Loving fae, p.15
Loving Fae, page 15
I nodded, calling for half of my class to switch with Charm’s so they could practice with students they weren’t familiar with. The change brought a fresh wave of competitive energy, blades clashing louder as they pushed themselves to impress. Only a few minutes later, though, my focus drifted back toward Maize, who was smiling again at something one of her friends had said.
Never in a million years would I have imagined we’d end up here—especially after receiving the note that had once read “contain, not train.”
“Seem distracted, buddy,” Chait mused as he passed by, heading toward Maize.
I grunted in agreement and forced my focus back on calling out drills. Fortunately, it was nearly lunchtime, and when the academy bell rang I felt a quiet wave of relief as the students filed out to eat, leaving the hall calm again.
I made my way toward the others, watching as Maize set down her notepad to help Brielle’s youngest sister and her brothers practice holding a sparring sword. They were too young for official class placement, so they’d be training with us personally for now.
“Good,” Maize praised, crouching beside Brielle’s youngest sister. “Make sure you shift out of the way after your strike. The dummy isn’t moving, but whoever you’re fighting will be.”
Even I had to admit that Brielle’s sister swung at the dummy with a level of focus and determination that was impressive for her age.
Vegas shot us a look before turning to leave, calling out behind her, “If she’s not teaching by summer, I’ll riot.” Maize laughed, and a smile tugged at my lips.
I doubted she’d be the only one. Any hostility toward Maize that had once existed at the academy had been extinguished, at least publicly. And Queen Gray’s move to tell everyone of her heroic deed? It had helped a ton.
When Maize finally finished, Brielle led her sister off to grab food, and my mate made her way back to where Chait, Charm, and I stood waiting for her.
“Hungry?” I asked.
Before Maize could respond, the doors to the hall flew open and Jude and Jackson tumbled in. My brother was covered in snow and laughing about something until he caught the look I was offering him. He froze mid-step, eyes going wide.
“Where are you off to?” I asked, already knowing he wasn’t heading to the damn dining hall. Judging by the snow and the guilty look, he’d been planning to cut through here on his way to—
“The castle,” he blurted.
Maize laughed, trying to hide it behind her hand. I had to give credit where credit was due: my brother may have gotten in his fair share of trouble, but he wasn’t a liar.
“Can you go with us?” Jude added quickly.
“Kid’s smart,” Charm muttered, and Chait nodded in agreement. Jude knew exactly what he was doing—if we went with him, there’d be no chance of getting in trouble for skipping his afternoon classes. Astronomy and math were his least favorites.
“How many classes have you missed this week?” I asked, glancing between the two before narrowing my eyes on Jackson.
“None—only last week! And it was one time!” Jackson said quickly. Jude groaned beside him, shaking his head.
“Why the castle?” Maize asked.
“Luna,” I answered before either of them could, earning quick nods of agreement from both boys.
“If you’re cool with it,” Maize said, looking up at me, “that actually works perfectly. Gray mentioned wanting to hang out, and I’ve been meaning to go.”
Jude brightened instantly, bouncing on his toes. I caught the small smile Maize tried to hide as she looked over at him—the same kind of expression she used with her brothers.
“Alright,” I sighed as Jude and Jackson sprinted past us toward the door leading outside. Tugging off my jacket, I draped it over Maize’s shoulders, earning a small, sweet smile from her. “Kids are going to kill me.”
Or more likely, Luna’s fathers would kill me.
“I would never let that happen,” she said with a wink, and I barked out a laugh.
As we started after them, Maddox and Chait called out that they’d let the others know and catch up with us later. I wasn’t sure if they meant to give me some one-on-one time with Maize, but I appreciated it nonetheless.
The academy grounds were quiet, blanketed in thick white snow that continuously fell from the sky. We followed the main path toward the castle, the sound of our boots muffled by the drifts. Maize walked beside me, her gloved hand brushing mine every few steps.
Ahead of us, Jude and Jackson ran through the snow, arguing over who would reach the gate first, their laughter echoing off the stone walls.
I glanced sideways at my mate. She looked at peace today—cheeks pink from the cold, a few strands of hair caught in the wind. I’d seen her furious, bleeding, even breaking…but this? This relaxed version of her was my favorite.
“You’re staring,” she said, her lips pressing up into a small smile.
“Absolutely. Can’t help it.”
She smiled fully but didn’t tell me to stop, and for a while, we walked in comfortable silence.
My thoughts drifted to the past, to everything it had taken to get here. I thought of the years before her, of nights that felt too long and too empty, when family had seemed like a story meant for other people. But now, walking beside her, hearing Jude’s laughter ahead, it hit me just how much had changed.
She caught the small pull at the corner of my mouth. “What are you thinking about?”
I exhaled, watching my breath cloud the air. “You,” I said quietly. “Us. The future. Spending our life together. Building a family of our own.”
She stopped walking and turned toward me, her eyes widening slightly as a deeper color rushed to her cheeks. “A family?” she asked, her tone caught somewhere between teasing and shy.
“Yeah.” My voice came out rougher than normal. “A family. We may need a bigger home, but I want all of it—with you.”
Maize’s lips parted in surprise before she offered me a teasing look. “You know the minute we try to start a family—let alone, when I get pregnant—you’re all going to turn into complete nutcases.”
As if we weren’t already. A deep rumble slipped from my chest at the thought of her pregnant, an idea my wolf loved entirely too fucking much. I couldn’t even deny that I felt the same. I stepped closer, close enough to feel the warmth of her breath in the cold air. “A nutcase that loves you,” I murmured.
Maize’s expression softened, her voice dropping to a whisper. “I love you too, Cannon.”
That was all it took. I cupped her face in my hands and kissed her, infusing every ounce of certainty and affection into the simple touch. The cold didn’t matter. Just my mate. The taste of her lips. The way her fingers curled into my coat, holding me close.
When we finally pulled apart, Jude and Jackson were standing about thirty feet away, pointedly pretending not to watch. Maize laughed quietly, melting against my chest as I pressed a kiss to the top of her head.
“Come on,” she said, nodding to the two of them. “Before they freeze out here.”
The walk to the castle felt shorter than usual, or maybe I was so captivated by the simple presence of my mate that I didn’t notice time passing. The castle lights glowed warm and gold through the windows, smoke curling lazily from the chimneys as we approached. The Horde had changed since Queen Gray had taken the throne, but now, with Maize here, I saw beauty in the land that I’d never been able to appreciate before.
“Jude! Jackson!” Luna’s voice rang out as we reached the front entrance. “I had a feeling you’d be coming—I made cookies!”
She’d barely finished speaking before the three of them disappeared down the hall toward the sitting room. I squeezed Maize’s hand, already planning to follow and keep an eye on my brother.
Maize slipped off her gloves and brushed the snow from her hair, her gaze lifting toward the high ceilings, the flicker of candlelight, and the faint sound of laughter echoing through the hallways. The castle should have been intimidating, considering who lived here, but it almost always felt welcoming.
“I’m going to find Gray. Are you going to follow them?” she asked, as if she wasn’t entirely ready to leave my side yet.
“Yes,” I said, leaning in. “Make sure to enjoy yourself, just don’t stay too long—tonight we have plans.”
“We do?” Maize asked. It was rare to catch her off guard, rarer still to actually surprise her, and I couldn’t help but savor it. A smirk pulled at my lips as I brushed a strand of hair from her face.
“We do,” I said quietly, enjoying the way curiosity flickered in her expression.
She tilted her head, studying me before giving that soft, knowing smile that always made my heart ache. “You’re not going to tell me, are you?”
“Not a chance,” I murmured. “You’ll find out soon enough.”
With an amused shake of her head, she turned and headed down the corridor toward Gray’s chambers, my gaze following every step and sway of her hips.
I watched her go, my mind already on the night ahead—on the promise we were ready to make.
CHAPTER 19
MAIZE
The air outside Gray’s castle bit at my cheeks the moment I stepped onto the snow-dusted steps, but the warmth from our lunch still clung to me—the taste of sweet cider lingering and the sound of laughter still ringing in my ears. I’d stayed for hours after the plates were cleared, talking about everything and nothing.
It had been…easy. The kind of day I never used to believe could exist for someone like me. When I finally stood to leave, Gray had hugged me so tightly my ribs protested.
“You’ve earned quiet days, Maize,” she murmured. “Don’t forget to take them.”
Now, as I made my way down the castle steps, the horizon glowed in soft shades of lilac and gold, the Horde wrapped in twilight. Warm light spilled from the houses below, flickering like stars scattered across the snow, and somewhere in the distance, bells chimed.
My boots crunched softly along the path leading toward the city center, each step releasing a little puff of frost into the air. For the first time in years, my chest didn’t ache from dread or anxiety of what was next. I wasn’t preparing for battle. I wasn’t looking over my shoulder.
I just…was.
When I reached the castle gates, I half expected to see at least one of my mates waiting—Cannon, especially, since we’d arrived together earlier. I’d even checked the library on my way out, but there hadn’t been a single familiar face in sight. And now, standing at the gates with the evening chill curling around me, there was still no one waiting.
Odd.
It made me smile, though. My men were protective to the point of absurdity, so if none of them were here, it had to be intentional. Which only meant one thing—they were up to something.
Cannon’s voice telling me about our ‘plans’ tonight drifted through my memory. He’d sounded way too excited for it to be casual. Whatever they were planning, it was probably chaotic, heartfelt, or both. Either way, my best bet was to head home and find out.
Halfway home, two familiar figures stepped out of a local shop—Alexander and Griffin, both bundled in thick coats, their breath fogging in the chill air.
Alexander grinned the moment he spotted me. “There she is! The hero of the Horde.”
I scoffed, shaking my head and ducking my face as a few people turned to look. “Don’t you freakin’ dare.”
“Of course not,” Griffin said, tone far too innocently. “Are you walking back to the academy?”
“Yes! The guys already headed back, so I’m playing catch up.”
“That is surprising.” Alexander arched his brow. “Sounds like they’re up to something.”
“That’s what I said!” I laughed.
“We’ll make sure you get back safe so they don’t kill us,” Griffin said.
Alexander chuckled. “Not sure that would stop them.”
I couldn’t help but sigh happily, warmth blooming in my chest. It felt good—really good—to be around the two of them again. After all, they had been my first real friends at the academy. They’d even willingly incurred the wrath of my mates by taking me out to a pub so we could drink away our problems.
“How have you two been?” I asked once our laughter died down.
“Up to our usual bullshit,” Griffin admitted with a grin. “But good.”
“Planning to volunteer for one of the field squadrons,” Alexander added. “Need a bit of a break from this place.”
“Be careful,” I said, frowning slightly.
“What? You not planning to travel anytime soon?” Griffin teased.
“No.” I shook my head, keeping my eyes on the path ahead as we left the city and started toward the Red Masques Academy. “I need some serious relaxation time.”
Alexander nodded. “Good. About time you were bored for a bit.”
“Can’t keep fighting gods,” Griffin agreed, laughing. “Shit’ll wear you out.”
I elbowed him lightly, laughing along, and we fell into comfortable conversation. Snow gathered on the road ahead, the academy lights casting a soft golden glow in the distance.
When we reached the path that split toward the academy’s main doors, Alexander slowed. “We’re heading to the eastern gate—new recruits coming through tonight.”
“Good luck with that. Have a good night, guys.”
Griffin adjusted his gloves, then gave me a crooked smirk. “We’ll see you soon, Maize.”
I watched them go for a long moment, their figures fading into the white of the snow, before continuing home.
I followed the winding path toward our house, and before long, I began to notice glowing lights floating along the pathway, beckoning me forward. The orbs drifted about five feet off the ground in shades of pink, blue, and lilac, casting soft, shimmering light across the snow. But it wasn’t just that—the snowy pines were adorned with starry orbs of light, glittering like delicate ornaments. It was breathtaking, and the beauty only deepened as the sky grew darker.
By the time I reached the house, my pulse had quickened, excitement blooming through my mate bond as my men released the careful hold they’d been keeping on it all evening. I hadn’t even realized they’d muted it until that moment, their emotions flooding through me all at once: love, affection, nervousness. It filled every inch of me until I could hardly breathe.
As I climbed the stairs and pressed my hand to the front door, the faint sound of music drifted out to meet me. The air itself vibrated with soft, melodic notes that tugged at something deep inside me.
The house had been transformed.
I paused as I stepped inside, breath catching at the soft, otherworldly light that shimmered across every surface. It looked as if the moon itself had turned lilac and spilled through invisible cracks in the ceiling. Floating candles hung in delicate halos, casting the room in pale blues and pinks that infused the air with a cozy warmth. Snowflakes drifted lazily from the ceiling, tiny frozen stars spinning in the glow and never melting when they touched the floor.
And then I saw them.
My men stood waiting, each one dressed in shades that matched the room, their eyes bright with fierce emotion. My heart leapt straight into my throat as realization struck.
This was what they’d been planning.
I turned in a slow circle, taking it all in, my cheeks flushed and my voice caught somewhere between a laugh and a breath. “This…” I murmured, heart racing as my gaze found Cannon. “This is what you were talking about earlier?”
Cannon stepped out from the shadows near the fire, his lips pressing into a smile. “Yeah. It felt almost impossible not to tell you.”
“Tell me what?” I whispered. My words barely carried across the space between us, my eyes already burning with unshed happy tears.
Valerio’s steady voice broke the silence. “We figured it was about time to make this official,” he said, then paused—his gaze darkening as it met mine. “You’ve been our center from the start, Maize. Tonight’s just us putting words to what’s already been true.”
“You’ve survived everything,” Maddox said softly, his eyes sparkling with a deep devotion. “Now you just have to survive a lifetime of us loving you.”
Chait followed, his normal grin softened at the edges. “What he’s trying to say is, you’re ours—and we’re never letting you go.”
A quiet laugh rippled through the room before Philip stepped closer.
“Little rose,” Philip said, his tone laced with affection that made my heart flutter. “What we are all trying to say—terribly, I might add—is that we love you. Entirely. Endlessly. In every way that matters.”
Charm stepped up beside him, his expression completely unguarded and vulnerable. “You didn’t just save Fae, birdy,” he murmured. “You saved us. You made our family whole.”
Then Zed stepped forward, and in his hands he held a small velvet box, opening it with a care that made my heart stutter.
Inside rested a stunning, unique ring. A delicate band of slender silver vines sprouted tiny opal leaves that glinted in the dark lighting. At its center bloomed a gemstone shimmering with violet, rose, and moonlit blue, as though the night sky itself had been caught and set within the ring.
“Maize,” Zed began softly before hesitating, a rare hint of nerves tugging at his mouth before a small, hopeful smile broke through. “Angel…will you marry us? Will you let us love you for the rest of forever?”
My breath caught, and for a heartbeat, the entire world seemed to pause—the candles flickered like they were holding their breath, and the music softened until all I could hear was the wild rhythm of my own heartbeat.
Then Chait’s voice wrapped around me. “So what do you say, mon amour?”
A laugh slipped out of me, trembling and full of tears. “Yes.” The word felt like light itself. “Absolutely yes.”
EPILOGUE 1
CHARM
This was the day I’d been waiting for. I hadn’t known it when I first met Maize—back then I hadn’t known much of anything. But this was it. The moment I’d been chasing without realizing it.
