Page 25 of Warlords, Witches & Wolves

Rush also clenched his jaw. “But it’s a good idea.”

“What?” Anise asked. “Don’t keep us in suspense.”

Laurel grinned. “I’ve been working with the Prime to raise the public profile of the Order. Too many fae-folk don’t look favorably on the organization and it’s been a real problem lately. High King Mithras is gaining power, and it’s not good. So I’ve convinced the Prime to station trusted Guardians in cities and towns around Elphyne so the Order always has a point of contact for anyone with questions. No more mystery. I think if we make each Guardian seem more approachable, like an ambassador as well as a protector, then more fae will want to volunteer to be initiated. The Order won’t need to seek tributes from children anymore.”

Thorne squeezed her shoulder and a look of sheer pride crossed his face.

“What does that mean for us?” Caraway asked.

“It means,” Rush elaborated. “The two of you can live together in a city of your choice. Caraway won’t need to live at the Order grounds, and instead of heading out into the wild on missions, he can work at improving the Order’s image in the city he’s stationed at.”

“Couldn’t think of a better Guardian for the job.” Thorne clapped Caraway on the back.

“We can be together?” Anise could hardly believe it. Caraway could stay a Guardian, and they could stay together.

Their eyes met, held, and then Caraway rushed to pick her up in a bone-crushing hug. Her mind whirled. Could it be that simple?

He put her down, eyes searching hers. “Where do you want to live?”

Immediately, her heart took her home, to Crescent Hollow. But the familiar pang and panic of her attack left her mouth dry at the thought of returning there.

No, she told herself. This time it was different.Shewas different. She had to stop letting her fears take hold of her. Sure, she’d had bad memories there, but there had also been good memories. And fae lived a long time... possibly forever. Hopefully, she and Caraway would share a long life together. She smiled up at him and for the first time in a long time, wanted to go home.

“Let’s go to Crescent Hollow.”

He grinned back at her. “I was hoping you would say that.”

Rush cleared his throat. “Let’s go inside and you can tell us about the Ice-Witch while Willow plays with Gray. Thorne and I will take your intel and the sample of snow back to the Prime. Your mission is done, Caraway.”

Clarke stopped her mate with a hand to the shoulder. “Let’s just get the snow sample. I think the newly mated couple might want to spend some alone time together.”

Rush’s eyes widened when he caught the fresh mark on Caraway’s neck. A blush hit his cheeks. Both he and Thorne quickly made excuses to leave. Both were so rushed, she knew they were contrived, but was grateful all the same.

Anise smiled when she looked at her new friends and realized just how far she’d come. No longer did those taunts from her memories haunt her because Anisedidhave friends. She had a lover. A mate. And she had a future. It didn’t matter what she looked like on the outside. It only mattered how she lived her life and the love she invited in. That jaded Ice-Witch had it all wrong.

Anise looked up into Caraway’s eyes, she knew her life would be the opposite of lonely. It would be filled with love, kisses, and wishes come true.

The End.

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