3: Lily

 "Mom, do we have to go back now?" Myra whined. "We didn't even swim with the sharks yet." The Wolf pup pouted with disappointment.

 Lily smiled sadly at her daughter as she zipped up her luggage. "I know, sweetie, but something came up and your father and I need to handle it right away."

 Myra hopped up on the bed she finished making. "Is it about this Karmina lady?"

 "And how do you know about her?" Lily asked as she rested her hands on her hips. "You weren't eavesdropping, were you?"

 "No." Myra avoided Lily's gaze. Lily inclined her head and continued to stare at her silently. Myra finally looked at her and rolled her eyes. "Okay, I did. It's not like you all were quiet, anyway."

 "Myra." Lily said disappointedly. She looked at her daughter for a moment. She reached out and ran her fingers through her blonde hair with black streaks. Unnatural to many, but Lily adored it. She loved how different the children were compared to other pups. Was that another reason for her identity crisis?

 "Mom?" Myra looked up at her worriedly. "Are what they said yesterday true? Are you some mix of an Angel and other jumbo stuff?"

 Lily frowned and sat down beside her. "I don't know." She spoke honestly. She wrapped her arm around Myra's shoulders. "What I know is that I am still your mother and that will never change." She squeezed her gently. "I don't know what will happen once we're home." Lily looked around Myra's room. From the sports posters nailed to the walls, to the bin of basketballs, footballs and soccer balls out on the balcony. "Whatever happens now, Myra." She peered down at her daughter. The girl looked back with her green and red eyes. "Your father and I will always be here for you and your brothers."

 "Your mother is right." Jayce spoke up from the doorway. They both glanced in his direction. He leaned against the doorframe wearing a button up dark blue shirt with the top two buttons undone and the sleeves rolled up, paired with black slacks and black boots. "No matter the chaos ahead, we'll handle it together."

 "Is everyone ready to go?" Lily asked him as Myra hopped off the bed and ran to Jayce. He hoisted her up into a gentle hug before he placed her back on her feet again.

 "Yes. The boys got everything together before they tore things apart." He informed her as she got to her feet next. "How are you feeling?" He asked as she stepped close enough for his hand to grab her waist and tugged her close.

 "After last night, better." She giggled as he leaned in and kissed her.

 "Ew." Myra groaned. "At least wait until I was out of earshot." She rolled her eyes and made her way downstairs. Jayce and Lily both laughed to themselves. She leaned into him and he wrapped his arms securely around her. She knew he could sense her concern about the whole situation. Thankfully, the kids hadn't developed that sort of sense just yet, which made Lily grateful considering everything that may happen.

 "I have you." Jayce whispered in her hair. His arms tightened around her. "No matter the outcome. I will always be by your side."

 Lily tilted her head up slightly and shut her eyes as he rested his cheek against her hair. His warm embrace and endearing words relaxed her anxiety little by little. She took a deep breath, inhaling his scent as she did. Rain. Over time, as she adapted to her alternative lifestyle as Luna, her sense of smell regarding his scent had grown. When he'd come back from a patrol with Damion, the scent mingled with moss and fresh soil. She would drown in it from time to time. Jayce hardly ever complained, either. She believed he enjoyed the closeness every time.

 "My apologies for interrupting." Dante's voice startled Lily. Jayce grumbled softly as he turned to the ancient Vampire. Dante smiled softly as he inclined his neck respectfully. In a similar fashion to Jayce, he also wore a maroon button up with a black tie and black slacks with dress shoes. "Willow has everything set up now. We are just waiting for you two." He informed them.

 "Is this safe to do, Lord Dante?" Lily asked as she stepped away from Jayce. Dante chuckled deeply at her proper tone.

 "Please, Dante is fine. I haven't been called a Lord in years and would prefer not to be called one now." Dante let out a sigh with the light smile still on his lips. "I trust Willow. She has grown into her powers over the last six years. Though young as she is, she is very capable and dependable." He peered past her to find Jayce carrying Myra's bags. "Would you like any help?"

 "No." He grumbled deeply as he walked past and made his way downstairs.

 "I'm sorry." Lily apologized, but Dante shook his head.

 "No need for that. I don't blame him for feeling the way he does right now. We've trespassed and ruined your vacation with your family." He looked away with dark, golden eyes. "I wish this really was under different circumstances."

 Lily walked with him to the stairs. "My mother used to tell me when I was little that everything happens for a reason. Whether it be Fate or just coincidence." She let out a slow breath. "If you all being here is meant to happen, then maybe what you have told me is true."

 "It's a lot to take in, I'm sure." Dante told her. He leant his arm to her and Lily couldn't help herself but to giggle at his charm. She could tell there was a difference between him now than the first time they had met. As they reached the bottom of the stairs and Dante's eyes immediately flew to Willow, Lily understood why. She didn't know if the Mate bond was the same for Vampires, but she knew genuine love when she saw it.

 Willow looked over at them and gestured to the door. "I have the circle ready to go outside. The others are waiting, along with the staff that would go with you back to your home in Washington."

 "It's still offputting that you know so much when I know so little about any of you." Lily commented.

 Willow raised her hands defensively. "I'm sorry. Part of the time, I can't control it." She flushed when Lily smiled at her.

 "It's alright, really. We'll have time to introduce each other to one another properly." She rested a hand on Willow's shoulder and gave it a gently squeeze. Willow smiled and walked with her outside, followed by Dante close behind them.

 The warm Summer breeze blew Lily's sun colored hair. It tickled her neck. As she brushed her hair aside, she found Jayce looking at her. Hunger burned in his crimson gaze. Her body wanted to melt. Ten years and he still affected her in such a way.

 "This is rather rejuvenating." Zalakai stated from beside Rayleigh. "I haven't felt such a powerful and lustful bond in some time." He grunted softly as Rayleigh elbowed his ribs. "Aside from ours, my dear."

 "He has no filter, does he?" Amira asked as she stood beside Aiden. She had put up her snow white hair into a ponytail with small braids mixed in. She slid her hunting knife back into her boot before she noticed Lily watching her. "It's for my safety."

 "Right." Lily said awkwardly before she joined Jayce at his side. Willow stood in the center as the group gathered. Jayce, Lily and their children. Amira and Aiden. Rayleigh and Zalakai. Dante. Along with the security that tagged along for the trip.

 "If you could, everyone be silent while I concentrate, please." Willow said aloud. She shut her eyes and clasped her hands together in front of her chest. Lily felt Jayce grab her hand and squeeze it reassuringly. He rested his other hand on Myra's shoulder, who held Zyrus's hand and he held Sylar's hand. She felt the uneasiness in the twins with the new people around and rested her hand on Sylar's shoulder. They both simultaneously settled down.

 Everything will be okay.

 Nox's voice relaxed her. He had been silent since the revelation of her true identity came to light. Jayce squeezed her hand again as if to agree with his Wolf's words of reassurance. She shut her eyes and pictured home. The large estate with its white stone walls that had once frightened her. Now her haven from her past life. The marble tiles in the foyer that lead off to the open living room and dining room. To the kitchen, where she shared meals with her family. The piano room. Still pristine to this very day and another place for her to escape to. The garden. The long winding driveway into the city. Erica and Damion. Everyone was waiting.

  There was a gust of wind that swept around her. The sea salt in the air was nearly suffocating, but it quickly dispersed to the familiar scent of moss and fresh soil after a rainstorm. Birds chirped softly around her, as if welcoming her home.

 Lily opened her eyes and, to her amazement, found the very home she had mentally pictured. Myra and the twins darted away from her and Jayce to the house while she still adjusted to what had just happened.

 "That turned out easier this time. Well done, my love." Dante complimented Willow with a kiss on her brow, yet she was looking past him.

 "I had some help." Willow stated. Everyone looked over at Lily immediately.

 "But I did nothing." Lily objected instantly.

 "But you did." Willow told her. "You pictured your home exactly where it was."

 "Well, yeah, I've lived here for years. I should know where I live by now." Lily tried to play it off.

 "Even if that's the case, you helped guide us here. Safely too." Willow smiled. "Thank you. It would have taken me a bit to narrow down the exact location, but you escalated it."

 "Before you hammer her again." Jayce intercepted. "We need to tend to the children and get everything in order." His eyes landed on Aiden. "I have questions of my own."

 "Lily?!" Erica's voice surprised her. The woman dashed around a hedge to find the group that had gathered. "Whoa." She waved absentmindedly at them. "When Myra said there were people out here, I thought she meant just you two and the guards."

 "Erica." Lily said with relief as she hugged her tight. "It's a lot to go over, but I'm so glad you're here. Is Damion with you to?"

 "He's picking up the rascal from his dad's, but he'll be here shortly." Erica turned to everyone. "Sup, I'm Erica." She brushed her dark red hair back and smiled. "Anyone need a drink?"