by Vella Day
“Really? I thought there were only two realms, Earth and Cargonia. At least that was what I was told.”
“That was the prevailing opinion at one time.” Ophelia slipped her hands out of Vinea’s grasp and placed them on her lap. “It was believed that the two realms were made up of the gods who were at odds as to how to run this planet. A few hundred million years later, that realm had another split. They didn’t contact us, so we didn’t know much about them. However, it was thought that some of their gods had come to earth.”
Vinea found it hard to absorb all of this. “Did you find evidence of this third realm when you came here?”
“I did. On my quest for answers, I met a man from there.”
“Another god?”
She shook her head. “No, a shifter. Borin was his name.”
From the way her head tilted and the slight smile that escaped, she cared deeply for him. “What happened?”
“He was on a fact finding mission just as I was, but we realized that if we went back to our realms and divulged what we’d learned, there might be a war. The philosophies of the two realms were quite different.”
Vinea didn’t like the sadness tingeing her voice. “So you both chose to stay here instead?”
“Yes. In fact, we mated, and it was glorious.” Ophelia reached out and squeezed Vinea’s hand. “I’m sure you know what that’s like.”
Heat raced up her face. “I do. What happened to Borin?”
Her aunt looked away. “He was killed in battle.”
“Where? On Earth or back in his realm?”
She waved a hand. “It’s not important, and enough about me. I don’t need to dredge up painful memories.”
“I’m sorry.” Vinea had wanted to ask if her aunt lost her immortality after she mated with a shifter, but she didn’t want to add to Ophelia’s pain. Perhaps it didn’t work the same if the shifter came from a different realm.
“So, I hear those damned Changelings put a curse on you.” While she sounded upbeat, her voice held a year’s worth of pain.
As much as she wanted to ask a ton of questions, Vinea didn’t want to make her aunt more uncomfortable. “They did. Is there anything you can do about it?”
She smiled. “I’m not a goddess for nothing. Now give me your hands.”
Devon placed the two cups of coffee on the table in front of them without saying a word and sat in the chair opposite them. Ophelia’s warm hands began to shake as her breathing slowed and her lips thinned. “The evil is very powerful but not long lasting,” she announced with her eyes closed.
Vinea’s pulse soared. “How long before the curse is gone?” Damn the Changelings for telling her it would last forever.
“Be patient.” Aunt Ophelia began to chant something that Vinea only barely remembered. It was an incantation her mother had tried to teach her so long ago.
Slowly the anxiety seeped away, and Vinea could feel her strength returning. Her aunt let go and opened her eyes. “Things will return to normal soon enough. You just need to give it some time.”
“Thank you.” Vinea leaned over and hugged her. “Do you ever see Mom?”
“Oh yes. I visit the light realm when I can but never for more than a few hours at a time. I don’t want to get caught up in the politics of the place. I belong here in Silver Lake.” Aunt Ophelia looked over at Devon and held out her hands. “Can you help me up?”
Vinea doubted she needed the aid, but perhaps she just wanted an excuse to touch him, to get a reading off of him. Once standing, she smiled. “It was wonderful to see you, Vinea. I have followed your journey, and I must say I’m very pleased with how it has progressed.”
“Me too.” She had to ask one more question. “When you were mated to Borin, were you able to shift?”
Butterflies beat against her stomach, awaiting the answer. Vinea so wanted to be able to share in Devon’s experiences.
Ophelia shook her head. “I’m afraid not. While we look fully human, we still are goddesses. I’m afraid Devon won’t be able to become invisible any more than you can change form.”
Vinea tried not to show her disappointment. “I understand.”
Ophelia opened her arms, and Vinea stepped into her embrace. “If you ever need me, just call.”
Vinea doubted her aunt had a smart phone. She probably meant to contact her telepathically. “Thank you.”
After she tossed a smile at Devon, she left. He stepped in front of Vinea and drew her into an embrace. “I’m sensing a feeling of loss. Care to tell me about it?” he asked.
“I don’t think I’ve come to terms with my feelings yet.”
“You sure? I would think you’d be disappointed that you can’t shift.”
Devon seemed to draw out the truth in her. “You’re right. Shifting would have given us something to do together.” Vinea slid her hands down his chest.
He kissed her nose and then looked deep into her eyes. “You can share your life with me. Isn’t that enough?”
“Yes, but aren’t you a little bummed that you won’t inherit some of my abilities?”
He hugged her. “Would I like to be able to teleport? Sure. Become invisible? Hell yeah, but I really can’t miss what I’ve never had.” Devon leaned back. “Being with you is a huge win for me. Okay?”
She nodded. “Okay.”
His cell rang. “Excuse me.” He slipped his phone out of his pocket. “It’s my mom.”
“I thought she and your dad were still on vacation.”
“I thought so too.” He stepped back and answered. “How’s Montana? You are? Did something happen?” His smile disappeared. “That figures.” He walked over to the kitchen and continued to chat. About a minute later, he disconnected and returned.
“What did they say?”
“When Dad heard what happened with the Changelings, he insisted on cutting their vacation a couple of days short. He always has this burning desire to lend a hand when things get tense between the two clans.”
Vinea wrapped her arms around his neck. “Your parents sound wonderful.”
“They are, but I have a feeling they are returning to meet you.”
“Well, I did kind of meet your father.”
His brows pinched. “When?”
“That first day when I was eavesdropping about the armored car heist.”
“Ah, yes. That seemed so long ago, I almost forgot.”
“How do you think they’ll react? Surely, they’ve heard all about the evil Vinea.”
He smiled. “Don’t worry. I’m sure Connor, or maybe even Rye, has filled them in on all your new good deeds.”
“I hope so.” Though usually, most parents are highly critical of their child’s mate. “When will we be seeing them?”
“Mom has planned a big family get together this weekend.”
“I can’t wait.”
He led her to the sofa. “There is something we need to discuss first.”
She didn’t like the sound of this. “What is it?” Devon could scare her more than Androf ever could.
“You do know I run the McKinnon and Associates office in Pittsburgh?”
“Yes.” What was he going to say? That he no longer was willing to work remotely, and would only see her on occasion?
“I’ll need to be returning now that things have temporarily calmed down here.”
“I figured.” Her pulse soared, waiting for the bad news.
“Are you okay moving there?”
Her muscles sagged with relief. “And stay with you?”
“Of course, silly. I’m never letting you out of my sight again.”
“I feel the same way. I’d love to go to Pittsburgh.” She ran her hands down his arms. “Were you worried that I might want to stay in Silver Lake?”
“Maybe, since you’ve made friends here. You told your boss you’d go to work tomorrow.”
Devon was so kind. “I did. Now I’ll have to break the news to him. While I really like the people here, it’s safer for me if I’m not
within sight of the Changelings. I don’t think I’m their favorite person.”
“You’re right about that.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
‡
Devon wouldn’t deny he was a little nervous about introducing Vinea to his parents. Given that his mom loved to be around happy people, he believed the two would get along famously. His father was a different story. The man tended to be a bit judgmental, especially when it came to his children’s welfare. His mom always claimed that Devon took after his dad in that regard. It might not matter that Rye vouched for Vinea.
Thankfully, Vinea’s ability to disappear had returned, just as her aunt had promised, along with Vinea’s sense of excitement about life.
Vinea spun around in front of him. “How do I look?”
He had loved each of the last five outfits she’d tried on, but he had to admit these light blue jeans with the knee-high boots and black body-hugging sweater was the most striking of them all. “You’ll fit in well.”
“Thank you.” Vinea slipped the scoop-necked sweater down her shoulder. “I should have worn something to make it easier to show off my newly acquired mark. I love the wolf’s paw print,” she said trying to look over her shoulder and, most likely, failing.
Devon smiled and moved closer. “We don’t need everyone to be distracted. Distracting me is enough.”
She smiled. “I just wish you’d been given something from me.”
He rubbed her arm. “Stop worrying. I have you. I don’t need another mark to convince my wolf that we are mated.”
“I guess you’re right.”
“You okay?” he asked, worried about her.
“I’m nervous. I’ve never met the parents before.”
He wanted to press her against the wall and make love with her again, but he didn’t want to be late. “You’ll do fine.”
“I hope so.” She inhaled deeply then picked up her warm wool coat and slipped it on. “I’m ready!”
Devon grabbed the bottle of wine and led her out. The worst of the bad weather was over, but spring had yet to arrive. Even the short walk to his parents’ house would be chilly.
“Who else beside your family will be there?” she asked, threading her arm through his.
Devon really enjoyed the romantic gesture. “Besides the family, everyone from the firm I’m guessing.”
“Will you tell them we’ve mated?” she asked, looking up with hopeful eyes.
“I will, though I wouldn’t be surprised if everyone knows already. I mentioned it to Connor.” Her lips pursed. “He’s good. I told you he apologized.”
“I know, but actions speak louder than words. I’ll have to see how he treats me.”
She was a cautious one. Living in this world still had some ups and downs for her. “I think you’ll be pleased.”
About ten cars were parked in front of the big house, meaning Vinea would be able to chat with Izzy and the other members of his team for much of the evening and not have to worry about being subjected to his mom’s grilling questions the whole time. Vinea might even find Finn and Chelsea interesting.
When they stepped inside, the chatter was loud and full of excitement. The only ones not there yet seemed to be Sam and Lexi.
Devon squeezed her waist. “Ready to be introduced?”
Vinea inhaled. “I guess so.”
He honestly hadn’t expected Vinea to be so tentative. She was normally brash and outgoing. She must understand that this was the next step in their relationship.
“Devon!” His mom rushed over to them. She hugged him and then faced Vinea. “You must be my son’s mate.”
“Yes, I’m Vinea.”
So Connor had spilled the beans. “I hope my son has been treating you well. He can be a little distant at times.”
“Mom, what’s that supposed to mean?” Connor was more distant than he was. Finn and Rye were the more emotional brothers, and Chelsea was always bubbly.
“You don’t often express your feelings like you should.”
And here he thought this evening would revolve around asking Vinea a lot of questions. “I take after Dad, remember?”
The front door opened, and Lexi and Sam entered, providing a nice distraction. He hoped there’d be no hard feelings between them and Vinea. Given how Sam had rushed to help find her when she’d been kidnapped, he seemed to have accepted her.
“Vinea, do you want to help me in the kitchen?” his mom asked before Sam and Lexi could reach them. “I’m about to serve dinner.”
“Of course, I’d be happy to help.”
He hoped she’d be okay. Once Vinea disappeared with his mom, Devon wandered over to the large dining room table full of hors d’oeuvres. His dad slipped next to him and clamped a hand on his shoulder. “I heard you took down the leader of the Changelings.”
Pride filled him, but only for a moment. “I battled with Brother Jacob. I was lucky to get in the final strike.”
“What do you think the Changelings will do next?” His tone turned deadly serious.
“There’s no telling, but I doubt it will be good.”
He and his dad discussed the possible outcomes—most of them bad. They were in the middle of the discussion when Lexi, who was standing at the food table, clutched her throat and dropped a spring roll she’d dipped in some yellow sauce.
Sam rushed to her side. “What’s wrong?”
Her eyes widened. “Can’t breathe.”
His whole body tensed. “Did you eat any peanut butter?”
She shook her head as she grabbed his arm. “I don’t… think so.” She wheezed as she sucked in air. “Spring rolls. Maybe?” She rubbed her throat as if trying to massage more air into her body.
“Where’s your EpiPen?” Sam demanded.
Her body shook. “Home,” she whispered.
Devon was no doctor, but he understood that an allergic reaction like this could be fatal if she didn’t get the proper treatment fast. Lexi and Sam lived at least three miles away. Driving would take too long.
Vinea!
She rushed out. “Yes?”
She might not be able to shift, but they could communicate telepathically. “Lexi needs her EpiPen from their house, stat!”
Close to ten people were crowded around her as Sam led his mate to the sofa. “Where is it?” she asked Devon.
Sam must have heard and interjected. “It’s in the top left-hand drawer next to our bed, but it will take too long to go get it.”
“Where do you live?” she asked. Sam shot back some quick directions. “I’ll be right back,” Vinea said.
“You don’t have time to—” She disappeared before he could finish his sentence.
Sam rushed back to Lexi and held her hand, trying to keep her calm. “I’m calling 911. Just relax.”
Lexi’s eyes rolled back in her head, and Sam caught her. He placed her on the sofa and coaxed her to respond. The room went deadly silent as if they were all praying to the gods above to help.
Please, Vinea, hurry.
About a minute later, his mate reappeared with the EpiPen in hand. “Here,” she said as she handed it to Sam.
His mouth opened, but he quickly shut it. Then without a word, he stabbed Lexi in the leg. “Back up, everyone, and give her some air.”
Lexi roused rather quickly and looked around. Her eyes were unfocused but soon began to clear. She peered at the EpiPen in Sam’s hand. “Where did that come from?” she asked as she gulped in air.
“Vinea got it for us. She teleported to our house,” Sam explained.
Lexi reached out and took Vinea’s hand. “Thank you.”
“It was the least I could do.”
“Vinea, we owe you,” Sam said. “Right now, I need to get Lexi to the hospital.”
Vinea smiled. “Just give me a moment. I can help.”
Devon wanted to tell her not to heal Lexi since she was already so weak from the episode healing him, but he could tell it was something she needed to do. Vinea h
ad many debts to repay, and doing something nice for Sam and Lexi was just one of them. She sat next to Lexi and placed her hands on Lexi’s shoulders. Vinea closed her eyes and bowed her head, looking as if she were praying.
When her body began to shake, Devon had the strongest urge to pull her away and protect her from harm. When he moved toward her, she sent a not-so-polite telepathic message saying that if he interfered, he’d regret it.
Devon stopped. Vinea lowered her arms, looked up at him, and smiled. Lexi drew in a deep breath.
“That was amazing,” Lexi said. “How did you do that?”
“It’s just something I can do now.”
Devon moved next to Vinea, and gently helped her up, surprised when she seemed to be at full strength. He didn’t even detect any distress. “How are you feeling?”
“Never better.”
“How is that possible?” The last two times she’d taken ill.
“I think being mated to you saved me.”
Lexi reached up and placed a hand on Vinea’s arm. “You two have mated?”
He guessed it was time to make the announcement.
*
Vinea couldn’t have been more pleased with how the evening went, but now it was time to return to the guesthouse and enjoy Devon. To think she’d come to Silver Lake to repay him, Sam, and Zane for the bad things she’d attempted to do to them—and now she had. Her methods hadn’t gone as planned, but she had accomplished her goal.
Devon held open the front door to the house and motioned her in. “So what did my mom and you talk about in the kitchen? You were in there quite a while.”
She smiled. “I’m not telling.”
He lowered his chin. “Vinea.”
Vinea grinned. “She just asked if I loved you, and I said yes. Your mom then told me a few tips to remember about living with a wolf. It was all good. I think she likes me.”
“What’s not to like?”
“Funny man.”
“How about I fix us a drink and we can plan our future?” he asked.
“What’s there to discuss?” She was moving to Pittsburgh with him.
Vinea sat on the sofa while Devon poured two glasses of wine. When he returned, he handed her a glass. “For starters, we haven’t really celebrated our mating.”