Page 194 of Scars Like Wings

A mineral that comes in shades of purple, gray, green, and blue, but most often greenish-blue.

This stone has been around forever, lining the shields of the mythical Amazonian warrior princesses and adoring Egyptian monuments. The crystal calls on the spirit of inner strength, magnified intention, and a commitment to getting what you desire. Amazonite encourages living your dreams, standing strong and proud in your authenticity, and manifesting universal love. The stone works directly against habits of self-neglect, inviting you to prioritize yourself. Folks struggling with past trauma can harness its healing energy. By helping the mind filter out stress and anxiety and teaching you to let go of that which is not serving us, Amazonite mends old woundsand makes things more manageable. This crystal helps soak and disperse all the built-up negative energy from harsh words you hold for yourself, unfair opinions, or toxic attitudes from other people. Wild and softly soothing, Amazonite perfectly matches the mood of manifesting magic and retaining that which the universe gives you.

Black & Gold

“You are pretty cute when you are being nice.”

“What am I when I’m not nice?”

“Hot as fuck, honestly.”

Quinn threw her head back and laughed deeply from her belly.

It was eight days before Christmas, and we were in Montana. We flew first-class, and Quinn rented a massive truck for us. “My Only Wish (This Year)” by Britney Spears played softly in the background as Quinn drove us up to her family’s cabin. Snow-covered trees lined the winding roads as we ascended higher into the mountains. I had always loved snow, especially around this time of year. The world, sparkling with holiday cheer, reminded me of going to see Pops’ extended family when I was a little kid, of ice skating and snowball fights after Christmas gifts. The thought made me smile. I wonder how they were doing? They were air and water dragons like Pops was. Did they know what had happened to him? Had anyone told them?—?

From my lap, Clarkson licked underneath my chin to bring me back to the present. Her little stub of a tail wagged gleefully, so happy to be accompanying us and to be in my lap. She had refused to leave my side since Quinn had picked me up forthe airport. When Quinn gave a command, Clarkson ignored her, but when I did it, she listened immediately, with Quinn rolling her eyes and mumbling something about betrayal and ungratefulness. I kissed her cute little round head and scratched behind her floppy ears. I loved that I was the new favorite of this chocolate ball of fluff.

Quinn squeezed my hand as she clutched it in her lap. I could feel her sending reassurance and calm through the bond. “What are you thinking about, sweetness“

“Memories from holidays past.” I kissed her knuckles. “What was it that you said on Thanksgiving? Remember the old traditions, but it’s okay to make new ones?”

Quinn glanced toward me with a full smile on her face. “You’re going to love this, then. There are new traditions galore! Have I told you about everything we do during the trip?”

“No, but please do!”

Quinn launched into a detailed itinerary of all of her family’s activities that they do every year. She raved about the decorations they put up on the outside and inside of the house on the first day together. The family would go and chop down a tree from the woodlands near the house to trim with homemade ornaments that they had made as kids and ones that had been in the family for generations. Her and her mom cooked Christmas dinner just like they did for Thanksgiving. Instead of gifts, the family played games where the winner got bragging rights and silly prizes. They would laugh, argue, and enjoy each other’s company, just like any family.Just like my family would.As she raved about how fun it was all going to be, I did my best to listen and ignore the gnawing feeling in my stomach.

My general nostalgia and heartache around the holidays aside, meeting Quinn’s family was a big deal. Spending the holidays with them, even more so. They came together once a year at their cabin, a sprawling retreat nestled in pristinewilderness. It sounded idyllic, but my nerves were still set on edge.

I just… I had never met a girlfriend’s family before. I had never made it that far in a relationship. This was the first time. Sure, I had met Quinn’s mom, and she was a joy to behold. Quinn did nothing but talk about how phenomenal her Aunt Tess was, how annoying but kind of endearing her Aunt CK was, and how her dad was a teddy bear once you got through the hard exterior. But I remained unsure, nervous. Could have something to do with them being hunters?

“You’re going to love it, baby girl. Everyone can’t wait to meet you. It’s going to be okay,” Quinn said. My smile to her was genuine, and I sent my gratitude with love through our connection.

Soon, the cabin came into view from the long ass driveway. Calling it a cabin was a gross understatement. The structure was made from large stones and wood sitting on over thirty-five acres of land, trees, and mountain views in the distance. It had to be at least six-thousand square feet with well over three floors just from looking at the impressive front. It looked like something out of a holiday postcard, complete with smoke curling up from the chimney and snow covering its roof.

As we pulled up, a strange feeling settled over me that I couldn’t shake. It had to be my nerves. Meeting your girlfriend’s family would make anyone anxious, right?

Right?

Quinn parked the truck in the circular driveway and got out. She came around to open my door. Clarkson immediately jumped out, but Quinn blocked my exit before I could follow her. Quinn held my face in both of her hands, her expression soft. “Mi tesoro, háblame, por favor.What’s wrong?”

“Nothing is?—”

Quinn’s look stopped the rest of the words in that sentence.

I sighed. “I’m sorry, starlight. I’m just… Have you told them about me? Like,whatI am? Or have the cousins told? I know you said it doesn’t matter, but I’m just?—”

“It’s okay, baby girl. I get it. Only the cousins and my mom know. I haven’t told anyone else. They don’t need to know, and it doesn’t matter. All they know is that you aren’t a hunter and that you are a shifter. That’s all they need to know.” She kissed me. The trust and love I felt wasn’t from the bond this time, but her lips on mine. “Don’t worry, sweets. They’re all going to love you. I promise, okay?”

I nodded, my anxiety easing slightly.

She helped me out of the truck by lifting me out and putting me down. The air was crisp this high on the mountain. My breath was a visible cloud from the cold. I was grateful I had layered up in my thickest, warmest, fur-lined outfit.

Quinn pulled the luggage out of the covered truck bed and led me up the steps with our bags in tow, like the one-trip-girl that she was. She unlocked the door, and we went through it into a world of warmth. Clarkson ran past us, getting a case of the zoomies immediately. The scent of pine and cinnamon greeted the both of us along with the darkness of the house. There was a distinct emptiness to the place.

“Are we the first ones here?” I asked as Quinn took off my coat and scarf for me to hang up in the closet.

“Looks that way, my love.” Quinn took off her own coat and hung it next to mine. She took off her boots, and I followed suit. “How about a tour of your home for the rest of the year?”

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