“Wow, you guys are embarrassing sometimes.” Raine sighed.
“Mikah, you should really think about taking a mate. Just for the ceremony.” Justice beamed at him.
“Yeah, and what if I end up with someone like one of your cousins here? No thanks. Alexa is enough trouble already.” Mikah chuckled, shaking his head. These women may have scarred him from ever taking a mate. Playing with the ladies was one thing, but having a committed relationship was another. Who knows if that will change in the future.
“Oh Mikah you’re just jealous that none of us ladies want you,” Alexa said, sticking her tongue out at him childishly.
“You got me, Lex. That’s it. I’ll pine away for the rest of my life.” He snorted.
“Well, it’s been a very interesting couple of weeks and a crazy day.” Derrick glanced at Lucie and she nodded at him.
“Lucie, if you ever decide that you miss that part of you … I know it isn’t the same, but I know Caden didn’t want to take on another wolf, and that was his personal choice. I know a lycan and werewolf are different, but there are also similarities.” Hunter watched Lucie flash him a wide smile.
“I know where to find you, Daddy. But I’m okay. At least right now, I think I’m alright. Okay, I guess this is goodbye for now. See you all soon.” Lucie opened up a portal. “Where will this open up?”
“Should open up into our room. Aedan opened the portal as soon as we got the pearl piece.” Derrick looked up at Abe. “See you back at the castle.”
“Mom, tell sis I said hi next time you talk to her.” Justice grinned at his mother before walking through the open gateway.
Derrick smiled as they walked into his room. Ryan and Jasper were still out looking for the witch. He would need to regroup and replan things, but for now, he couldn’t think about what to do next with the witch.
“We need to find my parents and fill them in on all the events,” Derrick said with a tired sigh. He looked at his bed wistfully. There was a lot more he wanted to do, even though he was tired. But he wasn’t sure if Lucie was really up to it. She had been through a lot.
And maybe that’s exactly what I need.Lucie smiled as she intertwined her fingers with his and walked down the hallway.
“We need to put a deity-proof barrier up or something. Isn’t that what the Merrow Queen has around her place? Where did she get one?” Justice recalled the last time he was here and how everything went amiss because of that damn Erebus. There had to be a way to prevent that in the future.
“I don’t know. I guess we can talk to Grandma or Aunt Reiya about it. Maybe one of them would know. I don’t think it will be a problem now, though, according to what Ken said.”
“Still … if there is a way to put that type of barrier up, I’m all for it. I’m tired of deities and their nonsense,” Derrick said with a low growl.
“Don’t forget it was also a deity who saved us earlier and who saved me,” Lucie said with a smirk.
“Yeah, and it was deities that put you in both of those situations.” Derrick scowled, and Justice nodded his head in agreement.
“I think it’s worth looking into for sure.” Justice wasn’t going to bank on Erebus not being vengeful. Knowing he was going to die, he might come to kill Lucie first. It would be best if they could at least create a safe area.
“And then what, guys? I never leave the safety of the bubble you put me in? That isn’t happening. What does it matter if I’m safe in the castle or castle grounds? As soon as I leave, I’d be exposed again. You are not keeping me locked up. It isn’t happening.” Lucie looked at the two men. “I know that what happened lately … well, it’s taken a toll on all of us. But for the most part, we know this isn’t the norm.”
Derrick looked up to see his parents walking toward them.
“Oh Lucie, we’re so glad you are back.” Willa said, wrapping her arms around her.
“Thank you. I’m finally all healed up.”
“That must have been quite an ordeal. Derrick has filled us in about Rogio getting involved. You should be safe now. He has always looked over our family well when he was awake.” Alaric looked over at Derrick. “It’s good to have you back, son.”
“Thank you. We had another interesting experience today as well.”
“Well, come walk and talk with me, son.”
Derrick sighed. He really didn’t want to have a lengthy conversation right now. But his father deserved to know about all the recent events as well.
“Myra.”
“Sire.” The pale girl materialized in a kneeling position.
“Please escort Lucie back to the room and stay with her until I return. I’m sure she wishes to take a proper shower and relax after the day we’ve had.” Derrick could see Lucie protesting until the moment he mentioned a shower. He smiled, reading her adorable thoughts on how wonderful a real shower would feel.
