“Good luck, Shane.” Vanessa kissed my cheek. “And remember, even if he doesn't fall in love with you, that doesn't mean you're unloved or unworthy. We all love you.”
Tod cleared his throat and said gruffly, “Yeah, man, we love you. Like a brother, you know? So don't go falling apart over a faerie, all right? If he turns out to be an asshole, you just come home, and we'll take care of you. We'll take care of him too . . . if you know what I mean.” He grinned viciously.
“Fuck.” I sniffed and tried to laugh off the tears that stung my eyes. “You guys are the best. Thanks.”
“We're family, bro,” Tod declared. “Family takes care of each other. And I don't care if he's a warlord, if he fucks you over, I will fucking cut him into tiny pieces and serve him to his knights—Taeven tartare.”
I grinned. “That so fucking psychotic, Tod. Thank you.”
“That's chef love, buddy. Embrace the crazy.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
When I got back to the Falcon Lord's tent, it was to find Taeven in a meeting with his generals—both the human and fae.
He smiled at me as I stepped up. “Were you able to say goodbye to all your friends?”
“Yeah, I found them.” I glanced at the generals and greeted them, “Generals.”
“Valorian,” they both said respectfully.
Yeah, that was going to take some getting used to.
“I had Daron fetch your things,” Tae said to me. “They're in the bedroom. I left a satchel on your trunk for you to pack whatever you'd like to take.”
“Oh.” I started thinking about what would fit me now. I'd gotten significantly bigger, so it was doubtful that any of my clothes would fit. And yeah, all right, I admit it; I wore my clothes on the tighter side to show off my ass-ets.
“Don't worry about the clothes,” Tae said as if in response to my thoughts. “We'll get you a new wardrobe in Varalorre. I've already requested a few new uniforms to be made for you here.”
“Thanks.” I grinned. Could the guy be any more thoughtful?
“I have to look after my valorian.” He took my hand and gave it a squeeze. “I'll just be a few more minutes with the generals, and then we can leave.”
My stomach twisted with excitement. Flying. To Varalorre. Fuck, this was really happening. “All right,” I murmured as I headed toward the bedroom.
I have to admit that I was pleased that Tae had moved my things into his tent. I didn't want to assume that we'd be living together, but I had hoped. So, I went through my trunk with a grin on my face.
The only things that still fit were my belts and boots so I packed extras of each. Then I was left looking at my meager belongings. My most treasured possession was my guitar, and although it was there, propped against a fabric wall, I wasn't about to cart it with me to Varalorre. That left my collection of yeast and bread starters, some exotic spices from Lek, and the pictures of my family. Again, I wouldn't want to take any of that with me. I ran a fingertip over my mother's face adoringly before I set the photograph of her and Dad back in the box I kept it in. They both knew about my sexuality and though they had advised me to keep it a secret here, they were very supportive. It was my father who had suggested that I eventually move to Lek, where I could live freely. Damn, I loved them; they were phenomenal parents.
I blinked. I was fae now. I could be open about my sexuality without worrying about getting mobbed. I could even bring Tae home to meet them. Something brightened and burst inside my chest—a knot of anxiety that I hadn't realized I carried. I shuddered through its release, a tear sliding down my cheek, and then took a deep breath. To be able to be myself in my hometown would be incredible.
But then I reconsidered. I could be free with my parents, but not around their neighbors and friends. If the villagers knew I was gay, they wouldn't do anything to me, but they might ostracize my parents. It wouldn't matter that I was fae now; I had once been human, and my parents would be blamed for bringing up an . . . what was it that man had called me? Right, an abomination. Fuck, there went my good mood.
“What is it?” Tae was suddenly there, crouching beside me with a hand on my shoulder. “What's wrong?”
“Nothing. I was just thinking that I could introduce you to my family and be honest about who you are to me.” I grimaced. “But I can't. I mean, I can introduce you to them like that, but not anyone outside of the family.”
“You're stronger now, Shane,” he said firmly. “And you have me. Against the two of us, no human would stand a chance.”
I grinned at him. “Thanks for the vote of confidence, and it's good to know you have my back, but I'm not worried about us. My parents would pay the price after we left. They'd probably be scorned. Cut off from the community.”
Taeven let out an angry huff. “I'm still trying to accept that humans can be so hateful.”
“They can also be kind and loving,” I protested. “There are good and bad people in every group. Unfortunately, here in Stalana, the main religion preaches against homosexuality. It turns even the nice people into assholes. Faith can be a powerful thing, so I try not to take it personally.”
Tae sighed and nodded. “I will endeavor to do the same. But I would still like to meet your family.”
“You would?” I grinned.
