The Last Warrior (Shifters Unbound #13) - Jennifer Ashley Page 0,107

Guardian Network. The goblins have a similar one. Except I created it. Once we were exiled, I knew goblins would be forgotten, so I gathered every bit of knowledge about our people I had saved and searched for hidden bits of it in this world. When we left Faerie, others grabbed money or family heirlooms. I took manuscripts. Once computers came along, I input all the data for faster retrieval.”

“Very resourceful,” Ben said with new respect.

“My sons did not think so. They can be ignorant louts.”

“But brave fighters.” Ben gave her a nod. “Please thank them for having our backs.” The goblin boys had gone out to make friends with the Shifters once they’d made sure Ben was truly all right.

“You are welcome.” Millie lifted the tray from the railing. “Enjoy the tea.” She vanished into the house.

“She is so weird,” Ben murmured.

“I think she’s wonderful.” Rhianne snuggled into Ben’s shoulder. “She gave you back to me.”

Ben knew that Rhianne and the mate bond had done that, though Millie’s talisman had given them a boost.

He kissed Rhianne’s hair and held her close, aware of Tiger-girl watching with avid intensity. The wind chimes tinkled, a sound of satisfaction.

Many people came to visit Ben that afternoon and on into the night. Rhianne kept near him, not wanting to leave him for a moment.

Shifters did what Ben said they always did when disaster had been averted. They brought out music, lights, drinks, and started to party.

Ben, with goblin resilience, felt better quickly, and soon was wandering among the Shifters, beer in hand, Rhianne at his side. Sean had fired up a grill and cooked charred meat he called burgers.

Everyone wanted to pay respects to Ben, greeting him and hugging him, males and females alike. Shifters liked to embrace, Rhianne saw. Which was fine—she liked it too.

The Shifters hugged her as well, congratulating her on the mate bond. “Sun and Moon soon,” Connor had said jubilantly. “I love the mating ceremonies.”

“He means the little get-togethers Shifters have to make the mating official,” Ben explained to Rhianne. “One in full sunlight, the other under the full moon. And then more dancing, drinking, and … ah … mating.”

Rhianne laughed. “I’ve heard of the ceremonies.” She had a bottle of cold beer in her hand, enjoying the bubbly concoction just as she had in New Orleans. “Are you saying we’ll have this mating ceremony?”

“If you want it.” Ben stopped her under a tall tree, moonlight dappling his face through the leaves. Beyond them, Shifters milled about the green in human or animal form, chasing each other, dancing, or pairing up and sneaking off into shadows. “Do you want that, Rhianne?”

His eyes held wariness.

Rhianne took his hand in hers. “After all we went through, you have to ask me? Are you afraid I’ll want to run back to Faerie, return to the life of a Tuil Erdannan?”

“A goblin in exile can’t compete with the glamor of that.” Ben kept his voice light, but his trepidation rang through.

She shook her head. “I am not leaving much behind. The astronomy work I did I can do here—I’m eager to see the stars of this world and learn all about them. I can return from time to time to visit my mother and tutor the children I like to help, otherwise ...” She let out a breath. “I took the post in a remote part of Faerie because I was searching for … I didn’t know what. Trying to figure out who I was. You helped me find out who I am in truth, and then helped me deal with it. I never want to go back to that life, that uncertainty. I want to stay here. With you.”

Ben stepped closer, his voice quiet. “You mean a happily ever after? Not just happy for now?”

“Happily ever after.” Rhianne erased the last bit of space between them. “I want that, yes. More than anything.”

While Ben stared at her, stunned, Rhianne leaned to him and kissed him. She took her time, tracing his lips, tasting them, before licking inside his mouth.

Ben started, then he slid his arms around her, strong hands molding her back as the kiss deepened. He’d certainly recovered swiftly.

“I can take happily ever after,” Ben said softly when they eased apart. “Can you take it in a house that makes decisions for you?”

“I think we have to.” Rhianne glanced at Liam’s porch, now lit up in the darkness, the strand of silver wind chimes hanging from it. “Kim says she