lose it. She could barely control what I felt, and as Kyden said, the bonding made the emotions more intense.
Still, it didn’t mean the knowledge of that truth made it any less sad. “Bonded or not, you’ve got something good.”
Warmth ran through me as a loving smile spread across her face. “You’re right about that.” Then, she looked out to see Finn approaching from the garden, and the warm feeling inside me grew immensely in reaction to her emotions. She dropped my arm and ran toward him. He caught her up in his arms and spun her around, kissing her in pure dramatic fashion.
He put her down just as we reached them and gave Kyden a wide grin. “Fastening the ball and chain…tough guy,” he said, punching Kyden’s arm.
“About bloody time, I’d say.” Kyden laughed, and returned the hit.
Finn groaned and rubbed his shoulder. Kyden packed a hell of a punch. In macho land that meant I’m happy for you and thank you. Then, he turned to Dante. “It’s been awhile since you’ve been here.”
Dante gave a delicious smile that would sink any woman to their knees. “Isla didn’t give me a choice.”
We all laughed. Isla had a little combination of my personality mixed with Haven’s—a force to be reckoned with for sure.
“Ready to have some fun, darlin’?” Briggs asked Rynn.
“I think so,” she answered, her voice trembling a little. “I’m still recovering from the portal thing. That was just bizarre.”
It amazed me too. I had no idea there were other portals in the Earthworld that would bring you into the realm of the Otherworld, but Valor had one at his home. Apparently, since Valor was a superior supernatural and being that he was the Patriarch, he fell into that category.
Scents of healthy, thriving flowers tickled my nose as we made our way along the stone path through the garden. We passed the pond, which held fish that splashed around under lily pads. Even a bullfrog croaked as we startled it.
Iron gates with green vines woven around the bars appeared at the end of the path. When we stepped through the gate and entered the Witches Meadow, Rynn gasped in surprise. God, had I been there, knew the awe she was feeling. This place was pretty spectacular, rolling hills, eons of trees, colorful wildflowers—a fairy’s playground.
Tonight, the meadow was full with Supes. Weres gathered in abundance, as did vampires and witches too of course—all celebrating the full moon. It wasn’t until my magic came through that I truly got the meaning of this party. However, it’s similar to drinking twenty cans of Red Bull—gave the body a giant boost of energy.
Suddenly, Willow’s snarky voice came from at my feet. “About time you came home…I…” She hesitated as if lost for words. That was definitely a first for her.
I scooped her up and gave her a little snuggle. “I missed you too, Willow.” She purred loudly in response. Kyden reached over and rubbed her head, which made her purr even deeper.
We were home and it felt great.
After a few more scratches, Willow jumped out of my hands and sauntered over to the other Familiars who belonged to the Witches here in the Otherworld.
Zia approached, her smile glowing with pure joy. “Congratulations are in order,” she said, pulling me into a tight embrace.
Being hugged by her was nothing short of wonderful. I sank into her as I wrapped my arms around her and smiled. Zia was as close to a mother as I’d had in a very long time. To have her approval was just a good thing.
Talon stepped forward and gave Kyden a rough manly hug. “Glad to hear of it, son.” Then, he grabbed me, laid a wet one on my cheek. “It will be good to finally make you my daughter—officially.”
Well, well, Mr. Show No Emotion might be having a breakthrough after all. His face flushed red when he realized what he’d said, so to ease him, I quickly changed the subject. “How are things?”
Zia answered, “It has been quiet around here the past few days.” Then, her gaze landed on Rynn and her face instantly softened. “Welcome to the Otherworld. You are Rynn?”
Rynn nodded, a little reserved. “I am.”
“I am Zia, Master of Witches. Please consider this your home as well.”
Rynn blushed. “Thank you.”
Zia’s look turned curious as she watched Rynn. Then, she glanced at Briggs. “She’s your mate?”
Briggs beamed. “Aye, she is.”
Zia clapped her hands. “Wonderful news, Briggs.” She leaned forward, held her hand out to Rynn.