“Shifter Affairs could put you in touch with some other phoenix shifters,” Shan said. He looked slightly apologetic. “I’m afraid we do try to keep track of them. I can assure youthat we will respect your privacy, but you are a person of interest to us now.”
Lola shrugged. “Eh, I always wanted to be famous. Just tell your guys not to bug my phone.”
“For their sake,” Leonie murmured to her mate. “You donotwant to see what she posts to the family group chat.”
“I have to say, I feel kinda guilty, Zeph,” Lola said. “You sure you don’t mind that I’m the one who got this, and not your kid?”
“I am actively delighted,” Zephyr said, heartfelt. “Believe me, the last thing I need is a toddler who sporadically bursts into flame.”
“Okay, when you put it like that, I reckon you owe me one.” Lola pursed her lips. “Hey, Shan. You guys keep records on this stuff. Has one of these phoenix sparks ever gone to someone who was already a shifter?”
Shan shook his head. “Not as far as we know.”
“Figured as much.” Lola flashed a smug grin at her. “Good thing I made you take your eagle back, huh, Catbutt?”
She grinned back. “Yes. Very. Though you don’t seem to have spotted the best part of this yet.”
“What, you mean that I’ll still be able to fly?”
“No.” She hugged her sister, filled with joy. “I still get to call you Birdbrain.”
“Iggy.” Estelle waved a hand in front of his face. “Blink.”
Ignatius impatiently brushed her away, never taking his eyes off the small group of adults gathered outside the camp to wave goodbye to Lola. “And give those idiots a chance to break up again? We have to maintain a round-the-clock watch on that pair. At least until they’re actually mated.”
“I thought you didn’t care,” Archie said to him.
“I don’twantto care.” Ignatius glared at their counselors. “I just can’t go through any more dramatic twists. They’re mates, they’re not mates. He’s staying, he’s running away. I should sue for emotional whiplash.”
“I think they’re going to be all right now,” Finley said. “Aren’t they, Rufus?”
Rufus smiled.
CHAPTER 38
Leonie sighed as she came back from settling some minor squabble among the counselors. “It’s funny, how quickly things can go back to normal.”
He chuckled, moving up to make room for her. Now that the kids were tucked up in their cabins, the log benches around the firepit were quickly filling up with off duty staff. “No matter how much has changed, life at camp goes on.”
“Not for much longer, if I don’t get back on top of things.” Plopping down next to him, Leonie flipped through her clipboard. “With all these distractions, I’ve fallen behind schedule. There’s so much to do.”
He pulled the clipboard out of her hands. “If you recall, I made a promise to your sister.”
Leonie pursed her lips, her golden eyes sparkling in the firelight. “I suppose she would be pretty grumpy about having to turn around and fly straight back here.”
“Yes.” He tucked the clipboard under his arm, out of her reach. “And now she can roast me alive with a snap of her fingers. Your to-do list can wait until morning.”
Leonie snuggled closer, one hand trailing up his thigh. “Notallof it.”
“For dog’s sake,” Buck growled from the next log. “Motherloving shifters. They all meet their mates and turn into raging public exhibitionists. Get aroom.”
Honey raised her eyebrows at her mate. “Like we did?”
“Too much information!” Leonie called over her shoulder. Grinning, she got to her feet, pulling him up as well. “Come on, Shan. We’re scandalizing our colleagues.”
“Yes, drag him back to your lodge, shield-sister!” Ragvald called. The wyrm raised a fist in salute as they left the circle. “Fuck mightily, friend Shan!”
“Ragvald.” Moira’s despairing voice floated after them. “Ragvald, no.”
