Freja sat next to Hunter on the couch. He had his arm around her, holding her tightly by his side. Jin was sitting next to Chasen in a similar fashion. Jin was so excited to see Freja that she started crying when she heard everything was okay. She was concerned about Ciana, too. Freja told her Ciana said she would come after she finished a couple more tasks. The group had a relaxing evening together.
Hunter smiled in contentment. Finally, he was able to properly introduce his mate to his parents. They were getting to know her just like they did with Jin, and they had accepted her. She was his world, and he was finally able to show the other important people in his life how wonderful she was. This moment was still missing Reiya and Brody, but he knew they would love her. Reiya and Brody had already met her once. And Reiya had saved her life.
“Are you guys going home in the morning?” Chasen asked as he stuffed a few chips in his mouth.
“We were thinking about staying and helping out against the witches,” Lita said as she set her gaze on Hunter.
Hunter smiled and shook his head. “That’s alright. We’ll handle the witches. Rosa’s brother’s coven will also be helping us out. We still have the demon war coming, and I know you guys are busy preparing the fairies for that. Thank you. I appreciate it, but I can take care of the rest from here.”
Lita started to protest, but Asher gently nudged her and smiled. The two looked at each other, and she sighed. Asher was letting her know that she had to let go a bit. They did have a war to prepare for, and they needed to trust that Hunter could handle his own battles. As much as they both wanted to rip apart some witches, this one was Hunter’s battle. They needed to do their part in preparing for the major war that was coming.
“If you change your mind, you know how to get a hold of us,” Lita said with a small smile, in defeat. It wasn’t that she didn’t trust Hunter. It was that Chasen and Hunter were her boys. They would always be her little boys, and she wanted to protect them, but it was their turn to lead the Black Ice Pack.
“Well then, rather than leave first thing in the morning, I guess we’ll go ahead and head home tonight.” Asher’s eyes met Hunter’s, an unspoken understanding simmering between the two. Hunter had almost lost his mate. They’d been apart for a while, and they needed to spend some time together. “We’ll come back to visit again soon, though.”
“Maybe we can all get together soon. The WHOLE family. I miss Reiya and Brody. It feels incomplete without them.” Hunter smiled sadly.
“Don’t worry. I’m sure we’ll all be able to get together soon. And once this demon war is over, we will make sure we plan a monthly family get-together,” Lita said, smiling. She wanted nothing more than to have all of her family together. To see all four of her children together at once. This was only temporary,though. Once the war was over, they would make sure they saw each other often.
Lita and Asher stood up, and Hunter walked over and hugged both of them. “Thank you for coming and staying with me during this time. It means a lot to me. Even if you did plan to steal my mate.” He chuckled in minor annoyance, thinking of that.
“We’re always here for you, son.” Asher pulled Chasen into their big hug as well. “We’re here for both of you.”
Grayson hugged both boys while Asher and Lita said their goodbyes to their sons’ mates.
“Remember, we may be separated by distance, but not by our hearts,” Lita said, her eyes misty.
“If you need us for anything at all, then you send for us,” Asher said one last time.
“We love you all,” Lita said quietly as Asher tugged her away. This was always the hard part: saying goodbye again.
Lita and Asher walked outside toward their hippogryphs, with Grayson right behind them. “This separation is only temporary, Lita,” Asher said as he rubbed her arm gently.
“Yeah, the sooner we destroy those demons, the quicker we can all be a big family again. We can visit as often as you want then,” Grayson said cheerfully.
The three of them stopped and looked at the group that was already waiting for them outside.
“Leaving without saying goodbye?” Caden smirked.
“We knew it was late and didn’t want to bother anyone.” Asher smiled at his old friends.
Kristen ran over and threw her arms around Lita. “I miss you so much.”
“I miss you too.” Lita hugged her tightly.
“Don’t worry about your boys. We’re watching over them.” Garrett patted Asher’s shoulder, then pulled him in for a hug.
Caspian walked up to Lita then. “I’ll be seeing you soon, my queen. This is just a short goodbye for us.” He gave her a small hug and then turned to Grayson. “You better keep doing your job and keep her safe.”
Grayson chuckled. “Haven’t I always?”
Caspian patted Grayson on the shoulder and smiled. “Yes, you have.”
Caden hugged both Asher and Lita, then looked back at Rosa, who nodded for him to continue. “Once everything seems settled, we’re also moving to Elysia. The pack is in good hands here, and we want to live a quieter life with you guys. Now that Susan and Sam both have mates, it’s time.”
“It’s Lita and Asher, Caden. Who says it’s a quiet life?” Grayson smirked and rubbed the back of his neck. Caden laughed loudly.
“You know …” Lita looked at Kristen. “You and Garrett are also welcome in Elysia, if you choose that. Not trying to pull you away from your sons or the pack, but I wanted you to know that you’re more than welcome.”
