Rise From the Embers (Lightness Saga #4)
Page 42
Mom and Ryan helped Fionna organize groups around the world. Mark’s interest was still in plant life, and he kept in constant contact with Kate. They were seeking new medicines for fae and human. Kate still used a cane from the injury Stavros inflicted on her, but that woman was tough. During recovery her daughter visited a lot, but it was the sexy fae named Dunn who wouldn’t leave her side—no matter how much she told him to. I really liked her. She and her family were supposed to stop by later. Even on Christmas she was at the labs.
Lily’s laugh took my attention to the fireplace. She, Mark, Ryan, and Castien sat in front of the fire, drinking and laughing. Their little unit only grew stronger. Mom and Dad had taken them on as their kids, and I suspected they would never live too far from each other. Someday Ryan and Castien might want to adopt and have their own house, but right now they were all so happy and content where they were.
My gaze drifted to Cole and Olivia, looking to be in a heated discussion. His eyes glinted with life as he shook his head, replying to her comment.
I grinned to myself.
“Don’t.” Arms slid around my waist. “Leave them be.”
“What?” I peered at Eli over my shoulder, his eyebrow hitched up.
“You know what. Don’t play matchmaker.” He drew me in closer, pressing his body into mine.
“Look at them. I don’t think I will have to.” My hands rubbed his powerful arms. Eli and I would be back to work tomorrow after a group of rabid imps in Australia. This was our life, and I loved it. Right now we were happy. I didn’t know if kids or staying home would ever be for me. But that was the good thing about living so long; we didn’t have to decide for a long time, if ever. I loved being free, traveling around the world, and kicking ass with my man and two pixies.
He pressed firmer into me, so I could feel every hard inch of him. “We have a moment before dinner?” He nuzzled the back of my neck, thrusting heat through my veins. His hands tracing the exposed skin along the top of my jeans.
“Crap on ash bark, I hope so.” I gripped his thighs, squeezing.
“Mr. Cal! No! Get off the table!” Marguerite’s voice shrilled from the dining room, carrying a tray.
“But my weeeeeeeeee bitzzzz feel so good.”
“Dammit,” Eli grumbled. “Ten seconds and we could have been halfway upstairs.”
I peered into the connecting room where Gabby and Nic sat, getting drunk. Cal lay on his back close to Gabby’s cup. Alki’s loss had brought her and Nic close, bonding in their heartache. Lately, I noticed they were always next to each other. It was far too soon, Gabby’s heart was shattered from Alki’s death, but for some reason, seeing Nic and her, I felt a glint of something. A hope for more. At least a friendship.
“Gabs, stop getting Cal drunk,” Eli yelled at his dweller sister. “We are going to eat there.”
“Too late.” She winked with a snort, watching the naked pixie do snow angels. “Naked pixie ass imprints are all over this table.” She motioned her hand over the surface with a smirk.
“Frickin’ sisters.” Eli set his forehead on my shoulder. “Think we can still disappear for a few minutes?”
“Dinner!” Marguerite called out, making Eli moan softly.
“Doesn’t look like it.” I laughed.
“Too bad.” His fingers trailed over my skin, his voice husky. “The things I had planned for you, Brycin…”
My teeth clenched, my body flaming with desire as he walked away, winking over his shoulder. He was so going to pay for that later.
We all moved to the table, helping Marguerite set the dishes, holiday music softly playing in the background.
The years had brought death, devastation, betrayal, and headache. But they also brought love, friendship, laughter, and family. And those were everything to me.
Torin was the one friend not here. He stayed back on duty at the castle. This time Thara was back at his side again, reinstated to a lower position. They were inseparable. The amount of times we had found them kissing in a corner or making eyes at each other was insane, especially for a man as straight-laced as Torin. I guess when you find that person for you, all propriety goes out the window. Thank the gods he finally woke up and saw what was in front of him. It was a long, tortuous road, but I doubted he would ever take her for granted again.
With all of us around the large table, our glasses filled, I lifted my cup. “A toast to my growing family.” I looked around the table, my heart filled with so much love it almost temporarily lessened the loss and pain. “I am so thankful for each and every one of you. You have taken me on a journey which has changed my life. And I couldn’t be more grateful. I will never forget those we’ve lost, they will never be far from us. But tonight, I want to celebrate. To what is to come. To new beginnings.”
“To new beginnings!” Everyone raised their cups.
“Cheers to the saint of the delivery of sweet nectar.” Sprig rose on his hind legs between Ryker and Zoey, his hands in the air. “Saint Honey Tits. May her bra never be empty.”
“Now that’s something I can toast to.” Cal sat up lifting his cup full of juice.
“Me too.” Eli held up his glass, winking at me.
Simmons stood next to Cal, his face pinched, before he grabbed the other tiny cup set out. “Ah, screw it!” Making everyone laugh.
I had a feeling this was going to be a new tradition.
We all reached for each other, clinking glasses.
“To Saint Honey Tits!”
The kingdom would always have enemies. Just because we won this battle didn’t mean more weren’t in our future. Life was a never-ending ride. And even when it burned to the ground, we would get up—rise from the embers—and start again.
That’s what we did.
Especially when we had Saint Honey Tits to fight for.
Acknowledgements
I can’t believe it’s over. Three series that have been my whole world for the last five plus years. These characters are so a part of me, I can’t imagine them not being there when I start a new book. They are my friends, my babies, and the reason I am where I am. They’ve had a brilliant ride, and it’s all because of you readers. Truly you guys have been my inspiration. The love and support you’ve given me. I have no words. This is bittersweet for me, but I hope my next series will bring as much love as these have. Though, I don’t think I can ever top Sprig, so maybe I should just stop now!
I’m trying not to cry while I write this and stay strong to end them the best way I can. I want these books to be a place you can come back to over and over, not roll your eyes that it should have ended five books ago, but a world you constantly want to jump back into and find something new.
Again, I’m totally choked up right now. I feel so lucky that you have loved all these characters and their journey as much as I have (don’t cry, Stacey…don’t cry).
My thanks are many. But first it’s to you all. There are so many I can’t name, but those on my Squad page, you guys are my backbone and I thank you for being there!
Colleen Oppenheim - I couldn’t function without you. Thank you for dealing with me, my waves of crazy, and always being so supportive and having my back. I love you lady.
Kiki at Next Step P.R. - Kicking and screaming you push me to do better. Thank you for all your hard work! https://thenextsteppr.org/
Jordan - You have been with me since the end of Darkness Series. You have helped develop these characters and made their journey better. Thank you! And now I have your voice constantly in my head as I write. Thank you. http://jordanrosenfeld.net/
Hollie “the editor”- Don’t ever, ever leave me. I will wander the streets in my slippers, mumbling your name. http://www.hollietheeditor.com/
Dane at Ebook Launch! Thank you for doing your thing and designing such beautiful covers! https://ebooklaunch.com/ebook-cover-design/
To Judi at http://www.formatting4u.com/: Awesome as always! You always have my back.
Because I can’t thank you eno
ugh, to all the readers who have supported me, shared posts, written reviews, and forced books in your friend’s hands because you knew they’d love it too: My gratitude is for all you do and how much you help indie authors out of the pure love of reading.
To all the indie/hybrid authors out there who inspire, challenge, support, and push me to be better: I love you!
And to anyone who has picked up an indie book and given an unknown author a chance. THANK YOU!
About the Author
Stacey Marie Brown is a lover of hot fictional bad boys and sarcastic heroines who kick butt. She also enjoys books, travel, TV shows, hiking, writing, design, and archery. Stacey swears she is part gypsy, being lucky enough to live and travel all over the world.
She grew up in Northern California, where she ran around on her family’s farm, raising animals, riding horses, playing flashlight tag, and turning hay bales into cool forts.
When she’s not writing she’s out hiking, spending time with friends, and traveling. She also volunteers helping animals and is eco-friendly. She feels all animals, people, and the environment should be treated kindly.
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