Page 35 of Dewitched

And apparently, Erus had the authority to grant this because…reasons.

Damn, he really didn’t understand any of this, but on the bright side, it sounded as if he would have the rest of his life to learn.

After setting up a time to discuss the particulars, Erus and Orrin took their leave, literally disappearing right there on the spot. Iliana followed suit, though she used the door, and she left with no goodbyes, but rather, a smug little smile.

“What the hell just happened?” Owen asked when they were finally alone.

In response, Fenix asked a question of his own. “How do you feel about Ireland?”

“I’ve never been, but I could probably get used to living in a castle.”

As long as he had the big shifter, he didn’t care where they lived. Still, who wouldn’t choose a palace over a studio apartment?

Fenix snorted. “You say that now.”

“I already have everything I’ve ever wanted. The rest is just details.”

With a possessive growl, Fenix grabbed him by the waist and pulled him tightly against his hard body. “I like the way you think,talei.”

“Hold that thought,” he said, slapping a hand against the guy’s chest. “I need a shower.”

Fenix grumbled but released him without much protest.

Not exactly what he’d had in mind, but this way would be more fun. Walking toward the bathroom, he slipped the robe off his shoulders and let it slither to the floor behind him. Just inside the doorway, he stopped and glanced over his shoulder.

“Are you coming or what?”

He didn’t think he had ever seen someone move so quickly.

Fenix crossed the room in three strides and lifted him off the floor with a quiet growl before carrying him to the shower. He probably hadn’t meant it to be funny, but Owen couldn’t stop laughing.

This was how life should be. He was happy, loved, and free from a burden that had weighed him down for far too long. For once, he could actually see a future for himself, and in that vision, there would always be Fenix.

And that was something worth celebrating.

Chapter eleven

Entering the castle thenext morning felt like stepping into an entirely new world.

Nothing inside the Manor had changed. The lobby still looked like a haunted forest. Guests still moved excitedly from one activity to another. An added layer of excitement permeated the atmosphere in anticipation of the costume ball, but otherwise, life went on as usual.

Nothing about it was usual for Owen.

Years of habit still followed him, and he found himself swerving to avoid accidental contact, but the action no longer came with the accompanying panic. His heart felt light, his mind still, and for once, he actually had something to look forward to.

He held his mate’s hand as they browsed the vendor stalls, but he did it because he wanted to, because it felt nice. Not because he needed Fenix to make sure he didn’t fuck up.

As for the Guardian, he had adjusted to his new powers better than either of them had anticipated. In fact, he seemed to be enjoying them. Maybe a little too much.

With a magical bloodline of his own, he didn’t need to steal from others. He could simply call upon his own energy to manifest all manner of mischief. Including the cloud he had enchanted to follow around Draven and dump glitter on him at random intervals.

Draven, of course, hated it, but everyone else seemed to be of the mind that it was the best thing ever. The rest of the Guard had been particularly amused when random people had rushed up to hug the shifter, just so they could capture some of his sparkle.

“You’re kind of sadistic.”

Fenix chuckled.“Just a little longer. It’s good for him.”

Owen didn’t see how, but he was having too much fun to argue. “Where do you want to go next?”

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