Between Shadow & Ruin (Fangs & Fae Saga Book 2)

seventy-four.

I laid down next to him – we were both glowing and breathing heavily. Val and Chris finished in the shower, and I could see a slight glow to her as well. Zane and I took a quick shower before the kids returned for the night. When I finished in the shower, I put a robe on and headed to the balcony myself. I heard light footsteps as Val came out behind me.

"Do you remember the first night we were out here?" she asked.

"Yeah... You had just become Eminence and that's when you told Chris and me that you needed to 'continue your bloodline'."

"And now here we are... Fifteen years later, married and almost four kids." She placed her hands around my waist just as I felt a kick. She gasped lightly. "...Was that the baby?" I nodded as I turned to look at her. Her eyes watered as I saw the moonlight catch a tear. I wiped it quickly from her cheek as I heard the front door open.

"That must be the kids..." I said, quietly. We walked out to greet them; Ava's, Noah's, and Bee's clothes looked wrinkled from dancing and their hair was disheveled.

"Did you kids have fun?" I heard Aria ask as she came out of her bedroom.

"You know... I'm not a big fan of parties," Bee said. "But that was awesome!" Aria ran her fingers through his hair and kissed his forehead.

"And your cousin?" she asked.

"With Odie and Pax." I shared a look with Val as the twins started to rub their eyes in their tiredness. As they showered, I wondered what Odie spent his fifteenth birthday doing. Zane and Chris were now out on the balcony. I walked over and kissed Chris' back, wrapping my arms around his waist. He turned around and kissed my forehead.

"The twins and Bee are back," I said softly.

"And Ella and Odie?" they asked. I raised an eyebrow.

"According to Bee, they're with Pax." They were silent. "Zane, please tell me Odie knows that spell..."

"Well... he's got condoms right?" Val asked.

"I gave them to him," Chris said.

"We have nothing to worry about," Aria said coming onto the balcony.

"Why's that?" Val asked.

"After Ella came into mine and Ray's care, we talked. They were lying when they told us that they hadn't actually had sex since the time Liz walked in on them, but they also do other things... And those things typically lead to sex. So... she's on birth control – and yes, I checked with the wolf doctor. It works for her."

"And you were worried you wouldn't be a good mom..." I said.

"Well, even if they weren't doing sexual things, I would've asked her if she wanted it. I know Odie's a good kid, but our society praises the boys for their 'sexual conquests' and condemns the girls. I know she can handle herself, but if I ever found out she went through even half the shit I did, I would murder someone. It's bad enough the things she has gone through... And I didn't want to take the chance that something could happen to her when she's not with one of us."

"And for a night like tonight, who knows what those two are doing," Ray said. "I was a little weary they might immediately want to have sex if Odie knew she was on birth control... And she hasn't said anything more to us about it, but I guess we have to trust our kids, right?" We all nodded.

"I think I'm going to go for a walk, does anyone want to join me?" Val asked.

"You're not tired?" I asked.

"No... The twins and Bee will be fine sleeping if you all want to come. The stars are beautiful here." We all decided to go on a walk around the realm. We all dressed to go out and the cool night air felt amazing. A few fae were still up, some cleaning, some were gathering ingredients for spells and others were enjoying the night air. I could see Val and Zane glowing faintly as we walked through the grass. Zane put his arm around her shoulders as they walked ahead of us – they nodded to the other fae in passing. Chris put his arm around my shoulder and kissed my forehead. Ray and Aria walked next to us holding hands.