Chapter Twenty-Nine
Iadjust another platter of rice cakes, watching Eunho trail behind me with a bowl of candied nuts. Soot's nails click against the floor as he follows, his black nose twitching hopefully each time we set something down.
“Don't even think about it,” I warn as his ears perk up at a stray almond that rolls off the edge of the coffee table. He gives me his most pitiful look, but I point at his bed. “Go lay down.”
Eunho chuckles and scratches behind Soot's ears. “Just one won't hurt him.”
“You're going to spoil him.” But I'm smiling as Soot delicately takes the offered treat from Eunho's palm.
From the hallway comes the aggressive whirr of the vacuum, punctuated by Dohwan's muttered curses. He's been at war with that same spot for twenty minutes now, after spending nearly an hour meticulously arranging and rearranging the throw pillows on the couch.
“I think those pillows are as fluffed as they're going to get,” I call out.
“They're uneven,” Dohwan growls back, not looking up from his battle with the carpet.
The doorbell camera chimes, and Soot bolts for the entrance, his excitement manifesting in little sparks that dance along his fur. I hurry to open the door before he sets off the smoke detectors again.
Noa and Jinah stand at the front of the small group on my doorstep, both grinning widely. Behind them, several of our fellow halfbloods from Ember Unit shuffle their feet, and every one of them lets out a hoot and greets us with broad smiles and cheers.
“Come in, come in!” I wave them inside, laughing, just as two more familiar faces appear—Eunho's sisters, Eunbin and Eunji, both carrying covered dishes and wearing identical mischievous expressions.
“We brought dessert,” Eunbin announces, brandishing her container. “And embarrassing stories about our baby brother.”
“Perfect timing,” I laugh, ushering everyone into the living room where Dohwan has finally abandoned his vacuum to hover awkwardly near the perfectly arranged pillows.
The apartment fills with warmth and chatter as everyone settles in. Noa deals out cards while Jinah sets up the virtual dual projector, their excited voices mixing with the clinking of glasses and rustling of snack wrappers.
“Okay, your turn Eunho!” Noa calls out, and I lean forward eagerly as he draws his card.
“'Things you shouldn't say during a royal ceremony,'“ he reads dramatically before his face lights up with unholy glee. He scribbles something down and shows his answer. “I met the fourth prince once in a tea room on Scarlet street. Nice guy, but I'm not into werewolf roleplay.”
I collapse against Noa's shoulder, wheezing with laughter as the others groan and throw wadded napkins at him.
Through my tears, I catch sight of Dohwan in the corner, deep in conversation with some of the Ember Unit residents.
What really catches my eye, though, is Soot, sitting primly at his feet while Dohwan sneaks him bits of rice cake when he thinks no one's looking.
My sulky mate's attempts to win over my sprite are adorably transparent, but I keep that observation to myself.
“Gawon! Dance battle time!” Jinah calls out, grabbing my arm and hauling me to my feet. The virtual projector flickers to life with pulsing lights and music.
“I call dibs,” Eunho announces, already moving to my side with that playful glint in his eyes. He grabs my hands and immediately spins me in a wild circle that has me squealing. We careen into an end table, sending empty cups flying as everyone laughs.
“Watch the furniture!” Dohwan calls out, but I can hear the smile in his voice.
Eunho just grins and dips me dramatically, nearly dropping me in the process. “Oops,” he says, not looking sorry at all as he rights me. His sisters catcall from the couch, shouting suggestions that make him flush red.
As the night progresses, the energy settles into something softer. Some gather around the TV watching replays of professional duels, while others sprawl across cushions playing cards. I pause in the middle of refreshing drinks, taking in the scene before me.
Noa and Jinah are teaching card tricks to Eunbin and Eunji. Dohwan has Soot's head in his lap, absently scratching behind the sprite's ears while debating training techniques with another halfblood. Eunho is dramatically reenacting some story that has his audience in stitches.
My chest tightens as I'm struck by the realization—this is my family. Not by blood or obligation, but by choice. These people who've welcomed me, supported me, loved me. I'd convinced myself I would never have this, yet here they all are, filling my home with warmth and laughter.
Steam clings to my skin as I pad into the bedroom, towel-drying my hair. The scent of jasmine body wash mingles with the familiar smoky musk of two fire fae sprawled across my rumpled duvet. Dohwan's propped against the headboard with his ankles crossed, abs flexing as he gestures sharply at Eunho.
“—still had three seconds left on the clock when you crossed the line. That's a disqualification by Eastern Court rules and you know it.”
Eunho's laugh rumbles through the mattress where he's stretched out like a sunbathing cat. “Since when do you care about those archaic rules? Admit it, you're still salty I smoked you in the lava run.”
I toss the damp towel over the vanity chair.
Soot lifts his head from the foot of the bed, coals glowing as he wags his stumpy tail once before settling back into his nap.
The sight of them here—Dohwan's hair mussed from showering, Eunho's pajama strings dangling loose around his hips—sends warmth pooling low in my stomach.
Eunho's gaze snaps to me first, that lazy smirk spreading across his face. “Look who's finally done preening. Come settle this before your grumpy mate gives himself an aneurysm.”
Dohwan huffs but scoots over, making space. I don't take it.
The springs creak as I climb onto the bed, knees bracketing Eunho's thighs. His breath hitches when I settle my weight against him, hands automatically finding my hips. I lean down to capture his lips, savoring the citrus tang of his toothpaste and the low groan vibrating against my mouth.
Dohwan's growl rolls through the room before I even turn. “Cheating already, Kang?”
I laugh against his stubbled jaw when I kiss him next, fingers threading through his damp hair.
Eunho nips at the back of my thigh. “Pretty sure I'm winning this round.”
Dohwan's hands slide up my ribs, calloused thumbs brushing the underside of my breasts through the thin camisole. “You keep score like a child.”
The heat between them crackles against my skin—not the dangerous burn of old animosity, but the playful spark that's become our new normal. Eunho's fingers skate up my spine as Dohwan's mouth finds the pulse point beneath my ear.
“Love you,” I murmur into the hollow of Dohwan's throat.
Eunho stills. “What's that for?”
I twist to meet his gaze, tracing the mate mark swirling over his arm. “Do I need a reason?”
Dohwan's teeth graze my shoulder. “We love you more.”
Eunho's hands tighten on my hips, flipping us until my back hits the sheets. His grin turns feral as he looms over me. “Bet I can prove it first.”
Dohwan's already yanking the hem of my shirt up, lips trailing fire across my stomach. “You couldn't prove your way out of a paper bag.”
I arch into their touches, the last coherent thought slipping away as twin flames consume me—competitive, relentless, mine.