Page 168 of Heir of the Beast

“You both are cutting it close,” she condemns with an eyebrow raise.

I close my eyes, knowing it is my fault. I will leave out the steamy apartment incident, they can’t prove anything there.

“I’m so sorry. That’s my fault. I saw Mrs. Martinez outside and I thought…just one last time.”

Zora’s eyes widen as she grabs the necklace at her neck, looking back to Pierce. “Mrs. Martinez.”

Pierce lets out a breath and checks his watch, looking troubled. Everyone exchanges looks, confusing me. I shift uncomfortably as I glance at Apollo.

Zora shrugs at Pierce. “I could eat a chicken burrito before I leave to the seventh gate.”

“We don’t always have to be on time,” Pierce agrees, as everyone in the office chimes in with eagerness.

I place a hand over my mouth to contain my amusement and relief that I am not in trouble. I guess everyone knows about the magical burritos.

I hear Laura from my left. “I’ll take one for the road, Pierce, please.”

“I second that,” Mort says.

“All right, let’s make this fast!” Pierce says and takes out a notepad. “Orders, please! Speak now or forever hold your peace.” Pierce points at Apollo. “You want another, big guy?”

Apollo looks at me with an amused smirk. “Give me two. I think I need to take one back and study it for our cloning facilities.”

Pierce nods. “Never a normal day at Fairy Godmother Inc., that’s for damn sure.”

***

~In the briefing room~

I will say goodbye to Earth forever, and it does not bother me because I am staring at the most seductive, ~dark~ eyes. Apollo walks around me and clasps the Darling necklace around my neck.

Pierce walks up to me with a grin. “I get to make your wedding gown, my dear. It will be my honor. And do tell me when you’re with child, I am quite good at sending great baby clothes.”

I hug Pierce fiercely, knowing that he is such a special person. Apollo and I did not use protection, so the idea that I might be pregnant could be very true.

A surge of delight courses through me when thinking about having a child with bouncing blond ringlets. I look at Apollo and I can see that he may be having similar thoughts.

He squeezes my hand and I feel butterflies in my chest.

This is a ~happily-ever-after.~

I feel my eyes gloss over.

“I have never seen two people glowing as much as you two.” Pierce laughs. “You will all be missed, but rest assured, we all get together at the annual Fairy Godmother Christmas party.

“Think of it as a company Christmas party. You will always be a part of our family. And yes, we celebrate Christmas. Every world has something similar, trust me. Every world needs saving.

“The big man upstairs likes us a lot.” He winks.

“I can’t wait,” I say, feeling Apollo rubbing my wrist. I look at Apollo. “Do you have Christmas on Delorith?”

“Yes.” He moves his head to the side. “We call it something a little different.”

Pierce nods. “Isn’t it Savioright Day?”

“Yes,” Apollo agrees.

“There are a few worlds that don’t, but most do, anyway.” He claps his hands. “When you both are ready, step into the pod and press the blue button. I will bid you both farewell, until we meet again.”

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