“I’m Gavin Maxwell,” he said, holding out his hand.
I eyed his hand like a snake, ready to strike. Slowly, I reached out and shook. “Reggie Sanchez.”
“I wanted to apologize for my words yesterday. I was wrong. You were right to tell me off. I hope you can forgive me, and we can be friends.”
I released the breath I didn’t realize I was holding. “Of course. I’m sorry for the pointy-ear comment.”
Gavin barked a laugh. “It was better than what you called my dad. Krispin is still calling him Sparkles.”
“What, what, what? You called King Gael Sparkles, and you’re still alive?” Seandra said, fluttering in front of me.
I felt my face heat and gave a tiny nod.
“Oh my god. I can’t want to tell—”
“Seandra, you know my dad won’t like it if you tell everyone. And if you make him upset, you’d have to deal with my stepdad.”
Seandra let loose a tiny sigh. “Fine, but I bet it was funny.”
The atmosphere in the area lightened considerably after our introductions and apologies. Zander, sensing the shift, began introducing me to the rest of the gathered Fae. From elegant, winged creatures to stout, powerful beings, the array of individuals was nothing short of mesmerizing. Their names and titles blended as Zander rattled them off with pride. Each introduction made me feel more integrated into this magical community, even if I still felt like a fish out of water.
The ambient magical light that lit the Fae realm began to dim, casting a serene glow on everything. Conversations continued, drinks were shared, and I found myself laughing more than I'd expected.
"Where's the restroom?" I whispered to Zander, feeling the need to relieve myself.
He pointed to a building made of intertwined branches and flowers. "Just through there. It's a bit different, but you'll figure it out."
I nodded, excusing myself and making my way to the building. The inside was lit by glowing orbs, and true to Zander's word, it was a bit different but intuitive enough.
As I was about to leave, I heard hushed voices from outside the entrance. Curiosity got the better of me, and I paused to listen.
"I can't believe Zander's stuck with that," one voice sneered.
"Such a shame, really. To think that of all beings, fate would pair him with... that," another voice chimed in.
“The vampire is hot as fuck. I wouldn’t mind taking him for a ride, but did you see how the other one looked? So out of place. And that body... Ugh. I pity Zander."
A cruel laugh followed. "Our mighty Fae, bound to a fat human. What a joke!"
My heart sank and a lump formed in my throat. I had faced my share of bullies in the human realm, but I hadn't expected it here, especially not after such a warm welcome. Taking a deep breath, I squared my shoulders and exited the restroom, making sure to let the door slam behind me. Their mocking laughter ceased instantly, replaced by an awkward silence.
I didn't give them the satisfaction of acknowledging their words. Instead, I made my way back to Zander, Colin, and the others, trying to shake off the hurt. I paused and watched my mates. They were laughing and having fun. They fit in perfectly.
“I don’t belong here,” I whispered. Those Fae were right. I was an idiot to think… I shook my head.
“Hey, Reggie. You okay?”
I looked over to see Zander’s good friend, Alever. I still couldn’t believe he was pregnant. When Zander told me that dragons could make their male mates pregnant, I freaked and made sure the fae and vampires couldn’t do that. No way was I going to be pregnant.
“Reggie?” Alever said again, pulling me from my thoughts.
I shook my head. “Yeah, I’m fine. I think I had too much wine.”
“Fae wine will get you. Believe me, I know,” Esteban, Alever’s mate, said, stepping beside him.
“I was thinking of walking back to Zander’s and lying down,” I said.
“I was about to go put my feet up, too. Why don’t you get Zan to flash you there? It’s quicker.”
