Maxon draws us to a stop and cups my face, his lips brushing across my forehead in a tender kiss that has my eyes closing, relishing the moment. “Stóirín, I can feel your emotions. What is going through your head?”
“Oh, I’m just thinking about how happy I’ve been since coming here.” I try not to feel embarrassed admitting this.
Maxon makes a deep rumbling sound in his chest, and I pull back. There is something in his eyes I don’t understand, but he doesn’t give me time to ask. Seizing my hand once more, he tugs me in the direction of the stables. My feet struggle to keep up with his long strides. I try my best not to trip on the dress Zaria laid out for me today. The dress is a blend of white and dark green, with a bustier corset that enhances its beauty. It isn’t as pretty as the other dresses, a more simplistic style, but still flows around my ankles. It reminds me of a dress from medieval times, and the longer sleeves provide coverage for my birthmark, now a deeper shade than before.
Reaching the other end of the stables, we step out into the sun again to see Tristan and Kian waiting for us, both on their horsesalready. The impatient look on Tristan’s face immediately fills me with guilt for having made them wait so we could have sex.
My gaze shifts toward Storm, and an uncontrollable grin spreads across my face. He stands tall and majestic, his hooves gracefully tapping the ground in a rhythmic dance of excitement upon spotting us. As I observe his movements, a gasp escapes my lips as another horse emerges into my view. She is beautiful. Maxon guides me toward the group, his hand releasing mine as he confidently takes hold of the reins of the majestic, pure white horse.
“Everly, this is Nova.” He strokes the horse's cheek. “She is yours.”
“What?” I gasp, moving a step closer.
Tears well in my eyes, and my trembling hands lift to cover my mouth, my emotions getting the better of me. I’m hyper aware of the others watching and the sound of my own heartbeat. This is a moment like no other, as no one has ever given me something so extraordinary.
Maxon’s eyes soften and he holds out a hand, beckoning me closer. “Come.”
As soon as my fingers touch Nova, she pushes in closer, a spark of electricity moving between us. Without conscious thought, I run my hand down her neck. Her long, thick mane is gorgeous, so soft like silk, and it seems to shimmer in the sunlight.
Maxon stands close behind me. “Do you like her?”
“Like her? I love her,” I admit, my throat clogged with emotion.
“But can you ride?” Kian teases.
I haven’t thought about that. “Can’t be too hard, right?”
Kian and Tristan laugh, and my gaze instantly whips to Tristan. “Oh my god, you laughed! You're smiling.”
Tristan raises an eyebrow at me and shrugs. “I’m just looking forward to watching you try to ride on your own.”
Kian’s hand snaps out and smacks Tristan over the head. “Be nice, you frog.”
I burst out laughing at the look of offense on Tristan’s face.
“You are much more handsome when you smile,” I tease, pressing my lips together when he scowls in my direction.
Maxon swiftly wraps an arm around my waist from behind, drawing me into his body, his lips dropping to my ear.
“I don’t like that.”
“What?” I question breathlessly.
“You thinking that other fae are handsome.”
I startle, my eyes widening as I twist around to see his face. “Are you jealous?” I blurt.
Maxon doesn’t answer, just stares back at me with an intensity that takes my breath away.
“Oh, you are jealous.” A giddy feeling swamps my stomach. I don’t know why that makes me so insanely happy, but it does.
The distinct sound of hooves fills the air, causing us to turn and see Raiden riding a massive gray horse as it comes around the side of the stables, followed closely by Anika and Nymeria.
“Want to tell me why I found these two tormenting the livestock?” Raiden grumbles.
I step from Maxon’s arms and embrace each of my wolves. I can’t help but nuzzle my face into their necks. I only have one memory of them, but I know deep in my heart they are family.
“They were hungry.” I look up at Raiden.
