[Madison]
They all started getting ready. Trista and Landry accepted the offer to come with us. I put on a flowy emerald green shirt and black leggings after putting away my wings and tail. We packed up water, snacks, and blankets, then headed out to the clearing that was now one of our favorite places.
I held Aria’s hand as we walked. We talked about all the things I would show her and how excited I was to introduce her to all of my other friends later. I knew that Serena would be thrilled to find out she had a little sister. She wanted family she could really connect with, another siren would be wonderful.
W
[3rd person]The girls reached each other and squealed as they hugged. Madison was thrilled to see her best friend again. It was a wonderful present Ford had arranged. She got to see both of her sister’s mates, both of her friends. People she shared her heart with.When Aria was about ten feet away she froze. The man, standing near the woman Maddie hugged, was beautiful. She’d never seen someone as perfect as him, until she met Maddie. Aria’s world spun in the same way it had when she looked up in Caleb’s office and saw her standing there.
[Trista]The walk back to the house was as depressing as it normally was. Landry and I weren’t as concerned about the camp thing, because Madison wasn’t worried.I loved her and wanted her safe, but a demon queen is a warrior queen. The shapeshifters didn’t understand. She was everything a queen should be.When we got inside, we found Drayce and Anders in the kitchen with Poppy and Gail. They were smiling like they had a secret. That made me more nervous than Madison going to any number of camps.
“I’m Madison. The Vasilia.” I said calmly. “Why did you want to see me?”“I want to know what the woman who will bear my grandchildren looks like. Concubae are supposed to be among the most beautiful women in the world. Even more than succubae. Though, I must say, you are rather… short.” He snorted. “I thought you’d be more like Poppy. Statuesque, regal. She’s more of a queen than you.”“Okay.” I shrugged.I’d dealt with bullies in school and jerks who did that whole ‘negging’ thing. He was just
[Madison]A shuddering sigh pulled me from my thoughts. I opened my eyes and looked at Drayce and Anders. Drayce was clinging to Anders tightly. The Vasili was rubbing circles into his mate’s back and cooing tenderly to him.“Are you okay, Drayce?” I asked softly, walking toward them.“I thought he was going to kill you, Maddie. How were you able to look him in the eye and laugh? No one can do that. How can you be okay with going to Nettleston’s care, knowing our father will be there?” Drayce said breathily.
[Madison]When I got down to the girls’ room, Landry and Trista were by the closed bathroom door, pleading. Poppy was waiting near the stairs, and Gail was reading a magazine on their bed. I couldn’t see Aria, but I knew where she was.“Come out, please. He won’t get you. Madison won’t let him, Aria. Trust us.” Trista begged softly.I went to the door and put my hands gently on Trista and Landry’s shoulders. They moved aside to let me near the door. I needed to get my a
[Ford]I wanted them all to understand. They all underestimated my baby. The harem knew she was the Phantom, but not what that really meant. Maybe Winston did, but he seemed pretty surprised when I told them she’d killed Tybalt. At least the dragon confirmed it for them. Now, they had to believe.The room was silent. Will, Rafe, and Winston turned to look at me. I glanced over and winked. I was proud. Nothing scared her because nothing was more frightening than the threat of her.&ldquo
[Madison]I turned and took in the sight of my beautiful mate. Exactly everything I expected from a gorgeous woman like Aria. I returned to the bedroom door and caressed the sweet, nervous, angelic face of the woman I loved.“See you all in the morning. We still have much to do, so don’t stay up late.” I called back as I guided Aria into the room.Once we were in the guest room, I began to actually worry. I had the confidence, the love, and the desire to be with Aria, but I
I slid my arms around Aria, then wrapped my wings around her. It was the most intimate hold among our people. Cocooning Aria in my grasp and breathing in her scent, I felt more relaxed.It was delicate and slightly salty, like the breeze off the ocean. She smelled of a mixture of my soap, conditioner, and the beach. It was soothing and calmed the fury I felt. I still hated the men who’d hurt Aria, but it wasn’t a fresh anger anymore.“You don’t have to be a killer. I don’t need another person like me in my life. At least, not like the hard, cruel part of me. Never think I need you to be what I am. I need you to be you. You may have to accept that I won’t chang