Those swords on their hips were tokens that allowed them to alter timelines, leaving everyone around them none the wiser. Who knew how many realities had been shifted under their authority? Just the thought gave me chills. For a Fire Fae, not much gave me that effect.
“They’ll definitely demand a price for their involvement,” Vox said, his tone diplomatic. “But they love making deals.”
Well, that was one outlook on their kind. An outlook far more positive than mine.
After the Paradox Fae finished, another clan of Shifter Fae approached. Each animal type had their own councilman or councilwoman, and most seemed to be represented.
On and on it went with each fae kingdom voicing their questions and concerns and only a few verbally agreeing to the idea. Others wanted more time to think, or they needed to discuss it among their own councils.
Claire positively glowed with excitement as it all came to an end, her cheeks a beautiful pink shade that reminded me of the spirit butterflies she enjoyed conjuring.
I grinned at her, eager to take her back to the cabin we’d arranged for the week. She had no idea what surprise lay in wait for her, but first, we had to eat.
Part of me wanted to skip the meal pleasantries and go straight to dessert. But Claire would need her strength later for our first trial.
Assuming she agreed to our plans.
My stomach tightened in anticipation. Part of the fun would be convincing her to indulge us in the games we had planned. And the prize would be watching her grow round with a little fae child.
Claire was already stunning, but there was just something so hot about the idea of her being pregnant with our children. She would make a beautiful mother. I couldn’t wait to see it.
I just hoped she said yes.
We all did.
It’d been difficult to keep our plans from her, specifically as she was linked to all of us mentally. However, we’d somehow pulled it off. Perhaps because she’d been so wrapped up in her Interrealm Fae Academy plans.
She glanced at me, her blue eyes twinkling with so much joy my heart hurt. Then her lips curled into a secret smile as she sent fire to dance over my fingertips. I returned the gesture with a little stroke along her neck that made her visibly shiver.
You look hungry, she said into my mind.
I’m always hungry, sweetheart, I replied, the innuendo thick in my voice. Do you want to be my appetizer?
I think dessert is probably best.
Took the words right out of my head, I drawled, because she really had since I’d just thought something similar a few seconds ago. I look forward to devouring you later, Claire.
Likewise, fire mate, she murmured, blowing me a fire kiss that landed on the edge of my mouth. I drew a line of flames across her bottom lip in response, then Exos leaned in to lick it off with his tongue.
Spoilsport, I thought, rolling my eyes.
He winked back at me, then kissed her again before turning to lead the group our way.
Dinnertime.
Then… dessert.
THE ICY AIR blew with a fury outside the restaurant windows, displaying the true nature of this part of Greenland. Yet, inside, we were warm and cozy and completely unimpacted by the elements.
An entire fae city was being built under this dome of magic. We were sitting on the outskirts of it all, in the pub closest to the exit. What I liked about this location was the food—they catered to all fae kind.
Which was how I’d ended up with a bowl of pasta bolognese.
It had been listed under Midnight Fae cuisine since the vampire-like beings tended to frequent the Human Realm for blood snacks. From what I understood of their culture, they’d adopted mostly human foods into their world as a result because it was all they ever ate.
Worked for me.
But I did pair it with a spritemead, because yum.