“You came!” I breathe, thrilled and relieved and nearly insane with happiness as Jackson laughs and lifts me up, holding me tight against his chest. “I could get used to this greeting,” he murmurs, his arms wrapped so snug around me, his face so close to mine that our noses brush. “You scared me
It gets a little awkward in the close quarters of the limousine, but Jesse does a good job of breaking the awkwardness by pouring more champagne – god, mom really made sure we were stocked – and pointing out all of the landmarks that we pass on the way to the palace to Ben and Daphne, keeping us all
“Not alcoholics,” he says, with a frown, “just your run-of-the-mill magical lycanthropes who know how to party. Finish up everyone!” he calls, leading by example and draining his glass. “We’re here!” I can’t help the little squeak of excitement that makes its way out of my mouth as I grab Daphne’s
As we walk up the steps, the paparazzi call out questions to us, asking where I’ve been and who the new members of our party are. I hear them also calling Luca’s name, but Luca is very professional about the whole situation, keeping his eyes focused ahead on my parents, who are waiting patiently for
Jackson just stands, staring, having no idea what to do or say. I panic a little, getting ready to step in and introduce some new topic of conversation, but luckily mom comes to the rescue. “Jackson!” she says, stepping forward to wrap him in a warm hug, giving him a little kiss on the cheeks as s
“Ariel!” Mark shouts, bounding across the room like the big puppy that he is and grabbing me in a hug. “Baby!” I shout, dropping Luca’s arm and laughing as I hug my brother back, my eyes pressing shut with the pleasure of it. Mark – he’s not even the baby of the family, he’s nearly two years older
“You,” June says, narrowing her eyes and pulling one arm free to point at Luca, “you just made an enemy, sir. Where’s the other one? Maybe I’ll like him better.” I laugh at my little sister and loosen my arms a bit, a little tickled that she already knows about my mate situation so I don’t have to
My mouth pops open in mock indignation as my sister fights her urge to smirk. “I have always been badass and cool, Juniper!” I protest, laughing. “Ariel, believe me,” Juniper sighs, rolling her eyes but letting her smile run free. “You have been the opposite of badass and cool. You were like, a pi