Not happening.
As soon as I was dressed, my dad hauled me into the tightest hug. I didn’t hesitate to hug him back.
Before I’d come to live here, I’d gone my whole life without my dad, thanks to my mom kidnapping me and keeping me away from him. And now, I couldn’t imagine living without his comfort, without his love.
Growing up, I never, ever thought I’d have anything like this.
I’d thought a family like this one didn’t exist. I’d thought it was only a fantasy.
I didn’t think anyone could ever care about me, let alone love me.
Even back when I was with the Gepisha’s Iron cult, I’d known things were… strange there. Bad. Mostly because I’d read so many books and seen so many movies and TV shows that sorta showed what a loving family was actually supposed to look like. And what I’d had with Mom wasn’t it. It wasn’t even in the same universe.
But I hadn’t realized just how badly I’d needed… affection. Hugs. Touch. Care.
And now I had it anytime I wanted. Anytime I was around Dad, Tan, or any of our other friends and family.
It was… lovely.
And I was so damn thankful for it.
“Hey, Dad,” I whispered, hugging him a little tighter.
He returned the gesture. “Scales, I missed you, Oak. So much.”
“I missed you too.”
We hugged for another minute before I was ready to let go, but when I tried, my dad just held on even tighter.
I gasped out, “Dad… can’t breathe.”
“Rmph.” He released me, kissed my forehead, and offered me a smile. I didn’t miss how his eyes were watery.
I supposed we really were gone for a long time.
And honestly, I’d missed him something fierce.
Before I could say anything, Roman stepped up beside me, saying, “Hey, Gar. Good to see you.”
Dad squeezed my upper arms, released me, and pulled Roman into his own bear hug. Roman returned it easily, and the two hugged, whispering for a few seconds before releasing one another. Then Dad swung an arm around me and gently tugged me toward the seated area that was under a cabana thing. The whole roof was under a bunch of spells, so the nice seating area, table for food, and grill were safe from the elements.
As soon as my ass hit the small couch, a loud, “Surprise!” was yelled from every direction.
I jumped, startled, and didn’t have to fake my surprise. I hadn’t even known they were there, which was… kind of scary. And I certainly hadn’t expected the surprise party to happen five seconds after I got home. I thought it’d happen at Ker’s house when I went to visit him or something.
To my surprise, Keryth and his oldest sister, Alsira, came out from behind the grill with a large sign that saidWelcome home, Oak and Rome.
It kind of melted my heart even though I was totally ready for bed.
My best friend passed his side of the sign off to Jed and came running for me, so I stood and caught him up in a hug, laughing at his dramatics.
“I can’t believe you did this,” I murmured, breathing his fae scent in for a moment. It was familiar and safe and home and wonderful.
“It wasn’t just me. Everyone wanted to see you and Rome before you leave us again.”
“How did I not smell you?”
He snorted. “Delaro Ellwood gave us a bunch of spells to hide us. It worked?”
