Page 61 of Nocturnal Desires

“It’s similar. Portals usually require more than one witch to create, which is why we use teleporting.”

“My mom’s coven uses portals to go everywhere,” Zach says, making Skarlyt’s gaze slide back to him.

Her eyes alight with curiosity once more. “Really?”

“Now's not the time, Skar. Let’s get back to the island,” Alaric says. He glances at me, and I know what he means. Narissa’s pod is probably making its way to the island as we speak, and wehave more important things to worry about than Skarlyt wanting to learn some new magic.

“You’re right,” she admits, stepping closer to me and reaching a hand out to Zach.

He still looks at her with a little fear in his eyes, but he takes her hand anyway. Next thing you know, we’re popping out in front of my home.

“I’ll be right back,” she says and is gone again.

“Where are we?” Zach asks, looking around with wide eyes. He does not seem unstable the way that some people are just after teleporting.

“Welcome to Supernatural Island and my home,” I tell him, gesturing to the house in front of us.

“This is your home?”

I nod, but I don’t get to say anything else before Alaric, Loukas, and Skarlyt are landing in front of me, all but the latter looking a little green.

“That was unpleasant,” Loukas says, making Skarlyt chuckle.

“I’m going to go check in with Loukas’ village,” Skarlyt says, disappearing once more.

“So, this is the island?” Loukas asks, his eyes as wide and full of wonder as his sons were moments ago.

“It is,” Alaric answers, and I watch as Loukas and Zach’s eyes go even wider as the first people begin arriving via teleporting from his village, all looking just as green as he did.

“Daddy! Zachy!” A little girl's voice squeals, the three of us turning toward the sound. I watch with tears swimming in my eyes as Loukas and Zach take off, racing toward the little girl. The three of them wrap their arms around one another and sink to the ground.

The first tear falls as Loukas’ mom joins the hug, then another person, and another, until almost all their village is joined in one hug.

Chapter Fifteen

Loukas

Holding both of my children while surrounded by the rest of my family and parliament is probably one of the most amazing feelings I’ve ever experienced and something that I thought would never happen. The only thing that would make this better is having Pearl here beside me.

I know that the kids are not ready for that kind of contact with her after all the damage their mother has caused them. Their trust in women is shaky at best. Especially with Pearl’s friend Skarlyt since she has some similarities to Antonia. The long dark hair, blue eyes, and magic seem to be where the similarities end.

As people start to pull back, I stand. My mother pulls me in for one last squeeze.

“You’re finally free.”

“Not quite yet,” I admit, knowing that the three of us won’t truly be free until Antonia is taken care of for good. Whether that’s death or imprisonment, I don’t think it matters. The only thing that matters is that she’s no longer free to hurt us.

“Who is your alpha?” Alaric asks, and I turn to search for my sister and her mate only to find everyone pointing at me.

“What? No. I’m not the alpha,” I protest.

Nik walks over and takes a knee in front of me.

“You are our alpha; I was only holding the title until you were able.”

I reach down and lift him to stand.

“No, brother. You deserve the title. You are the one who has kept them safe for all these years.”

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