Alice. Where was Alice? I scanned the courtyard, my heart pounding. I needed to see her. Needed her in my arms.
She stood next to Chester and Caterpillar, holding my hat. Her eyes were glossy with tears, her arms wrapped around herself like she was afraid to intrude on the moment.
Like she didn't belong.
I cleared my throat, trying to gain control over the bubbling feelings inside me. "I wouldn't be here without my team." I gestured to the twins, the harpies, Chester, Caterpillar, and even Bunny clutching her children. "But the person who changed everything was my Alice."
I crossed to her, clasped her hand, and pulled her against me. And there it was. The missing piece. My parents. My home. And now Alice. For the first time in years, I felt whole. "She's my mate."
Raven laughed. "And a powerful female. Welcome to the family, Alice. Hope you're ready for chaos, love, and overprotective males."
Alice's breath hitched. "Family?"
My chest swelled. She'd spent her whole life without one. Rejected. Alone. And now I could give her what she'd always wanted.
My mom and dad approached us. Alice glanced up at me nervously, her fingers tightening around mine.
I squeezed back. She had nothing to worry about. They were going to love her.
Mom cupped Alice's face gently. "I don't know what you did to bring my son home, but you've filled a hole in our hearts we thought would never heal." Her voice trembled. "You're one of us now."
My father stepped forward, and to my shock, lowered his head in a bow of respect. My throat tightened. My father didn't bow to anyone. Ever. But he bowed to Alice—recognized her worth without hesitation.
I glanced at her. Tears glistened in her eyes, her lips parted in disbelief. She'd spent her whole life being dismissed. Now a king was pledging to protect her.
I squeezed her hand and turned to the others.
"Let me introduce you to the rest of my team." I clasped Chester's shoulder. "This is Chester. Just to warn you—he can disappear and reappear at will."
Raven cocked an eyebrow. "Really?"
Chester's body vanished. A moment later, his wide grin materialized in front of Raven's face, followed by his gleaming golden eyes.
"Curiouser and curiouser," he purred. "A dragon who sheds her scales. A queen without a crown." His grin widened. "I think we'll get along splendidly."
Raven blinked then let out a delighted laugh. "Oh, I like this one."
I clasped Caterpillar's arm. "And this smoky one is Caterpillar. I wouldn't have survived without these two."
Caterpillar exhaled a lazy ring of smoke. "Survival... is merely the beginning." His dark eyes swept over Havenwood's towering walls. "The story... continues."
I glanced at Alice before releasing her hand. She gave me a small nod, her eyes warm. She was okay. She was safe. I could let go—for now.
I stepped between the twins. "These two big lugs are Flint and Steel, who fought by my side."
Flint puffed out his chest. "And we always will."
Steel elbowed his brother. "Speak for yourself. I'm still sore from those talons."
Last, I went over to Bunny. "And this sweet lady is Bunny and these are her three children."
Mom glanced up at Dad, her eyes soft. "Our family just got bigger."
"Yes, it has," Dad drawled. Then his gaze shifted across the courtyard and hardened. "What the fuck is Ari doing here? And why isn't he moving?"
"Because I froze him," Alice said simply.
My family turned to stare at her. She shrugged at their surprised faces.
