by Cheree Alsop
“Never,” Virgo and I said at the same time.
Fray started laughing. “Only if you want to give your fiancé a heart attack.”
Virgo nodded emphatically. “That place will be the end of me, I swear it!”
“After you spend all your money,” I reminded him.
He grinned. “Well, maybe it wasn’t so bad.”
I chuckled and slipped my hand into Fray’s. “Come on. I’ll show you around.”
The familiarity of the ground we walked made me see the ghost of my former self among the trees. I had fought paranormal creatures, listened to the will of my Master, and escaped nearly at the cost of my life only to find myself back here. The place felt cooler, airy and bright. No longer did I feel strangled beneath the trees, caged in by the huge bricks, and bound to the Lair below.
We had set dynamite to what remained of the cave system a few weeks ago when I brought Fray to the place where I had grown up. The deafening roar of the explosion and the rumble of the cave collapsing in on itself had brought with it an unexpected sense of closure.
I could visit the memories of the years I had spent fighting for my life and place among the other werewolves, and no longer did the foreboding and fear press against me as if it could all happen again. I accepted my regrets and did all that was in my power to make up for the lives I had hurt. The Master’s voice had vanished with the Lair. All of my thoughts were my own. There was peace in my mind for the first time in my life.
“Do you really think a mansion like this can be hidden forever?” Mitch asked.
He and Alia made their way to us from the west wing of the construction.
“I do,” I replied. “Thanks to Captain Roarsh, this is a no fly zone. With the forest being protected as a wildlife sanctuary, there’s no reason for anyone to cross the walls.”
“And we have a foolproof security system,” James called out from near the marble steps.
I nodded. “Thanks to James’ new company, security will be monitored day and night. The children will be safe.”
“I think separate wings for the dhampirs, the magic folk, and the werewolves is a little extreme. Can’t they all just get along?” Sutter asked from his place overseeing the blueprints. “You two do.”
I smiled at that. “It was Fray’s idea to give everyone their space. What if the witches want to sleep when it’s a full moon?”
Virgo shuddered. “Talk about security. Just hearing those howls makes me want to steer clear of the walls.”
I grinned at the warlock’s statement.
“Lunch is on!”
Everyone turned at the sound of Mrs. Willard’s voice. She and Rosalinda had turned the original ruins above the Lair into an outdoor kitchen until the massive kitchens both had helped design for the mansion were ready.
“Butternut noodles with rosemary pesto,” Rosalinda said.
“And steak for those of you carnivores whose bellies are never full,” Mrs. Willard put in.
“I’m starving!” Virgo said as he and Georgia hurried to the front of the line. “Better feed me double,” he told his mom. “I just found out I’m a millionaire.”
“Good for you, Virgie,” she said with a humoring smile.
“I am!” the warlock told her.
“Okay, sweetie. That’s nice,” she replied.
Fray laughed and tugged my arm gently. “Are you ready?”
“Ready for what?” Mitch asked.
I looked at Fray. Her smile made my stomach fill up with butterflies.
“We’re off to see the world,” I said without breaking my gaze from hers. “The crew has the instructions, Sutter has the blueprints, and Revna is in charge of the temporary housing until the mansion is complete.” I looked at Alia and Mitch. “Until then, Fray and I feel the need to see this world we’re a part of.”
That brought a smile to Mitch’s face. “And if you find any demons on the way?”
“I’ll ignore them. We’re on vacation,” I replied.
“I don’t believe that for a second!” Virgo yelled from his place in line.
Everyone laughed.
“I’m ready,” I told Fray.
We walked across the clearing along the same path my paws had taken me when I first ran from the Lair.
I motioned and Rocky fell in beside us only to gambol forward in a happy check of the bushes and trees that lined the path. Fray’s steps matched perfectly with mine. The touch of her hand sent tingles up my arm. I didn’t know what the future held for us; all I knew was that with Fray at my side, I was ready to face it head on.
If you enjoyed this series, I’d recommend the Silver Series. Here is the link for book one for FREE on Amazon- The Silver Series Book One: Silver
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About the Author
Cheree Alsop is an award-winning, best-selling author who has published over 50 books. She is the mother of a beautiful, talented daughter and amazing twin sons who fill every day with joy and laughter. She is married to her best friend, Michael, the light of her life and her soulmate who shares her dreams and inspires her by reading the first drafts and giving much appreciated critiques. Cheree works as a fulltime author and mother, which is more play than work! She enjoys reading, traveling to tropical beaches, riding motorcycles, playing the bass for the band Alien Landslide, spending time with her wonderful children, and going on family adventures. Cheree and Michael live in Utah where they rock out, enjoy the outdoors, plan great quests, and never stop dreaming.