Page 78 of Their Princess

“Yes, sir,” I replied, but it was Trey who led the tour.

I followed at the back, watching as my adoptive family, friends, and the kids all chatted, smiled, and laughed together.

This was what all of the fighting and pain had been for.

This moment of complete peace and joy.

It made it all worth it.

“So, I’ve been thinking,” Grandpa Rhys whispered to me as everyone walked around and inspected the backyard, praising Kayden on his work.

“Oh?” I asked. “Should I be scared or intrigued?”

He chuckled. “Both.”

I waited for him to elaborate.

“I’d like to build a compound of houses here for our family. I know we’ll need Jol’s blessing, but I know all of us would like to visit more frequently, and we don’t want to impose in your house, especially with how many of us there are. Plus, I overheard Dan talking about moving here, and I think that’s a great idea for the old wolf. He’s been bored lately and missing you.”

“I would love that,” I said. “And I know Jol won’t have an issue with it.”

He smiled. “Great! It’ll make visiting for holidays much easier.” His smile dropped and I didn’t realize it was because I’d started crying until he wiped one from my cheek. “What?”

“I’m just so thankful that you all are so accepting of me, of us,” I indicated Elrith and Kora and the world beyond.

He hugged me and patted my back. “My sweet granddaughter, you could be an alien and I’d still love you.”

“You’re making my mate cry again?” Trey growled and pulled me away from Grandpa Rhys to wipe his thumbs beneath my eyes, likely fixing my mascara. “Do I need to fight him?”

I smiled. “Not this time. These are happy tears.”

“You think you could take me? I think you’re still a decade away at least,” Grandpa Rhys teased.

“I could, but that might make my mate sad, so I won’t,” Trey replied nonchalantly.

“Actually, I am curious how much stronger you’ve become,” Dad said. “I think we should have some training sessions tomorrow.”

“I want to train, too!” Elrith yelled.

“Me, too!” Kora yelled, raised her hand, and bounced on the balls of her feet, causing her dress to bounce with her adorably.

“It’s been a while since I’ve had a chance to go against you,” Mason said to Dad. “I think I can take you this time.”

Dad smiled wide. “Sounds fun.”

“Tomorrow at noon at our house,” Nana Jolie said. “We’ll have snacks, drinks, and fun!”

“Actually, I’d like to test something with you and Lily here,” Trey said. “It seems that she has what resembles siren powers here, and I’d like to see if you can be affected by it.”

“Oh, how interesting!” Nana Jolie said and smiled at me. “Leona is going to be even more sad they weren’t able to attend tonight once she hears about this.”

“I’m sure she’ll be here to visit soon enough,” Trey said. “We know she and Silverowl like to check up on Lily as much as you do.”

“We’re family, that’s what family does,” Nana Jolie said and winked at me.

We all went inside to eat and spend time together. It was an evening full of laughs and love. Exactly what I’d hoped it would be.

Mom draped her arm around my shoulders and pulled me into her side where I stood at the edge of the living room watching it all. “You’ve done well, Lily. I’m so proud of you. You’ve become an amazing woman and I know you’re going to accomplish even more with all of the plans you have for the orphans of both worlds and the unification as well. Just remember, you’re not alone and we’ll be here to help you whenever you need it.”

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