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“I doubt it. I know my brother, and there’s something he’s not saying. He’s worried, more so than usual, and he’s not telling anyone why,” Mananan said, his stroking stopping.
“I’m sure if it was really important, he would’ve said something,” Ella replied.
Mananan hummed. “Maybe. Maybe not. He fought the mage, and something about it has him unsettled. I’ll get it out of him if he doesn’t spit it out soon.”
Ella sat up and stretched. Her muscles were languid, but if she lay down for much longer, she would fall asleep. She knew Chrissy and Elise well enough to guarantee that if they didn’t get their asses downstairs soon, they would start banging on the door.
After they were both showered and properly dressed, Mananan took Ella’s hand, and they wandered down to dinner. The hall was already loud with voices, and Ella’s grip on Mananan’s hand tightened. She was getting used to being around people more and more every day, but big crowds, even family crowds, made her uneasy.
“We can leave if it gets too much. You just let me know when, okay?” he said and pressed a kiss to her head.
“Kiss me properly. I need it,” she said, going up on her tiptoes.
“Anything my mate wants, she gets.”
Ella wrapped her arms around his neck. “Damn straight. Manan? I love you.”
“I love you too, my star, and I’m so happy that you chose to be my mate,” he replied and kissed her until she went dizzy.
The doors to the hall opened with a bang, making Ella start in alarm.
“There you two are! Making out in the hallway like a bunch of teenagers,” Elise said with a bright laugh.
“Can’t help it,” Ella replied, her cheeks going red.
“I know, but you still need to eat.” Elise threaded her arm through Ella’s, and she pulled her gently from Mananan’s grasp. “She’ll be fine without you, uncle.”
Ella looked over her shoulder at him. “Help.”
“I can’t, I’m sorry. Just remember you chose this family!” Mananan called to her and walked over to Taranis.
“Let’s get you a drink so you don’t regret that choice, hmm?” Elise said, and they joined Chrissy at an open ale vat.
“I’m going to need it.” Ella looked around the hall at all the Ironwoods and Greatdrakes who had showed up for dinner. Technically, it was meant to be her and Mananan’s mating feast, but it was well underway. She was glad they didn’t do any cheering or formalities.
“Damn, that’s some epic glow you got,” Chrissy greeted and pressed a horn of something cloudy and yellow into her hand.
“Thanks. I think I’m going to be bowlegged in no time,” Ella joked, making both the women laugh. She sipped her drink and discovered it was apple cider.
“Ah, the newly mated. Everyone is so happy you’re joining the family, Ella. According to Oberon, Mananan has never smiled so much,” Chrissy said and kissed her cheek. “I know it’s overwhelming, but you’ll get used to all of us. Even the grumpy ones like Valentine.” The eldest Greatdrakes saw them looking at him, and his eyes narrowed a little.
“Love you, Val!” Chrissy called, and his expression turned even more suspicious. Ella liked all the Greatdrakes men, and she didn’t think Valentine was half as moody as what he made out. She knew what it was like to be different and could spot someone trying to hide things about themselves. Ella was still looking at the table of Greatdrakes when they were all suddenly standing, their heads whipping to the front door. Valentine was on his feet, moving in front of his family.
“What is happening?” Ella asked.
Taranis charged past them, striding towards the doors. “Fucking finally!”
“We have more guests,” Chrissy said, and sure enough, the doors opened, and five figures moved into the hall.
Three fae males and a female were dressed in leather armor and covered in weapons. They were followed by another female with bright, honey colored hair and dressed in a silvery robe.
“About time you all turned up,” Taranis greeted them.
“I’m sorry, my king. There were storms that delayed us,” the tallest warrior said. “We—”
“I found him!” the silver robed female vanished and reappeared in front of Valentine. She tackled him to the ground and sat on his chest, a long blade pressed to his throat.
“Master! I found him!” she cried out.
