by Liv Brywood
“Very well.” Argus gathers the witches and shifters and explains the change of plan.
There’s some protest, but in the end, everyone agrees that protecting the earth from Lexus’ dark magic is more important than preserving the Academy.
My magic is far from fully regenerated, so I opt out of taking part in the destruction.
Minerva, Azealia, and the rest of the witches gather in front of the structure, palms raised.
“Bring hellfire,” Azealia instructs.
Witches weave their spells. Sharp flashes of blazing lighting rain down from the sky. The exposed wood quickly catches fire.
“Bring it together,” Azealia calls.
The witches gather their fire into a tight ball. The air pressure gets denser as their power builds.
“Step back,” Nyx urges.
All three of them move me away from the structure. They stand in front of me to form a protective barrier. I peek through a gap between Nyx and Remus.
“Release,” Azealia shouts.
The fireball explodes, reducing the remaining parts of the Academy to ash. When the smoke clears, there’s only a mountain of charred rubble.
“I sure hope everyone got their belongings out.” Nyx chuckles.
“I didn’t,” I realize suddenly. “Most of my things were still in my room.”
“Oh shit,” Torak exclaims. “I’m sorry, Iris. Was there anything important in there?”
The other two nod in agreement.
“No.” I smile. “I took the most important things out already.”
I’m still wearing Nyx’s jacket. I pull the petals and the song from one of the pockets.
“You still have those?” Remus grins.
“Of course. I used them to break out of my room when Lexus locked me in.”
“You finally figured out a love spell, then?” Nyx lifts a brow.
“Yes.” I laugh.
“It took you long enough,” Remus teases.
“I’m sorry! I thought we were only friends at the time.”
“Your mistake.” Torak winks.
“Oh, be quiet,” I tease. “Come on. Let’s check the ruins for anything worth taking.”
We don’t take more than two steps toward the rubble when someone calls my name.
“Iris.”
I don’t recognize the voice at first. I turn to find the source. My mouth falls open.
My father stands, hat in hand, near the side of the rubble pile. He looks lost amid the bustle of purposeful activity around him. A few shifters sniff at him as they move past. He smiles but his eyes are nervous.
He’s not as tall as I remember him being. His hair is shot with streaks of gray, but he hasn’t lost his handsomeness. The features I inherited are clear. The rest of me is my mother.
“Dad.” My voice comes out a croaky whisper.
I’ve barely seen him since he married Lexus. His job in the city keeps him occupied. I suspect Lexus drew a great deal of funds from his bank account every month. How else did she pay for the school?
“My dear girl.” My father closes the distance between us and envelops me in a hug. I’d completely forgotten what it feels like to be hugged by my father. I wonder if that’s the product of Lexus’ meddling or simply a product of time.
“I’m sorry I didn’t come sooner,” he says. “I didn’t know any of this was happening until just a few hours ago.”
“How is that possible?”
“I suspect Lexus censored my messages and phone calls. That’s not an excuse. I would’ve figured everything out if I’d only come home more often.”
“I’m not sure that’s true.” I frown. “We suspect Lexus controlled the minds of some of her students. She might’ve been doing that to you as well.”
“I’m your father.” He sighs heavily. “It’s my job to keep you safe, and I failed you.”
“You didn’t know,” I whisper.
My father and I used to be close. Mother’s death put a strain on our relationship, as grief often does. Lexus took advantage of the wedge between us and turned it into a ravine.
“How could I not have known?” my father laments. “I should’ve known something was wrong the moment you stopped talking to me as much as you normally did.”
“You never could’ve suspected Lexus would turn out to be this evil,” I say. “No reasonable person would’ve suspected it.”
My father laughs shakily and smiles.
“You can stop trying to make me feel better now,” he says. “I’m supposed to be comforting you.”
“Thanks.” I smile faintly. “I’m not in desperate need of comfort like I thought I’d be. Maybe it hasn’t hit me yet.”
“Just wait until you lie down to sleep tonight.” He sighs. “That’s when things always caught up with your mother. It wouldn’t surprise me if you’re the same way.”
“I’m sure you’re right.” Tonight will be difficult, but it’s all right. I know I won’t be alone. “What’re you going to do now?”
“Get remarried.”
“Dad!” I frown.
“Only joking, of course. I’m retiring from the marriage game. Lexus had me like a fish on a hook. I was lonely and grieving. She was beautiful, and the sex was—”
“Oh my god,” I shriek. Suddenly, I’m an embarrassed teen all over again.
“I know you don’t want to hear about it, but I’m pretty sure that’s how she mind-controlled me.”
“Okay, that’s way too much information.” I bury my face in my hands. “Just please stop.”
“This is just like old times, isn’t it?” My father laughs. “I didn’t just come here to apologize for Lexus. I came here to take you home.”
“Home?” I repeat. “Are you moving back into the old house?”
“No,” he shakes his head. “Bonfire Falls has too many bad memories for me to remain here, even seasonally. I want you to move in with me.”
I gasp. “What?”
“Just temporarily, of course. You’re welcome to find your own apartment as soon as you feel up to it. I’ve already printed out a list of stunning lofts I think you’d like. I’ll pay for everything, of course. You wouldn’t have to worry about that.” He’s talking faster. He does that when he’s nervous.
“I appreciate the offer,” I say. “But I actually already have a place to live that I like very much.”
“Really?” His brows shoot up. He’s trying to mask his disappointment, but I can see it anyway.
“Yes. Remus, who owns Thyme and Country, has opened up his home to me. I help him in the shop.” I decide to leave out the rest of the details. It’s too complicated to explain to anyone, especially my father.
“I see.” He nods.
“Remus has a guest room,” I say quickly. “I’m sure he’ll let you stay there whenever you want to visit. I’ll go up to the city to see you as well.”
“I’d like that.” He gives my shoulder a squeeze. “I have some legal things to take care of while I’m here. What do you say to dinner tonight after we’ve both had a chance to clean up?”
“Sounds great.” I grin. “My number’s the same. Just give me a ring when you’re ready.”
“Will do. I’ll see you later, honey.”
My father kisses the top of my head before walking away. He can’t get away from the ruins of the Academy fast enough. I don’t blame him. Right now, I want nothing more than to leave. I never want to come back to this part of Bonfire Falls again.
“How did it go?” Remus asks as he joins me.
“Better than I thought it would. Dad and I haven’t been the best at communicating since Mom died, but now with Lexus gone, I think that’ll change.”
“I hope so.” Remus’ smile is warm. I lean into him and breathe in his earthy scent.
“There’s nothing useful in the rubble.” Nyx appears next to us with a disappointed scowl.
“What were you hoping to find?” I ask.
“I don’t know. A golden ch
alice? A book full of alchemical secrets?” He shrugs.
“At least we got to the garden before that was incinerated,” Torak says. “Lexus grew corpse flowers, not that I’m surprised.”
“I’m not planting corpse flowers in my garden,” Remus says.
“You say that now, but humans will pay out the ass to get a picture of a corpse flower in bloom,” Nyx says. “Plant one and then open up your garden up as a tourist attraction.”
“Thanks. That’s the worst idea I’ve ever heard,” Remus says.
“It’s called passive income and it’s the best idea ever,” Nyx replies.
I laugh. Leave it up to Nyx to cheer me up. He always does.
Remus hugs me closer to his side as we turn our backs on the rubble. All the way home, Nyx and Remus playfully bicker about passive income and corpse flowers. Torak occasionally throws in his two cents as he drives us back to Remus’ home on his scooter.
No, not his home, our home.
21
Iris
It takes a few days for things to feel normal again. Azealia took the purified stones from the ruins of the Academy and turned them into a rather depressing memorial in the town square. Salem has more cheer than that thing.
Argus arranged for a purification ritual to take place once the rest of the rubble has been removed. Remus was asked to provide oils and herb bundles for burning. Every morning since defeating Lexus, I’ve been in the herb garden gathering sage. There’s a lot of evil in that part of Bonfire Falls. It’ll take time to cleanse it all.
I still have difficulties going back to the site of the Academy. Remus, Nyx, and Torak never make me come along when they go to help Argus and his followers clean up the rubble. Sometimes I make myself do it. It’s silly to be uneasy around a bunch of dirt and charred bits of wood, but I sense simmering evil. I can’t wait until it’s all gone.
Sometimes, I prefer to be alone.
Shortly after banishing Lexus to the shadow realm, the four of us decided it’s time to move to a new house. Nyx’s house is the largest and one of the only houses in Bonfire Falls that’s been completely modernized. His refrigerator can post on social media. I have no idea why it’s necessary, but he has it and it’s cool. The state-of-the-art security system is nothing to bat an eye at either.
While the men are off in the woods hauling away fragments of the Academy, I spend a few hours packing up the last of my belongings at Remus’ home. Some of his things have already been moved over to Nyx’s mansion. I still plan on working in the garden and the workshop most days of the week.
Nyx has decided to stop working all together. Apparently, he’s been investing his extra money by putting it toward purchasing rental homes all over the place. He keeps crowing to Remus about passive income. Sooner or later, Remus is going to passively put his boot up Nyx’s ass. I’ll be there to dispense lectures and kisses in equal measure.
In the kitchen, slapped to the refrigerator, is a bright yellow post-it that I wrote to myself two days ago, but I’ve already forgotten.
Furniture Delivery at 9 am tomorrow.
That’s right! Good god, why would I schedule a delivery that early in the morning?
Remus won’t be using much of the house once he moves, but he hates the thought of the space going to waste. Being the gentle soul he is, he came up with the brilliant idea of turning the unused rooms of the house into a sanctuary for orphaned witches.
The beds are being delivered along with dressers and a new sofa. It’ll be a little cramped—four to a room if we can manage it—but Remus wants to take in as many orphans as possible. Profits from Nyx’s business ventures, as well as the sales from Thyme and Country, will keep the place running.
We’ve hired some of the kinder instructors from the Academy to care for the children when we’re not here. All of us plan on being heavily involved in the lives of the orphans, but we also need alone time.
After one more check, I think I have everything I want to bring to Nyx’s house. Now that Lexus isn’t hunting me anymore, I like to walk through town. The guys all wish I’d just buy a car. They think it’s safer. I will, eventually. For now, I enjoy the sun on my cheeks too much.
When I finally reach the new house, I see several cars and Nyx’s motorcycle in the driveway. At first, I think they’re home early, but my watch tells me that I’m just late. I didn’t think it would take so long to walk here. I hope they won’t be too worried.
They’re all in the entry room when I come through the front door. Nyx is perched on the armrest of a pristine white couch. He’s staring out the window. Remus is pacing the length of the room. Torak absentmindedly strums his guitar.
“Is this what you do when I’m not home?” I laugh.
“No, sometimes we wrestle.” Remus takes the box of belongings out of my arms and puts them somewhere out of the way.
“That, I’d like to see.” I lift myself onto my tiptoes to give him a kiss.
Torak is still focusing on the song he’s composing, but he tears his eyes away from his guitar long enough to give me a kiss.
“How are the renovations coming?” Nyx asks after kissing me.
“The beds are being delivered tomorrow,” I say. “Still want to help me put them together?”
“Of course!” All three men have been so helpful and eager to get the shelter up and running, but Nyx has taken it to a whole new level. “We can’t bring our children home without making sure they have enough beds.”
“They aren’t our children.” Torak laughs without looking up. “The goal is to find families for all of them.”
“I’m adopting all of them,” Nyx says with determination. “I was born to be a stay-at-home dad.”
“Pay up.” Remus jerks his chin to Torak who sighs and reaches into his pocket. He pulls out a twenty and passes it to Remus.
“What’s that all about?” I ask.
“We had a bet to see how long it would take before Nyx starts calling himself dad,” Remus says proudly. “I had bet it would start before the shelter’s even open. Thanks, pal.” He shoots a mock salute at Nyx.
“Glad I can be of service.”
“You’re so sweet, Nyx.” I grin. “Underneath all that leather and axle grease, you’re perfect father material.”
“The best part is that I’ll be doing it with you.” Nyx’s smile is so open and earnest that my heart cries out with joy. “I couldn’t ask for anything more. I love you, Iris.”
“I love you, too.” Tears prick at the backs of my eyes. I rapidly blink them away.
Remus’ strong hand lays on my back.
“You know I love you, Iris,” he murmurs.
“I love you, too. Guys, you’re going to make me cry if you’re not careful,” I warn.
“Finished!” Torak exclaims.
“Finished what?” I ask.
“You’ll see.” With a sly grin, he stands up and starts playing a proper song on his guitar. I recognize his style immediately, but I don’t recognize the tune.
“Another new composition already? That’s amazing!” I sit on the couch between Nyx and Remus. I hold their hands while Torak sings the most stunning love song I’ve ever heard. I give up on trying not to cry. Remus hugs me close while Nyx dabs at my tears.
When Torak is finished, I leap from the couch and run into his arms.
“That was beautiful. I love it. I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
“I want to do something special for all of you,” I say.
“You don’t have to do anything.” Remus smiles.
“But I want to. It’ll make me happy.” Now it’s my turn to pace the room. I’ve come up with a few different ideas, but nothing feels quite right. I want to think of something we can all enjoy equally, together.
The perfect idea strikes me so hard that I take a step backward.
“I know what we can do.” I look over my shoulder and give the men a sly smile. I crook my finger. “Follow me, my loves.”
&nbs
p; I lead the way up the stairs, removing pieces of clothing as I walk. I drop them on the floor behind me like a sexy breadcrumb trail.
Nyx’s master bedroom is a thing of beauty. It still takes my breath away every time I see it. There’s a Zen waterfall in his room. Sometimes I’ll sit and stare at it for hours.
I wait until I reach the bed to slip out of my underwear. By this time, the men have caught up and they are staring. I love the way they’re looking at me with lust in their eyes. I’ve never felt so beautiful.
“I want to do something that will truly bind us together forever. Like a love spell.” I smile. “I never want to leave any of you. I want you with me always. I love you all so much.”
“We love you, too,” Remus says.
“Nyx, do you mind if we use your bed for some fun?” I give a pouty smile that tends to make things go my way. Nyx is already taking off his clothing.
“You know me, sunshine. I’m down for anything you want to do.”
Remus and Torak follow Nyx’s lead before I can even ask.
“Now, gentleman. It’s Nyx’s room, so he gets to make the first call. Fair is fair, right?”
“I suppose,” Remus agrees, but I can tell he’s a little jealous.
“Don’t worry, you’ll all get a chance to have fun.” I wink.
Nyx smirks. “I’m a generous man. I can share.”
I lay on the bed and open my legs. Nyx’s warm breath tickles the insides of my thighs. When his tongue caresses me, I shudder and squeal to put on a show for the others.
I prop my head up with a plush pillow and let my eyes flutter closed. I rock my hips against Nyx’s probing tongue. I’m so into what he’s doing that I jump in surprise when I feel two more tongues caressing my nipples.
I open my eyes and take in the stunning sight of the three men I love giving me so much pleasure. The sight of them drives my ecstasy to a new level. I’m trembling against Nyx’s mouth before I can stop myself. Silvery sparks of magic, like tiny stars, dart through the air around me as I climax. I’ve never seen anything like that before.
“You’re too good at this.” I playfully pout as an orgasm shudders through me.
