Page 4 of Their Promise

“The demon attacks are continuing to increase,” she said as she threw the clothes from the suitcase into my hamper. “From what I’ve heard, Kayden, Trey, and Mason have been traveling around the various continents to help out where the most demon attacks are happening.”

Kayden, Trey, and Mason were strong alphas and their dads ensured they were epically trained fighters, so it made sense to send them out to fight the demons. It did not do my heart and anxiety good to hear that, but I also knew it was necessary.

“What new couples are there?” I asked, knowing Maya loved gossiping about relationships and wanting to steer the topic away from the trio of males.

“Actually, none, it’s been a pretty boring spring. I’ve been trying to set Jaeden up, but he just tells me he is too busy with his games. Nana Jolie is helping him and apparently testing out his game for him.” She sighed dramatically. “I know the games are his obsession, but he needs someone to date, too. He can’t just end up alone.”

I hid my smirk from her, not wanting to have the same conversation about her liking him and not wanting to admit it. Jaeden was a sheep shifter, a bit timid, and every time he was around Maya, they orbited around each other withouttechnically interacting. It was hilarious and Mom and I would huddle together to laugh about it. Someday, I was sure they’d admit their feelings and get together, but in the meantime, we ignored the topic.

“What about Ezra and Tomlin?” I asked. She’d been talking about them a few months ago.

She blew a raspberry. “Epic failure. They flirted a bit, but then stopped talking completely.”

“No other rumors floating around?” I asked.

“Nope,” she said, making the p sound pop. “So, boring.”

“Well, I’m back now so I can help entertain you,” I said.

“Right, how long until you start getting set up on blind dates?” she asked with a smile. “I know Mom was teasing you about that when you came back for Christmas.”

I flinched. She had threatened, but I was fairly certain she wasn’t serious. Mom hadn’t found her mates until she was almost thirty, so I didn’t think she was actually worried about me as I was only twenty-four, twenty-five in a week.

“Hopefully, that won’t be necessary,” I muttered.

Maya laughed and shook her head.

A dark envelope on my desk caught my eye. Who would have sent me such a fancy envelope? I stood to head towards my desk.

“Dinner!” Mom yelled from downstairs.

“Coming!” Maya and I called back. The envelope would have to wait.

“Do you have a dress picked out for tomorrow?” I asked.

She shook her head. “Mom Two said we could go shopping tomorrow morning for one together.”

“Perfect,” I said, and rolled my now empty suitcase into my closet before we jogged downstairs and to the dining room.

All of my fathers were back and they took turns hugging me and telling me how much they missed me. Branson, who I called Bran Bran, my bear shifter father, hugged me the tightest andlongest. He and I had been the closest after I came to live with them and was raised by them, and he was also the one that could withstand my hugs the most.

We sat down at the table and I threw my head back as I laughed at the sight of chicken nuggets on the table. It had been my favorite thing when I first came here at four years old.

“Welcome home, Lily,” Mom said and smiled wide. “We’ve missed you, and while we are so proud of you and the degree you’ve earned, we are very happy to have you back home with us. Now, let’s eat and play some games!”

Being surrounded by the chatter and warmth of so many of my family eased the hole that had been growing while I was away. While I was a snake, which was a solitary creature, I as a hybrid shifter craved being surrounded by my pack. The darkness within me became more suppressed and I breathed the first full breath in months.

“No, red is not your color,”Maya said and shook her head at the dress I was trying on. “That style is cute, but not that color.”

“I think I preferred the previous style on you better,” Mom said and canted her head as she watched me turn in a circle. “Up to you, sweetheart.”

“What about the previous style in that color?” I asked and pointed towards a nearby dress.

Maya and Mom both nodded and shouted simultaneously, “Yes!”

Finally finished with our dress purchases, we stopped at our favorite restaurant, Brickhouse, happening to find my Great Aunt Leona and one of her mates, Prince Silverowl of the Elves, eating.

“Hey!” she shouted and rushed over to hug me. “I’m so glad you’re home!” She pushed me back, set a hand on my chest, closed her eyes, and after a moment smiled. “That darkness is wrapped up nice a tight. Well done, girl!”

---