Page 62 of Destined to Fight

“Next, ye get some food and we relax. Using that much power will drain ye in no time, and ye will be feeling it soon.”

The afternoon passed without much excitement, exactly how Kelly wanted it. She went up to the library and found a few books, then made herself at home on the fluffy couch in the living room and read. She was so used to having to write that she hardly ever took the time to sit and read.

The more she experienced and learned about the Arcane world, the more she wanted to know. The books Ginna chose for her were meant to be educational, but they were more like reading historical fiction. Each race was so unique and talented. She had the utmost respect for each of them.

She was surprised to learn about the amount of animosity between the races. Humans were the same, of course. They judged simply because they were egotistical and didn’t care to understand the people around them. Arcane were much more knowledgeable, though, and they had a complete understanding of each other. Each race held a healthy respect for the others, but they seemed to tolerate difference rather than embrace it.

So far, the people Kade associated with seemed to be accepting of all races, although most of them were vampires. They didn’t have any issue accepting Fabian or Ginna, and they’d welcomed her with open arms, too. Well, except Darlene, but she seemed more of a lapse in judgment than anything.

Clyde came to join her after a while, curling up on her lap while she read, and then others started to trickle into the room as the evening arrived. Ginna was first, bringing her own book along. Fabian followed without a book or anything else to keep himself busy, joining them simply for the company. Kade came in and sat at the other end of the couch with his laptop, hard at work as always. Then Asmund showed up and plopped down in the giant loveseat, TV remote in hand. He stole the silence from the room with the press of a button and earned annoyed looks from all of them, including the cat.

Asmund shrugged. “What? Not everyone likes to read, and I don’t want to hear myself think all day. I can only work out for so long.”

Ginna’s face said he was full of himself. “I’ve seen you wearing those earbuds. Watch something on your phone.”

“And waste this beautiful TV? I don’t think so. Equipment like this was not made for decoration alone.”

The news came on, and an overly cheerful reporter stood in front of a huge house that looked like it came straight out of the North Pole. A wreath hung on every window, and they’d even put fake snow all over it.

“That’s right, John. In fact, here comes a carriage now.” The reporter made her way to the street, and the camera moved to show a horse-drawn carriage approaching. “If you didn’t buy tickets, there are still a few rides available. Come join us for the annual Christmas Eve Parade of Lights here in Highland Park. It’s going to be a beautiful night.” She flashed her pearly whites at the camera as she reached to pet one of the horses.

Inwardly, Kelly longed for a night out to see Christmas lights. Back when her family was functional, they’d gone every year. She’d loved going as a child—it was the highlight of the holiday. Then her parents had started to drift apart, and holidays became something everyone celebrated only because they were supposed to.

Ginna slammed her book shut and stood from her chair like she’d just realized she was late for a party. “Let’s go, y’all! Everyone get a jacket, and meet me out front in ten.”

They all looked at her like she’d grown another head.

“Go where?” Fabian finally asked.

“To ride in a carriage, of course! We can walk there—it’s only a couple of blocks away. It’ll be fun!”

“I do not believe that is a good idea.”

Ginna waved her hand in dismissal. “You need to live a little, fae. We are all here to protect her.”

Fabian shook his head but said nothing.

“Well, I’m going. Anyone who wants to join has ten minutes before I leave your ass.” With that, Ginna was off to get ready.

Kelly looked at Fabian for guidance, but he didn’t move a muscle.

“Do ye want to go?” Kade asked from the other end of the couch.

She shrugged. “I haven’t enjoyed the holidays for years. They don’t really matter much to me anymore. I only celebrate them for my dad.”

“I’ll go,” Asmund said. “It’s something fun to do. When do we ever do anything fun?” He got up and turned the TV off, then went out the front door to wait for Ginna.

Kelly suddenly wanted to join them. Asmund was right. They should do something fun. She apologized to Clyde and got up. “Why not? Let’s go.”

Fabian did his head shake and got up out of his seat.

Kelly ran upstairs and grabbed a hoodie, then met them all outside.

Fabian took his place as her shadow as they all left the front yard. He did make a good shadow, with his trench coat and braided hair. He had just the right balance of intimidation and calm would scare even the toughest men away.

Kade fell into step beside her and placed one hand on the small of her back. He had a smirk on his face when she looked up at him.

“You guys never do this, do you?”

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