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Even better? I’d discovered a passion for wedding planning. We were only a few short weeks away from Kit and Angela’s big day, and I couldn’t be happier for my best friends.
Since Kit had inherited Parker House, and I’d lived up to my promise of a deep cleaning—physical and psychic—it had turned out to be the perfect venue. Especially because her mother couldn’t crash the party, what with her several life sentences.
My maid of honor dress was stunning—a first in modern history—and I couldn’t wait to show it off on that dance floor.
Angela had no desire to keep Abaddon’s Last Hope, proving once again that she was the right person to wield it. Thankfully, Adam had discovered how to break the bond fusing the three daggers together. With the help of a demon who’d befriended Kit and Dr. Owen Cooper, the DEA’s resident mortician and part-time necromancer, they destroyed the daggers forever.
I didn’t understand their newfound friendship with a demon of all things, but who was I to judge?
But the best news of all?
Colin was dead. For real dead, not like Xavier-faked-his-death dead, before he actually ended up dead-dead.
Along with a multitude of eager Community members, I watched the fae man’s execution. When his heartbeat flatlined, and his body burned to ashes on the pyre (way too nice of a gesture, if you asked me), a weight lifted from my shoulders.
There would be no Rising in his future.
I’d avenged my family at last, and I could finally move past all that anger and grief.
So what was a girl to do with her time?
Well, I still had a shitton of money, so I did what any sane, no-longer-royal woman would do—I bought the Morning Grind.
That’s right, I was Isaac’s boss now. Too bad I didn’t get to rub it in his face. The man’s personality had done a one-eighty after meeting his so-called soulmate.
No, I wasn’t being judgy—humans didn’t really have soulmates. Only those with special abilities like mages, witches, or the rare case of realm walkers. Regardless, I wished Isaac nothing but the best.
Besides, I’d fire his ass so fast if he ever returned to being an ungrateful shithead.
I broke down the last few cardboard boxes from the daily supply order, stacking them next to the trash can, and headed out of the coffee shop’s backroom. Smiling, I stood with my hands on my hips and surveyed my newest adventure.
Three baristas worked behind the counter, restocking low supplies and whipping up caffeinated masterpieces while they chatted and laughed. Joe sat on his usual stool, sipping his espresso and scrolling through his phone. College students with laptops and stacks of books and a group of moms with strollers occupied the remaining tables.
The front door opened, and Thane walked in. Even though he still wore dark sunglasses, I felt his gaze land on me. His love radiated through our bond, and I practically swooned where I stood.
And here I thought I wasn’t the swooning type of girl.
Guess it just took the right guy.
“Ivan, I’m going to lunch,” I called over to where he stood behind the counter.
Yep, the young phoenix who reminded me so much of my little brother worked for me. He loved the human world and all the perks that came with it, mainly the video games, nightlife, and, of course, Morning Grind coffee.
Deep in a conversation with another barista about some new game release, he waved over his shoulder as I removed my apron and tucked it under the counter. He might have been new at the human job gig, but I trusted him with my life. I knew he could manage the shop.
After grabbing my purse, I met Thane by the door and looped my arm through his. We’d made plans for lunch down the street at a new Cuban restaurant I’d been dying to try out. These days, I was absolutely ravenous by lunchtime.
We walked in silence for a bit, enjoying each other’s company. The sun was shining in a bright blue sky, and seagulls cawed overhead as they soared toward the ocean. Dazhbog had blessed us with this gorgeous day like he knew what I’d planned.
Judging by his past comments about my life, he probably did.
As usual, Lena watched over us from above, drawing lazy circles in the air as she enjoyed the cool breeze. Not long after returning from Mirognya, I’d somehow convinced her to take a trip to Italy to visit Holly.
She hadn’t come back for almost a month, and when she did, it was with the best news—Holly was her flame’s mate. She was beyond smitten. In fact, I was close to convincing her I no longer needed a bodyguard. So close.
“I heard the news,” Thane said.
I repressed the urge to pout. It wasn’t a pretty look on a grown woman. “Who told you?”
