“Yes, you did,” Arim said, suddenly appearing next to Marcus on foot. “According to your brothers, you were at death’s very door. What happened?”
Aerolus explained what he knew, but I understood there was more to our recovery than arriving in Tanselm. I wanted to share my theory but needed privacy and an audience with my future husband, alone. He would accept the Shadow in our lives, but I wasn’t so sure his family felt the same. Not yet. With enough time and effort, though, I knew I could bring them around.
I clutched Aerolus’ hand tight, thanking fate for him in my life. Light or Dark, he was mine to have, mine to keep.
“Alandra?” Aerolus squeezed my hand then tried to loosen my grip.
I didn’t want to mention our mysterious helper and suddenly recalled what Lidra had told me. “I’ve got some bad news.”
As expected, everyone froze and watched me.
“Did you know I’ve got distant Light Bringer in me?”
“I know you just had some in you,” Aerolus said under his breath.
Darius laughed long and loud.
I blushed, amused and embarrassed at my mate’s crass comment, something so unlike him. I was already having a good effect on him, which pleased me. “Aerolus.”
“Welcome to the family, little sister.” Marcus’ approval annoyed me, for some reason.
“Oh, so you wouldn’t have welcomed me without that —” I began before Aerolus cut me off with a kiss.
“Thank the Light, he’s learned something about women from us,” Darius quipped. “Now before you two get hot and heavy again, we need you to go see Mother. She’s been worried to tears and won’t rest until she sees your pretty face again, Aerolus.”
“He wanted to say, ‘ugly face,’ but even he’s not that stupid, at least not all the time.” Marcus grinned at us, ignoring the gesture Darius shot him. “I tell you, the habits he’s picked up from Samantha are crude, not to mention insulting.” Marcus turned to him. “You two are perfect for each other.”
“Funny, but I saw Tessa giving you that same finger just yesterday, little brother,” Darius added with an arrogant smirk.
Aerolus chuckled and brought me in for a hug. I felt warmly content for perhaps the first time in my life. My new brothers were going to be a handful, a challenge I was thrilled to accept. And my new sisters. I’d always wanted sisters and already liked the sound of them.
“Come, Alandra.” Arim offered his hand.
I looked at Aerolus, who smiled and nodded.
“You need never fear harm from me again,” Arim said, his smile gentle and wow — attractive. He looked so much like Aerolus just then. “Your spirit guides our Wind Mage; your heart is his heart. In your love shines a beauty that will forever be pure.”
“Oh, he’s good,” I said sincerely. “Aerolus, you might want to take notes.”
The others laughed and ribbed their uncle.
As we all left to meet Queen Ravyn, I turned to see a shimmer of magic in the air, and a pair of ghostly blue eyes winking out of sight.
Chapter 36
Cadmus: the Earth Lord
Two days later, Seattle
Standing in the middle of our living room, Aerolus shook my arm and winked, surprising me with such open amusement. The Wind Mage wasn’t known for having such a cheery disposition.
He smiled. “I look forward to your return as well, brother. Alandra sends her best.”
I nodded, still stunned that somber Aerolus had not only found but fully accepted his affai. I watched him shake Jonas’ hand. He thanked him before teleporting back home, back to his love and his future that I knew would include at least one daughter.
By the Light, when would life make sense anymore? Darius and Marcus had fallen hard, but I expected as much from those thick-skulled control freaks. I’d thought Aerolus would stay the course. Live a bachelor’s life devoted to the study of magic while protecting the kingdom.
Now, knowing he could have returned home at any time since we’d left Tanselm, I was doubly shocked that Aerolus had accepted an affai when he didn’t really need one.
