anymore? I meant it, Shira,” he replied, looking bemused. “It was time for us to come through for you.”
Shira made a strangled noise and I knew she was struggling to find the right words to respond. She didn’t do well with big displays of emotion.
“We’re free, Xander,” she whispered like she couldn’t quite believe it. “Legally alive and everything.”
“It’s a fresh start for both of us,” he agreed, giving her a warm smile. “I’d offer to introduce you to Laurel, but I imagine you want to spend some time with your mates. We’ll meet up soon, okay?”
“I’d really like that.” Shira beamed and the sight of her wide smile took my breath away.
“Don’t forget your promise,” Xander called out to Ezra with a satisfied grin. Ezra nodded curtly, eyes narrowed on Xander. A clean slate. Xander deserved it.
//Ready to go?// Ezra asked. //I’ve had enough of our adoring fans for one day,// he added wryly.
//Let’s go. I’m desperate for a bath,// Shira added almost shyly.
//Do you want to fly on your own?// Ezra asked after a brief hesitation.
//I probably should,// Shira replied, scrunching up her face adorably. She was exhausted, but she didn’t want to show weakness in front of the eagerly watching crowd.
“Wings only,” I muttered, running my finger along the sliced up shirt she was wearing, drifting down her shoulder blade. She shuddered lightly at my touch and my chest puffed up with pride. I had that effect on her.
“We’re leaving,” Ezra announced. “Thank you all for your support.” For lying and saving our mate’s ass. “We’ll be in touch with celebration arrangements when Shira is ready.”
The crowd cheered, and Shira turned her face against my arm to hide her pink cheeks.
“Make way for our newest Councilors!” Ilia boomed as Ezra shoved his way through the crowd. We made it to the edge of the rocks and us males pulled our shirts off to release our wings. The crowd oohed and ahhed as Shira’s golden wings burst free without her taking her top off.
Shira stood with the sun at her back, illuminating the tips of her shining wings, surveying the crowd like a queen looking out over her kingdom.
I hope you’re ready, rebel. This is only the beginning.
✽✽✽
“We really should plan some kind of celebration,” Ezra sighed at breakfast the following morning, rubbing his temples. Once we’d arrived back at the den, Shira had bathed then all six of us had climbed into bed for a much deserved rest after two agonizing nights apart.
“I agree,” Shira said thoughtfully, hunched over her porridge with one arm wrapped around the bowl. We knew that Seff’s fathers had ensured she was fed while she was in Council custody, but the experience had set her back when it came to food. None of us would comment on it, though. She’d talk about it when she was ready.
“We can do the rounds today, invite them to a party here in two nights’ time,” Ezra said reluctantly. “I’d like to thank them personally.”
A flash of wariness passed over Shira’s face before she schooled her features. “Yes, that’s a good idea.”
Ezra smirked at her across the table. “Don’t worry, my love. I wasn’t suggesting you come along. The four of us will split up and make visits. Divide and conquer.”
“Four?” Hiram asked, perking up. “You don’t want to send me out there, boss. I’m terrible at thank you’s. I should probably stay home with Shira.”
“How convenient then, that you have a chance to practice your expressions of gratitude,” Ezra replied drily, raising a brow at Hiram. “Oren will stay with Shira.”
Levi, Seff, and Hiram nodded in understanding, and Shira bent her head further over her porridge to hide her blush.
The four of them disappeared after breakfast, and Shira and I cleaned up in silence together. I hated how useless I was at holding conversations in these moments. Did it bother her? Shira deserved a mate who could string a few words together.
I watched her out of the corner of my eye as she moved around the kitchen. Shira didn’t seem bothered by the silence, but she looked a little uncomfortable. As fucking desperate as I was to feel her body around mine, I wasn’t about to push her for anything she wasn’t ready for her. Sex was new to most of us, but for Shira, just touch was a new development.
“Do you want to go for a fly?” I asked, clearing my throat gruffly.
Shira’s eyes lit up, and I knew I’d made the right call.