I jump into my Earthside territory and land on the widow’s walk high atop our shore house in North Carolina. From my vantage point, I have a bird’s eye view of Ash playing on the beach with the twins, the dogs and Northstar.
I’m arriving back from a visit to Kyoko’s court. She approached me about the possibility of an alliance, and I think we can make it happen.
After the twins were born, I told the Council of Seven about Dmitri demanding I trade sexual favors for his council votes. That kind of behavior doesn’t show fair or sound judgment. Kyoko was the first to vote in favor of his expulsion from the council, with Reg and Edmund right behind her. The motion carried, and now the council is on the hunt for a new member.
As I look on, Steel chases Silver down the shoreline, and Northstar walks in the surf with a couple of wild mustangs. Summer and River work diligently on a sandcastle while Ash fills a plastic bucket with water from the ocean. When he pours the water into the sandcastle’s moat, the twins clap their chubby hands with glee.
Watching Ash with our family fills me with love and gratitude. He started it all when he came to my court and claimed me as his fated mate. They say you have three loves in your life—puppy, hard and true. Ash is all three for me. He taught me what love is, how to fight for it and how to enjoy it.
We currently split our time between North Carolina and Avalon, but with Reg making noise about taking time off, we’ll eventually have to include Westmoreland in the mix. While the children are young, Ash and I make it a priority not to both be away at the same time. We’re each powerful enough on our own to visit foreign courts without the other worrying. But every once in a while, we have to travel together and leave the twins with their doting aunts and uncles. And when we can, we take the twins with us.
The children bring us so much joy and have made us more tender and fiercer at the same time. They’re a beautiful combination of us in both looks and personality. Summer has my dark hair and Ash’s hazel eyes, along with his intensity. She’s the louder, more impatient one of the two, and likes to get her own way—I have no idea where she gets it from. River is blond like Ash and has his easygoing attitude, but has my gray eyes and adventurous spirit. It takes a lot to rile up his temper, but if you do, watch out. The terrible twos are sure to be interesting.
I’m heading inside to change into a swimsuit when Ash opens the mate bond. I felt you the moment you arrived. Come down to the beach. We’re waiting for you.
Bossy much? You just want to ogle me in my bikini. I giggle to myself.
You know I do.
I hope he never changes. Everything ready for the party tonight?
Everything’s set. It’s going to be a fun night.
Ash is hosting one of his famous lobster and crab boils. All of our friends, family and Earthside leaders are coming. Ben and his new wife are just back from their honeymoon, and I’m dying to get to know her better. With Ash’s love, I was able to let go of my loneliness, fear and anger. I learned how to stop being my own worst enemy and accept my destiny. Ben’s new wife has done the same for him.
My mother may come, or she may not. She pops in and out of my life as she always has. But when we’re together, she’s fully present and rejoices in her grandchildren, which is enough for me.
As I leave the house and walk across the sand, Steel and Silver bark a welcome and Northstar lifts his head with a whinny. River and Summer run toward me on sturdy toddler legs with their arms outstretched, and Ash’s golden gaze warms my skin faster than the southern sun ever could.
I have everything I’ll ever need and more.
