Daren’s attempts to rise were futile. My strikes were relentless, a barrage that left no room for mercy. No quarter given, none expected.
I was truly fucking done. This fucker wasn’t going to hurt me or anyone else. I was a survivor, and I would always fight for those I loved.
Chapter Seventeen
Zander
IlaughedasColinmade another joke. This night was fantastic, surrounded by my friends and family. But most importantly, I had my sparks. My bonded sparks and everyone got along.
I felt a warmth spread throughout my being, a lightness I hadn't experienced in a long while. The joy around me was infectious, with laughter and playful banter filling the air. The realm itself seemed to vibrate in harmony with our happiness.
Colin leaned into me, his lips brushing against my ear, "You look radiant tonight, love."
I grinned, pulling him closer. "That's because I am genuinely happy. All thanks to you and Reggie."
Colin leaned down and pressed a kiss to my lips. I moaned in pleasure. I loved kissing him just as much as I loved kissing Reggie.
“Now, that’s what I’m talking about. Time to get this party started.”
I grinned at Zin’s voice and pulled back. “Zin, relax, buddy. It was just a kiss. Don’t be a perv.”
“Kissing leads to other things, and you’re just as pervy as me,” Zin said, crossing his arms. “Or at least you were.”
I laughed at my brother’s antics, but there was something in his voice I couldn’t pinpoint. It almost sounded like longing.
“Hey, Zander.”
I turned at Esteban’s deep voice. Esteban was the mate of three of my best friends, Fafner, Dain, and Alever. He was perfect for them. He completed their throuple perfectly. Alever was so scared that he’d have to leave his long-time lovers, Fafner and Dain, when he met Esteban. I’m glad Fate had other plans and made them all mates. And now they all were expecting a little one; it made me smile.
“Hey, Esteban. What’s up? I thought you were leaving with Alever.”
“I was, but I wanted to come tell you that Alever took Reggie to your place,” he replied.
“What? Why? Is he okay?” I said, standing to my feet. Why would Reggie just leave?
Esteban chuckled. “He’s fine. It seems the Fae wine struck again and got to him. Remember when I first had it?”
I laughed, thinking about when he first had it. It was quite a sight seeing a huge man crawling on the floor. Fae wine was strong and packed quite a punch.
“Okay, thanks for letting me know.” I looked at Colin, who was laughing with Dimitri and tapped his shoulder.
“Yes,mon petit?” Colin’s light green eyes shined up at me.
“Reggie went home. I was going to slip over there and check on him,” I said.
Colin rose to his feet. “Went home? Is he okay?”
“Yeah, Esteban just said the Fae wine got to him, and Alever took him to my place. I wanted to check on him, though.”
Colin nodded. “I’ll go with you.”
I smiled and nodded. I knew he’d want to come. I glanced back at my friends. They wouldn’t miss us if we just slipped out a bit.
I grabbed Colin’s hand and guided him away from the table.
“Zander, where are you going? You’re not leaving already, are you?”
The familiar voice had a hint of mischief. I turned to see Japtic emerging from the crowd, his cloven hooves making soft thuds against the ground. As a Satyr, Japtic had the upper body of a man but the legs of a goat. His curly, chestnut hair cascaded down to his shoulders, matching the tufted fur on his legs. A pair of twisted horns curled from his forehead, framing a face always ready with a smirk or a mischievous grin. His amber eyes sparkled with fun, a testament to the legendary parties he threw.
