“I missed you, too.”
“Is she alright?” Lily asked worriedly as she misted into their family room.
Boon turned quickly with Angelle in his arms. “She’s fine.”
Lily took in the cross bow still gripped in Angelle’s hands and smiled. “Good for you. I bet she’ll think twice before trying to confront you again.”
“She broke into our house. Told Angelle that I was out looking for her to tell her to get out of my life because my true mate was back and this was our house, not Angelle’s and she needed to go now.”
Lily smiled at Angelle. “And you didn’t believe it for a moment.”
Angelle shook her head. “It never even occurred to me that it might be true. I know Boon’s heart. And it’s with me.”
“Absolutely. And truth be told, she doesn’t want Boon anyway. She just didn’t want anyone else to have him,” Lily said.
“I would have just told her to go, except I’m human. And she’d already made it clear I was leaving. So, I decided to strike first. Always take the upper hand, make the first strike. Take the advantage for yourself. It’s what I’ve always been taught, so that’s what I went with. Am I in trouble?”
“Not at all. As you said. You’re human. She’s a Gargoyle. She could have harmed you so you took the upper hand to force her from your home. There will not be any problem with your actions at all. Saige is well known for her antics — no one will question a thing.”
Boon let out a stress filled sigh and held her close again. “I was so afraid she’d hurt you.”
“I’m okay. I promise.”
“I’ll leave you two to calm down a bit. Don’t worry about the party, I’ve canceled it,” Lily said.
“I’m sorry. I know you were looking forward to it,” Angelle said.
“And I’d just gotten Tempest to agree to a wedding, too,” Lily said. “But it’s more important that you’re safe. With everything that’s happened today, I just don’t think it’s the right atmosphere to host a party in; especially since it would take place right outside her family’s front door.”
“Why?” Angelle asked.
“Why?” Lily repeated.
“Why would the party have to take place there? Have it at your home. You’ve got a beautiful piece of land.”
Boon looked down into Angelle’s eyes, asking without asking.
Angelle nodded.
“Or have it here. But not for us — for Tempest.”
“That’s very generous of you,” Lily said thoughtfully. “Let me think about it. I’ll let you know what I decide.”
“I’m glad you’re safe, Angelle. And even more glad that you’re not afraid to protect yourself,” Lily said as her mists began swirling.
“Thank you,” Angelle said. She and Boon watched as Lily faded from view, her mists dissipating as they swirled toward the door Boon had kicked in.
Angelle smiled up at Boon as the door repaired itself and suddenly looked completely undamaged as it perfectly closed itself and they could hear the click of the lock as it settled into place.
“Thank you,” Boon called out.
Angelle leaned her head against him again, letting him see that though she’d done what needed to be done, she was still feeling a little shaky.
“You know what? It’s only a matter of time before everybody hears and they start coming by. Let’s sit for a while and relax while we can,” Boon said.
Angelle nodded, allowing him to lead her to their sofa where he took the cross bow from her and set it on the coffee table in front of them, before taking a seat and pulling her down beside him.
“I’m surprised they’re not all here already,” Angelle said.
