Total pages in book: 162
Estimated words: 151630 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 758(@200wpm)___ 607(@250wpm)___ 505(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 151630 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 758(@200wpm)___ 607(@250wpm)___ 505(@300wpm)
“He is in a way,” I explain. “If you truly are his goddess, then you will enhance his powers. Part of my wedding vows to Devinshea included the fact that his magic flows from me and only me. It’s why he calls me goddess, though I don’t actually have any real power. I’m his connection to the divine. The way Rhys believes you are for him. But Shy, this is your choice. Always. I love my son, but I won’t allow anyone to push you into a relationship you’re not ready for.”
Shy looks down at the floor for a moment and then her head tilts back up. “I know how sex works, but I don’t know the other stuff. I…my mother died before we got around to that particular hard conversation. I talked about it with Evan, but it kind of grossed Harry out and the truth is she doesn’t know any more than I do.”
This I can handle. “I will answer every question, Shy. I’m a mom who missed so much with my kids that I want to take you all in and hold your hands and steal some of that time back. I know I’m not your mom, but if you let me, I can be your friend and your mentor. I can teach you how to handle these men.”
“She can,” Neil affirms.
I finally get a real smile out of her. “I really do love him.”
“I know you do, sweet girl, and I will do anything to help you feel comfortable,” I vow but I have some rules. “You have to stop calling me Your Highness. Zoey will do.”
I can’t replace her mother, but I can be something close. As I settle in to this reality, I realize my kids’ partners are going to be my kids, too. If things were normal and they got regular jobs and moved and traveled for fun and had their own lives, it would be understandable to be a bit more distant. But we’re at war and we need to be as close-knit as possible. My father loved Shy. Shy gave my whole family the gift of a lifetime. I will honor and love this young woman the best I can.
There’s the slightest sheen of tears in her eyes as she nods. “All right, Zoey. Then I do have some questions for you.” She straightens up and seems to find some courage. “I would like to know how the Fae will welcome me if I agree to be Rhys’s goddess.”
See, I’m all for Sasha’s “take out all the wolves who would get rid of my daughter so the love of her life can find a proper wolf mate” plan. I don’t like the word proper. Not the way they use it. “My darling girl, it doesn’t matter what they think. I assure you if they don’t welcome you in a manner that pleases this family, they can do without a high priest. Rhys won’t touch them and neither will Devinshea. They can rot for all I care.”
She stares at me for a moment as though trying to figure me out. “That’s not practical, Your…Zoey. We’re in the middle of a war. Having the Fae on our side would do a lot to help us.”
I shrug because I’m not known for being practical about the people I love, and she’ll come to know that I mean what I say. “We’ll figure it out. I won’t sacrifice my children’s lives and happiness. I’ll find a way, and one of those ways is using every ounce of power we have. This is nothing you need to worry about, Shy. Dev and Danny will handle the politics. I’ll handle Dev and Danny. Neil will handle danger, and also all the weird food. Seriously, don’t eat any meat he doesn’t give you a name for.”
“Hey, the last time I was in Faery, the frost giant burgers were delicious,” Neil adds.
It’s good to know nothing has changed for my bestie. Though I remember that he got a terrible tummy ache and Sarah had to whip up a tonic.
I miss Sarah so damn much.
“I’m a vegetarian, so no worry about meat.” Shy’s nose wrinkles. “I ate a chicken once and its ghost chased me around for three days before I tricked it into going into the light. You know what doesn’t leave behind a psychic signature? Celery.”
Neil shudders. “Z, I’m so glad I’m a werewolf and not a medium. That would be terrible.”
Neil would definitely have troubles with all the creatures he eats.
The door opens and Danny stands there. “They haven’t seen anything, but they got a call from one of the women in their circle. She’s not a natural witch but she has some knowledge. She says there are the markings of a god-like being in town. We should go question her.”