Page 80 of Their Princess

My shadow snake appeared and wrapped around his arm in a hug. “Yes, we’re slowly getting better.” About five years ago, my power to summon the shadows had returned, much to everyone’s relief. I knew I didn’t have what my biological grandmother, Third to Reign, had called Goddess Mode anymore, but having the shadows back was a huge relief.

Elrith laughed at the silly shadow snake who had a mind of her own far too often for being my power. “That’s good to hear.”

We climbed into the waiting SUV and Elrith leaned over to hug Trey who sat in the driver’s seat.

“Where are we headed?” Trey asked.

“To my parents’,” I announced as I buckled my belt.

“How’s school going?” Trey asked the kids as he started driving.

“Math is killing me,” Elrith admitted.

“I was invited to the advanced class and the debate team,” Kora announced.

I gasped and spun in my seat to smile at her. “That’s amazing! I bet your dad is super proud.”

She nodded vigorously, her quills bouncing a bit. “He’s coming to see me, us, tomorrow, and said he’s bringing me a gift.”

“Hopefully it’s not another pup,” Trey whispered.

I smacked his arm playfully. “Quiet, you.”

“You love me like your own daughter, so hush,” Kora said, and rolled her eyes.

She was completely correct. We loved her like a daughter, same as we loved Elrith as our son. Blood didn’t matter to us, just like it hadn’t my family.

As soon as we pulled through the gates of the hybrid lands, Mom ran out onto the porch.

I stepped out of the SUV and she immediately tackled me onto the grass, hugging me tightly. “My baby!”

Laughing, I hugged her back, not even caring that my tan pants definitely had grass streaks on them now. “Hi, Mom.”

“Give me my daughter,” Bran Bran growled and pulled me away from Mom.

She stuck out her bottom lip in a huge pout. “I never get time with her. You keep stealing her.”

“Go hug the grandkids,” Bran Bran grumbled against the top of my head as we both hugged each other as tightly as we could. After another second, he grunted and wheezed, “I give.”

Chuckling, I loosened my grip. “Hi, Bran Bran.”

He patted my cheek and said, “You look better and that grip has definitely returned.”

“Where’s –”

I didn’t even get to finish my question before Dad pulled me away from Bran Bran to hug me. “My favorite daughter!” he crowed.

“I’m your only daughter,” I reminded him.

“Potatoes, tomatoes,” he growled.

“We can’t stay long,” Trey informed us. “Kayden has food ready.”

“I just have to grab one thing,” I said as I extricated myself from Dad’s hold and slowly started backing up towards the house.

“Oh? And what is that?” Dad asked with a small smile.

Bran Bran turned, eyes narrowed, and asked, “Who told you?”

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