Page 97 of Two Thousand Shadows

Instead, a pair of strong arms wrapped around him while Leo’s giggles danced in his ears.

“Did you really think I’d crush you?” Leo snickered.

“You have been enjoying yourself too much in your much larger cat forms. I don’t know what to expect from you,” Junjie countered. He hugged Leo back, his heart soaring in his chest. Their lips touched, and another giggle bubbled up that Junjie couldn’t stop. They were free. They were free andwholeagain. Yichen was home with their clan, and Jiang Chong was dead.

At last, he could allow himself to dream about the next stage in his life—bringing Erik and Leo to their new home. He could show Leo the section of the manor that had his private rooms. Rooms that could now be redesigned to fit the little boy and his mate! There would be walks through the various gardens and down through the orchard. The clan owned a great deal of land, and they were far from other neighbors. Leo could shift into any cat form he wanted and run without worrying about being seen by an outsider.

Of course, this would also be the first trip for Kai, Moon, and Rei to their home as well. Kai would likely settle in quickly, but Moon and Rei would experience their world for the first time. Excitement bubbled through Junjie, and it was only Leo’s low chuckle that drew him from his thoughts.

“I don’t know what you’re thinking, but you’ve been humming happily to yourself for nearly a full minute. I’m going to assume you’re thinking about the celebratory sex we’re going to have.”

Junjie swallowed hard, and Leo didn’t miss it. The cat tossed his head back, sending his laughter skipping through the field.

“Busted! You weren’t! What were you even thinking about?”

“Taking you home to China with me and all the new things I get to share with you and Erik.”

Leo was still chortling when he reached up and cupped Junjie’s cheeks with his hands, tilting his head for a kiss. “My sweet, soft vampire.”

“That’s right,” Aiden’s voice cut across the murmur of conversation. “You’ll be planning to leave now.”

And like that, the celebratory mood dimmed. Going home meant leaving behind the friends they’d found in the United States. Junjie pressed a quick kiss to the tip of Leo’s chin and slipped away to stand next to Xiao Dan, along with Yichen, Xiang, Mei Lian, and Chen.

“The Zhang clan owes you a great debt for your assistance during our stay in the United States. Without your help, we would never have been able to save our Yichen, defeat the fae, or destroy Jiang Chong at last. You have fought by our side and offered a friendship that we will forever treasure.” Xiao Dan bowed deeply to Aiden and his mate. Junjie and the rest of his clan followed suit.

Aiden extended his hand to Xiao Dan with a wide smile, and Xiao Dan took it. “The Variks are honored to have met your clan. We’re grateful for the chance to lend you a hand during these trying times. We’ve learned so much from you, and I hope we can continue this friendship even though a great distance will soon separate us.”

Xiao Dan nodded and lowered his hand to his side after shaking Aiden’s. “I’m sure we will. I think there is much that we can still learn from each other.”

“You know, love,” Ronan drawled as he draped his arm across Aiden’s shoulders. “Once things are quiet here, we could go on an extended vacation to China. It’s one region in the world neither of us has traveled to. Assuming our friends wouldn’t mind some visitors.”

“We’d love to have you!” Mei Lian shouted, cutting off Xiao Dan’s answer.

Junjie stepped over to Winter. “You spoke of coming to stay with us for a time so that you could study the Zhang fighting techniques. I would like to formally invite you and Fox to stay with us as long as you would like. Both Chen and Xiao Dan are excellent teachers and would be happy to have you as a disciple.”

“Wow,” Winter exhaled. He shoved a hand through his messy hair and laughed, his eyes incredibly wide. “Yes. I’d…I think I’d love that. I’ll talk to Fox, but I think he’d jump at the chance. We just need to wait until he’s a little stronger and more in control of his new instincts.”

Junjie nodded. “Understandable. The invitation stands for whenever you are ready to visit us.”

“Whoa! Wait!” Rafe cut in, holding his hands in the air. “We’re making all these great long-term plans to travel to China, but that’s months or even years down the road. These guys aren’t leaving the States immediately. We need to plan a partybeforethey leave town. One last Varik and Zhang shindig to end all shindigs.”

Winter snorted. “I think we’d be better off letting Marcus and Ethan plan it.”

“What?” Rafe gasped. “That stick-in-the-mud? No way!”

Philippe leaned against Rafe and patted him lightly on the chest. “Your family knows your parties far too well. We’ve just survived one chaotic mess. I think it’s too soon to go through another.”

“You too,mon ange?” Rafe cried. “But I would definitely go more sedate for a family party. Only a couple of strippers and one champagne fountain. We already have the tiger with Leo. I wouldn’t need to order a second.”

“Marcus will handle the party planning.” Aiden sighed.

That was probably safer, but Junjie suddenly found himself wondering exactly what a Rafe party would be like.

Chapter 30

Leo St. George

Incoherent sounds poured out of Leo’s mouth. Not words. Not even remotely close to words. Just noise that degenerated to cursing.

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