She playfully swatted him then combed her fingers through her hair, trying to calm it. She closed her eyes and let the magic drip from her fingertips and into her hair. The energy moved to untangle any messes and refresh her curls. Ella didn’t usually use magic for beauty, it seemed selfish. Just this once though.
And the day of their wedding last summer.
This would be the last time.
Maybe.
A few minutes later, they were back in line with the other ten students in their class. The first graduating class of Sunstone University. All eyes were on them, their classmates knew them well enough by now.
Robert and Leslie gave her knowing looks. She couldn’t help the grin that quickly spread across her face, no doubt the redness had crept up her neck too.
“So, about this pack you guys are starting, is it really close to the south?” Robert whispered. “I’ve never been that far down.”
“I hear it’s like a wasteland.”
“It’s over a hundred acres, and it doesn’t just border the south. It’s part of both worlds.” Tyler leaned closer.
“Will all of the pack live on the property?” Leslie asked. “I mean, you know I’m going to be with the guard a lot too.”
“Only if they want. It’s your choice. That’s the beauty of it, there’s room for everyone, but there’s also more land nearby. There are options.” Ella smiled.
She wouldn’t admit it out loud to the others, but she was nervous of seeing what it was really like in the south. Was it really a wasteland still? Since the Dark Times?
“I’ll be teaching at Ethereal next year, but I’ll come and visit,” Robert assured them.
Ella knew of their plan already. Robert was going to be a great teacher. She would miss not seeing them every day, but knew it was for the best.
“I might as well live on the property, I’ll need someone helping to keep an eye on things since at least half the time I’ll be traveling for work.” Leslie nodded.
“Of course.” Tyler squeezed Ella’s hand.
The pack was still a work in progress, but news was quickly traveling. A few members of the first class of Sunstone University were starting a new pack. It was something they wanted quickly spread across the supernatural community. A place for those who haven’t felt like they belonged.
Ella and Tyler were both joining The Council, but they had plans. Most plans involved the other. The only thing left to find out was who was going to be joining their new pack. Several members of their class had already requested to be part of it, or even allies if ever needed.
This was going to be the start of something huge and beautiful. Ella could feel it. The magic shifted into awareness.
“It’s time.” One of the professors spoke up and started waving them through the doors.
The first graduating class of Sunstone University was something more than family and friends wanted to see. It had quickly moved from the smaller ballroom, to the theater, to being outside on the new sports field.
Tents were held up high with magic, creating shade from the scorching sun. Cheers erupted with the music as the twelve made their way across the field and to the stage. Speeches were made, names were called, and in a flash the ceremony had come to an end.
Tyler kissed her before grabbing both of their tossed hats from the ground.
“Are you ready to travel down to the south?” Tyler squeezed her close.
The arrangements were already made. Tomorrow morning, they would be leaving bright and early as they made a road trip of it. The couple had spent the last few months fixing up a van to camp in at parks and forests along the way.
“With you, I’m ready to go anywhere.” Ella smiled.
“Yeah?” Tyler’s eyes flashed.
“I love you.” She turned to face the crowd and smiled.
Flashes went off around them as cameras recorded a moment in history. This was truly going to be memorable. They were making history. Ella could hardly wait.
If someone would have told her when she was a struggling teenager, that she would find her fated mate, be part of the change in The Council, and start her own pack… she wouldn’t have believed them.
Now, she felt like she could have everything. It was all important, but nothing was more important than Tyler. As long as he was by her side, she could get through anything.
He was hers.
