.
…Even if I had to figure out how to be softer and sweeter to do it.
“Thank you. I hope the same for you.” I shifted forms and slipped back into the forest. Though I didn’t know whether Naomi was still with January and the other women, it seemed as good a place to start looking as any.
I needed to hold her in my arms and feel her skin on mine again, so I could be reassured that what we had was real, as much as I hated to admit that.
Twelve
Naomi
After the conversationhad faded to lighter topics, such as favorite fae foods and Summer’s funny stories about being on the unseelie council with all of the grumpy generals, there was a knock on the door.
“It’s not the guys. None of them would bother asking while we’re in here,” January said, starting to make her way to her feet.
That looked like a rough task, so I stood smoothly. “I’ll grab it, if you don’t mind.”
I was closest to the door, anyway.
“Thanks.” She flashed me a quick smile, and I crossed the room, climbing up the simple ladder that looked identical to the one in Teris’s place.
I eased the door open, and my eyebrows shot upward when I saw a group of fae men outside.
My mind automatically went back to the times I’d been taken from my home by groups like that. Carried away from Teris and the Wild Hunt guys, scared out of my mind. It had happened five times before Aeven finally stole me away, and I’d never forget the terror even though I’d forgiven the fae.
I forced myself not to react to those memories, though.
The times had changed, and I wasn’t in danger anymore.
I had to believe that.
“Hi,” I said.
“Hey,” one of the guys responded. None of them looked uncomfortable in the slightest, or surprised to see someone other than January and Lian answering the door. “January said we could come by for advice after the first competition.”
