Page 116 of The Aurora Marelup Complete Saga Omnibus

A knock is heard at the door, and we turn to face it as it opens. An Elven woman with bright pink hair comes walking in. Gracefully, she bows then stands up again. “King Oberon sends his greetings and well wishes. I was sent to assist with protecting the future Heirs.” She bows again then looks at each of us in turn.

“I remember you…” Aurora says as she moves forward.

The Elven woman smiles and nods at Aurora and holds her hands out to her. “Yes, I’m glad you remember me. It’s been a bit over two hundred years since I last saw you.”

Aurora takes the woman’s hands without hesitation. “Laurel, isn’t it? You had butterfly wings the last time I saw you, if I remember correctly.”

“You are correct on both counts, Aurora.” Laurel looks toward the ceiling for a moment, and her wings shimmer into view. “I’m sorry my blessing went wrong all those years ago.” Laurel looks down sadly.

“What do you mean your blessing went wrong?” Alaric and I manage to ask within seconds of each other. Dominik and Jayce move closer, as do Klaus and Arnulf.

Laurel shuffles her feet briefly and flutters her wings. “I was sent to bless Aurora; I was to help her manage her dual nature. Instead, I accidentally postponed her ascension.” Laurel almost immediately starts crying with her admission.

We watch several emotions flicker over Aurora’s face. Anger, pain, and finally, sympathy and understanding. Aurora shocks us all and pulls Laurel into a big hug.

“Thank you for being honest,” Aurora says softly to Laurel.

“But please don’t try to bless my children,” Aurora says with a toothy grin.

“I won’t, I promise! I’m here to help protect them and cast a glamor over the village to hide them in your absence. King Oberon sent the spell with me. Nicodeamus is the one who needs to cast it as the Elder Dragon. The concealment spell will last as long as he’s breathing, or as long as he wills it to last.” Laurel breaks away from Aurora and walks over to Nicodeamus, and hands him the amulet.

“It must remain close to your skin for it to remain active. As long as a dragon’s heart beats under it, it will work.” Laurelbows to Nicodeamus and watches him put it in his pocket for safekeeping.

“I’ll put it on after everyone departs. How do you plan to protect us, little one?” Nicodeamus looks at Laurel, studying her now.

Laurel smiles and flourishes her one hand and produces a magnificent bow. She grips the string and draws back, and a magical arrow appears. Harmlessly, she shoots it into the air, and it turns to glitter. “I assure you, my Lord, I am more than capable of defending against attackers.”

Aurora starts to laugh as she watches Laurel. “I like her. She’s spunky!” Aurora turns and looks at the rest of us. “Okay, boys, let’s get this show on the road. The sooner we leave, the sooner we can get back!”

Aurora kisses her father and both babies goodbye. She goes and hugs Elsa and gives Klaus’s mother the evil eye. Just before we are ready to leave, a woman with black hair approaches Dominik and Jayce.

Aurora comes up and leans against my side, staring at the female, watching her interact with the twins. “D, I think that’s my other mother-in-law. Hopefully, this one isn’t a royal bitch.” Aurora smiles as she bounces up and kisses my cheek before heading towards the twins.

I watch Aurora move towards the twins, and I hold my breath—this could be an epic disaster or the best moment ever. The twin’s mother bows to Aurora and bares her neck to her in probably the wisest move I’ve ever seen done by anyone yet. Aurora watches the woman curiously, then scoops her up in a huge hug and spins around with her. I don’t know what was said, but Aurora is happy and tightly held onto the twins’ mother. Aurora catches my eye and drags the poor woman over with her. “D! This is Dominik and Jayce’s mom, Helle!”

Helle bows lightly to me and then stares at Nicodeamus; her eyes are that of her wolf’s. Nicodeamus feels her eyes upon him, and he turns and freezes. Aurora is bouncing up and down, excited as all hell. Dominik is the first to say something. “Um, Mom? Mother? Hello? Earth to Mom.”

Jayce moves between his mom and Nicodeamus and looks between the two of them. “Holy crap! I think they’re mates!” We look between them both when suddenly they embrace each other and kiss passionately like long-lost lovers. There is a thud, and we all turn to see Dominik passed out on the floor. Aurora shakes her head, looking at Dom then back to her father, happy he won’t spend the rest of his days on this Earth alone.

I smile and turn to head outside and leave my best friend to meet his mate. I look out at our gathered troops and the caravans. So many are ready to head out into an uncertain future. Sadly, I know many may not make it back, but many more shall fight valiantly and help us rid the world of one of the greatest evils it has known in a while. My remaining blood descendants are here in the village, remaining behind to help keep things running in our absence.

So much more planning has to be done, but things appear to be in order for now. One of the stewards hands me the checklist for the trip for me to double check everything. He knows that when it comes to my family’s safety, I don’t leave that in anyone else’s hands. I’ll spend the next half an hour or so double checking as everyone gathers the last of their things.

CHAPTER 95

Aurora

At least Iknow I like one of my mothers-in-law,I say to myself as I throw the last of my supplies into the carriage that I’ll be riding in. I’m not fond of the idea of hiding myself but let’s face it, with my white hair, I stand out. Jayce has opted to ride with me for this section of the trip. I hate being contained, and it’s a known fact that he’s about the only one capable of getting me to relax.

I lie on the bench with my head in Jayce’s lap with my eyes closed. I’m listening to our traveling companions talk amongst themselves. Ellis and Dante are in here with two others from Klaus’s pack. Ellis and Dante are having a contest of what’s the most fucked up Aurora moment you’ve witnessed to date. Dante has Ellis beat by a long shot, but he’s sworn not to speak of me breathing fire.

“Man, when I tell you Alaric and Aurora are perfect for each other, I kid you not,” Ellis says with his usual dramatic inflection for everything.

“Why would you say that, marshmallow man?” Dante asks and motions to me. Yeah, I let him in on that one. I can hear Ellis’s bear rumble, and as soon as the rumbling stops, I crackan eye open to turn and look at him, waiting for him to say something to Dante.

“Um, well...They’re fucked up! Sending presents of meat and skulls and then the trippy cutting a scale into their own flesh...Thatwas the icing on the cake for me. They fucking scare me,” Ellis says as he glances between Dante and me.

Dante starts laughing and looks at me, then points to Ellis. “Damn, marshmallow doesn’t understand the significance of those presents and gestures. Do you wish to explain, my Queen, or shall I do it for you?”

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