Fates Entwined

48

I scoffed and punched Jordan lightly in the shoulder. “Yeah, but maybe don’t go after it the same way Jordan did. That backfired terribly.”

Jordan grunted. “We got there in the end. That’s all that matters.”

"Whatever Jordan did, I'll aim to do the opposite," Wesley said with a laugh.

After Wesley left, we received another unusual visitor—the vampire Killian. He was unbelievably beautiful, and it was hard not to stare at him as he approached. But unlike every other time I'd met him, I no longer felt the instinctual response to tear his throat out. It was gone now that the Sun Curse was broken.

"It's good to see you again," I said to Killian. "Thanks for coming."

"It is truly my honor," he said, dropping into a formal bow. "I offer you my sincerest congratulations on your mating, and my deepest thanks for breaking the Sun Curse and negotiating a truce with the vampires."

"We're happy we could help bring peace to our people," I said.

Jordan nodded. "If anyone knows what it's like to be controlled and manipulated by the Sun Witches, it's me. I didn't want your people to suffer that way any longer."

"The two of you have started a new era. One of peace. I've been in contact with the other vampire Houses and they've all agreed to uphold the truce. Some of the Houses might even wish to be your allies someday. Either way, we are all in your debt."

"We would be happy to forge new alliances," I said, and was rather proud of myself for sounding so diplomatic. I was seriously killing this alpha female job.

After Killian left, I could tell we were about to be swarmed by more people but I needed a break. I grabbed Jordan's hand and dragged him toward the food tables. "Come on. I need some tacos."

We got in line and piled up our plates with food, then went to find our table. Debra and Griffin were already seated there, eating their own food, along with Brea. My footsteps slowed as we approached. I'd seen the Sun Witch before from a distance, and up close she was even more intimidating, but when Jordan introduced us, she smiled.

"It's nice to meet you in person," Brea said, shaking my hand. "Thank you for taking care of Roxandra for us."

"It was our pleasure," I said with a slightly feral grin.

"Now that she's been dealt with, we can start your training," she said to Jordan.

"I've already learned a lot," he replied. "Stella's been helping me."

I shrugged. "I've done the best I can, but he really needs a Sun Witch to help him with the more advanced spells."

"Yes, it's impressive how much you've been able to teach him," Brea said.

"What about Griffin?" Jordan asked. "Can you train him too?"

Brea glanced over at Griffin, who perked up at the sound of his name. "You’ve been exhibiting signs of magic as well, haven’t you?”

"Um," he started, glancing at me like he was asking permission. I nodded. "I've set things on fire a few times by accident."

It was true. Just the other day, Griffin had gotten frustrated during one of our tracking sessions, and he’d lit a bush on fire. He might not have control over his sun magic yet, but he was turning into a fine tracker. He listened well and had a keen nose, and he only had to learn things once to integrate them. I had no doubt he’d be a master at tracking soon.

He'd been hanging out a lot at Jordan's house lately too, and we spent many nights together all playing video games. The fact that he wasn't running off by himself all the time made Debra much happier too.

While the others continued chatting, I excused myself to get up and get a margarita. I waved at Madison and Mira, who were chatting together at another table, and planned to speak to them later.

“Stella!” Larkin launched herself into my arms and hugged me tight. “I’m going to miss you so much. You have to promise to visit me back in Coronis sometime."

I hugged her back. “Of course I will. I still have to visit my grump of a brother and make sure he isn’t scaring everyone off with his scowling and growling. And Ayla will be having her baby soon, and they’ll probably need help with that. Afterward, I can just come to see you, and we can catch up on the books we’re reading. Or you know, you could come visit me here anytime.”

She blinked back tears. "I knew this was going to happen when you left, but I am really happy for you. I told you that enemies to lovers was the hottest trope, after all."

"Yes, you were right. That reminds me. There’s someone here you absolutely have to meet. You’re going to love her.”

I searched for Moumi in the crowd. She was talking to a few of the other younger Leo members, and when I called her name, she quickly said goodbye and walked over.

“Hey, Moumi, this is Larkin, my Moon Witch friend who loves romance novels as much as we do."

Moumi’s eyes lit up. “Nice to meet you, Larkin,” she said and extended her hand. “I own the bookstore here in Daybreak.”

“Woah,” Larkin said. “That’s so cool. Owning a cozy little bookstore is the ultimate reader fantasy. I would love to see it sometime."

"You can come by anytime." Moumi turned to smile at me. "That reminds me, I got the sequel to Of Swords And Snow in today, so you can pick it up next time you come by."

"Oh my goddess, I'm dying to read that one," Larkin said, her voice rising to a squeak. "I loved the first one."

"Me too!" Moumi said.

I could tell the two of them were going to be fast friends, so I got my margarita and left them to chat about the other books they'd been reading lately. Many Leos stopped me to introduce themselves and congratulate me on my way back to my table, and everyone was overwhelmingly kind and accepting. I couldn't believe how quickly they'd accepted me and made me one of their own. Despite all my initial hesitations and prejudices, I'd come to realize that, once given a chance, Leos truly did have the biggest hearts.