Lucie smiled and poked at her food, her mind on Derrick and Jasper. She wondered if they had gotten to rest. Was the fighting over? Did Derrick miss her as much as she missed him? Or was she just being pathetic? Her first boyfriend sort of deal … she felt like a heartsick puppy.
“Eat,” Aedan said tersely. He lifted his gaze to give Lucie a stern look.
“This is dumb, isn’t it? Shouldn’t we be fighting too?” Lucie finally said hastily.
“I agree. It is dumb. But this one must not be our fight. If this witch has really decided to target us, then for once we are the ones who shouldn’t be fighting. I don’t like it. But this witch doesn’t have the means to destroy everyone. She isn’t a real threat like the demon war was, but she could cause a big problem if she kills either of us. With your death, the vampires lose their queen. And with mine, the wolves lose their king.” Aedan scowled. “I don’t like it either, though.”
When did Aedan ever speak responsibly? She was looking for her cheerleader but instead got wisdom. What a let down, she thought wryly to herself. “He wants Jasper to take us back to the vampire kingdom immediately.”
“Hey, it’s not a bad thing. Think of it as an adventure. You know, with everything going on here, we would be under lock and key anyway. At least we’ll be safe to walk around there. It’s a good way for your bro to assess the place for you and a way for you to really get a feel for it, since it’s going to be your home soon.” Aedan looked up at Lucie and smiled. “I like him. I didn’tthink it was possible to find a vampire better for you than Jasper, but I was wrong. He fits with you.”
Lucie blushed slightly and nodded. “He does.”
“We aren’t going to girl talk about it or anything,” Aedan said with a smirk. “But I wanted you to know I approve.”
“There really isn’t much girl talk at this point anyway.” Lucie said with a shrug. “Did Gia and everyone get back alright?” She had fallen asleep, so she wasn’t sure.
“Yes, all are back and accounted for. And for now, no one can travel without one of the current leaders or special permission from Mom and Dad. At least, those are the orders Sam put in place.” Aedan glanced up at the door and smiled. “Well, speaking of Mom and Dad …”
“I could smell the pancakes from out here,” Hunter said, walking in with Freja by his side. Freja’s eyes immediately landed on Lucie as they walked to the table.
“Sam filled us in already … on everything,” Hunter said, looking at Lucie as well.
“How’s Justice?” Aedan asked.
“It’s a lot to handle right now. It’s different when you grow up with the power, but getting it all at once like he did will take some getting used to. Alexa and Mikah are staying in Elysia so that Mikah can help train him. Between all the guardians there, they’ll get him sorted out.” Hunter stuffed a large piece of pancake in his mouth.
“How are you doing?” Freja asked Lucie.
Lucie gave her mother a wry smile. “How do you think?”
Her mother nodded her head. “I figured as much. It’s hard being away from your mate. But everything is going to be fine, and this will all be over before you know it.”
“Xander is sending patrols out from the Western Dragon Kingdom. They have been ordered to take out any voidless they see. This will help the vampires greatly. Plus, they will reportanything unusual to Xander. With their help, we should be able to end this quickly.” Hunter winked at his daughter. They all knew that with the dragons’ aid, it was a done deal. It wasn’t a matter of if … it was a matter of when. There was a reason the demons feared them.
“They’re already taking measures against the premonition too.” Freja smiled at Lucie. “Everything is going to be fine. So just do your best to push it all from your mind.”
Lucie pointed to all the food on the table. “I was trying to do just that.”
Hunter chuckled. “We’ll be eating well, then.”
“Actually, about that …” Aedan looked at Lucie. “Lucie’s mate wants Jasper to take us to the vampire kingdom when he returns.”
Hunter and Freja exchanged glances. “Honestly, that’s probably a good idea.” Hunter sighed. “I like having you two close, but for the first time, it will be safer if you aren’t here. The vampire and dragon kingdoms are the safer places. I’ll send word back to Justice so he can stay and train longer. Chasen and Jin are already coming back tomorrow. You know how nervous Chasen gets being away from me. I tried to get him to stay and train with his son longer, but he wouldn’t budge. He originally planned to stay the week, but I guess he started feeling anxious.”
All this time and Chasen was still incredibly protective of Hunter. Just like Brody was of Reiya. And soon how Justice would be of Lucie. It was just a guardian’s nature. This was what awaited Lucie.
“I can see you’re still picking at your food.” Freja looked at her daughter’s plate. “Okay, enough. Let’s go. Aedan, clean up.”
“What’s going on?” Lucie asked.
“We’re going to train. I’m going to keep that mind so busy you’re not going to be able to mope.” Freja gave her daughter a half smile.
“Oh, poor Luce. Mom’s training sessions are brutal. Yes, Momma, I’ll clean up. I don’t mind at all. I love you so much. You’re the best Mom ever,” Aedan said with a cheesy smile.
“After you’re done cleaning, you and I are going to have our own workout,” Hunter said with a quiet chuckle.
Aedan dropped his gaze, his mouth forming a pout. “Maaaaan.” Aedan stood up, collecting plates. His dad wasn’t as grueling as his mother, but he didn’t pull his punches. He was going to be hurting after this.
