Ella “No more road trips,” I grumble under my breath, trying to rock my little baby in my arms and distract him from the rumbling of the road, “ever again.” “Don’t be so sore about it,” Cora says, moving one of her checkers forward a space. “At least we got the information we were coming for.” “
Sinclair grins and leans forward. “Are they likewise aware, that said sister-in-law ateallof the chocolate chip cookies –“ Cora gasps, appalled. “Unfair!” she says. “This sister-in-law is pregnant!” “Enough!” I groan, especially as Rafe starts to fuss more in Sinclair’s arms. I raise my hands to m
Ella A few days later, after Sinclair and I have had some time to dwell and consult and decide, we invite Roger and Cora over to our little house early one morning. We’re both standing out front waiting for them, Rafe all dressed up in blue and white in my arms. I grin down at my baby, so please
“This is incredible,” Roger agrees, stepping into the room and looking around with what I can only think of as jealousy in his own eyes. I clap a little, jumping up at down as I see them admire the space. “Though I have to admit,” he says, turning back to his brother. “This doesn’t feel asyouas the
Ella “I’m glad we did that,” I say later that afternoon as Sinclair pulls our car around to the front entrance of the palace. “I couldn’t stand to say goodbye to that house if it was to a stranger. Too many memories there.” “I agree,” Sinclair says, parking directly out front in what feels…well, f
“I know,” he says, laughing and reaching for my hand, which I give him. “But I don’t want to…giveyou tasks, or tell me how to help me. I want you to pick your own projects. Your instincts are excellent, Ella. I have my own ideas about how to help the people of this nation, both human and wolf alike.
Ella Our first night in the palace is so strange for me. My two boys are sleeping soundly on either side of me – Sinclair sprawled out over our supersized bed (it’s much bigger than a King – I don’t even know if they have a name for it anymore; we had to make a custom order) and Rafe’s bassinet is
Ella! Where the hell have you been!? We’ve all been so worried! Please come and see me – I want to hug you myself and assure myself that you’re all right. I’m at the Refugee Center – come by any time after 8, someone will lead you to me. I eagerly start to type out my reply but, before I get far,
He shakes his head at me as tears fill his own eyes and he leans forward, pulling me against him while somehow miraculously managing not to crush our children between us as he holds me tight in his arms. “So, I guess it wouldn’t matter,” he murmurs against my hair as I sniff back my tears and nod.
“Even more than the kids!?” I gasp, my mouth falling open a bit. “I mean, the kids,” he says, shrugging as if they’re not much, which makes me laugh. But then he goes a little rigid as he realizes something, raising his eyes to glare at me a bit. “Wait, are you saying you like the kids more than m
Ella “Nope,” Sinclair says, heaving himself out of bed and grabbing his phone off the bedside table as he does. “I can’t live like this, Ella – I’m calling Roger, I’ve got to know –“ “Dominic!” I say, laughing and grabbing for him, trying to catch the edge of his pajamas and failing because I’v
She laughs and I look first at Sinclair, who shrugs, and then back at my sister. “Come on,” Roger says, nodding at the crowds of people waiting to congratulate us and at the small table of refreshments. “Let’s decide this over some champagne.” Sinclair nods at me and I sigh, moving with my famil
The last image, though, lingers. Ariel, with Rafe and Jesse on either side – as they always are – and her two mates behind her. All standing together on a battlefield with Ariel at the center, magic welling between her hands and passing to her brother, to her cousin. Their faces are serious as t
Cora The images of Ariel’s future come in quick flashes, and somehow I get the impression that the Goddess is eager to share these glimpses of her life. The ones that come first are what I sort of expected, especially after seeing some images of Rafe’s childhood and hearing about the ones that
“We are not,” Cora scoffs, gently taking Ariel into her arms as Sinclair and I laugh. Roger grins, leaning forward to kiss me on the cheek before passing Jesse to me. “You know I’m kidding, right, Ells?” he whispers. I smile at my brother-in-law and gently pat his cheek. “When in doubt, Roger,”
Ella Three weeks later – Ariel was born under a waning quarter moon, not a new moon like her brother and her cousin – I stand anxiously in the woods, my little girl held tight in my arms. “I’m sensing some anxiety,” Cora says, grinning at me with a little too much glee as she comes up to my sid
“Oh my god,” I say, the words spilling out of my mouth. “Oh my god,” I sit up straight, staring at Henry, my eyes flicking to his legs – because honestly, I don’t even notice his chair anymore, or think of him at all as someone whose abilities are hindered. Or of me as someone who is able to do an