Chapter Nineteen #2
The porch had a roof that was formed with a ton of smaller branches that were absolutely covered in leaves.
The leaves were like shingles, I guessed, and I glanced at the roof of the house to see if it was the same.
It was. But the branches up there were thicker, more sturdy, just like the rest of the fairytale mansion.
It didn’t look real. Almost like it was some facade someone had made to trick you into thinking it was real.
But… that was ridiculous considering Ailin Ellwood was one of the most powerful witches in the world, and his affinity was nature. Of course the powerful nature witch could manipulate trees like this. I mean… why wouldn’t he be able to do something I thought was totally impossible?
Sheesh.
Knowing Ailin was a powerful nature witch wasn’t something I’d learned by getting to know him and his family.
It was something I’d read in my history books in school growing up.
He and Seb had played a huge part in defeating the berserkers in the Berserker War back before I was born. They were actual legends.
Legends I knew in real life.
Legends that wanted my viramore and me to become a part of their family.
I wasn’t sure why that was hitting me so hard right now, but it was. Holy shit.
Maybe seeing an entire freaking house created by trees and a whole lot of magic had done it.
Good gravy, I was overwhelmed.
All around us were trees so tall, I knew they had to be hundreds of years old. They were covered in snow and frost, and for some reason, it felt like they were kind of… sentient.
Was the Brinnswick Forest sentient?
I’d never heard such a thing, but I supposed it was possible.
Tan came over, all smiles and happiness, waved me toward him, and said, “Come on. Let me introduce you guys to everyone.” He winked at me. “Welcome to the Ellwood Coven, Dain. Once you’re a part of it, you can never leave.”
I narrowed my eyes at him. “Way to make that sound creepy and cult-like.”
He laughed. “Just kidding. You won’t want to leave. This is the best family ever.” He sounded like he believed that entirely.
I glanced behind myself to check that my brother and the rest of Lanche’s family were following us. They all looked just as dazed and amazed by the house and the surrounding forest as I felt, but they were walking with us.
Lanche put his arm around my shoulders, kissed my temple, and said, “You good?”
Leaning into his side, I smiled up at him. “Yep. Really good.”
He gave my forehead another kiss before we followed Tan all the way to the backyard.
I sucked in a breath at the number of people gathered here. There had to be at least a hundred people of all ages, sizes, and species.
Holy shit.
Witches, shifters, vampires, mermaids, nymphs, incubi, fae, and a ton of others.
Holy crap. I’d never in my life seen so many different types of people together in one space like this.
And they were getting along.
Not only that, they were… family.
So many people were laughing and chatting and goofing around.
There was a buttload of different types of kids running around playing some kind of game I’d never seen before.
Honestly, it was one of the most beautiful things I’d ever seen.
Lanche leaned down to press his forehead against my temple and whispered into my ear, “I think it’s beautiful too.” He took a beat, breathing me in. “And now we’re a part of it.”
I sent him a smile and pecked his lips before taking a breath and squaring my shoulders. “Let’s check out the food.”
Since my brother looked as overwhelmed as I felt, I grabbed his arm and dragged him along with us. Glacier and Lanche’s sisters followed behind us.
“Watch out, Robin!” Ailin yelled from behind me. “The squirrels are gonna get you!”
My eyes widened at that strange warning, and Tan sighed as he came up beside my group. “Yeah, so… don’t go near the squirrels. They’re… kind of magical and like to start wars with hellhounds and pretty much anyone who gets too close to their territory.”
That sentence made no sense whatsoever, but… I’d definitely be staying away from the squirrels.
“Are they dangerous?” Lanche asked, looking worried.
Tan waved it off. “Only to the local acorns.”
What?
Before we could question him further, someone yelled his name from across the yard, and he said, “Be right back.”
Lanche and I exchanged a look before we both laughed, and I shook my head. “This place is…”
“Interesting.”
“That’s one word for it,” Paxton said, already overloading his plate with a billion things. “I’d probably go for nuts.”
I snorted at that and shoulder-bumped my viramore. “Come on, babe. Let’s eat.”
He kissed my cheek, pulled me off to the side, and into a hug. I hugged back without hesitation.
But after a moment, I asked, “What’s this for?”
He shrugged. “Just wanted to hold you for a minute.”
Sending him a small smile, I tugged on his neck so I could kiss him.
I kept it light and sweet since we were surrounded by people, but I did my best to convey to him how much I loved him.
Because I did. I loved him more than I ever thought possible, and I knew our love would only grow with every passing day.
In a whisper, I said, “Thank you for never giving up on me. Thank you for giving me your icicle—the first time and now.” I rested my hand on my chest over the icicle that lived there.
He smiled. “Thank you for accepting it.”
Of course he couldn’t just say you’re welcome and be done with it.
He snorted, obviously overhearing my thoughts. “Fine. You’re welcome, Mr. Grouchy.”
With a chuckle, I kissed him again. “Come on. Let’s eat, play a few games, spend time with our families, and then go home.” I pulled out of his arms and headed back for the food tables, looking over my shoulder at him. “Oh, by the way, I hope you don’t have plans tomorrow.”
“What’s tomorrow?”
“Moving day.”
He paused, looking confused, and I couldn’t help but laugh.
“I’m officially moving in with you.”
His eyes lit up, confirming that this really was the right move. “Really?”
“When I said I wasn’t letting you out of my sight for a long time, I meant it.” I shrugged. “Plus, who wouldn’t want to live inside a magical ice castle?”
“I see how it is. You just want me for my house.”
“Yep.”
He laughed and gave me a push. “You asshole.”
That made me chuckle, and I pecked his lips again. “I want you for you.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah, baby, I really do.”
His smile lit up the world and my heart right with it.
Thank you for reading The Snow Yeti’s Grouchy Werewolf!