Semua Bab Mother, May I: Bab 21 - Bab 30

We go through the attendance lists for about thirty minutes. I find everyone on my list, as do Tío Gael and Caleb. Aubrey is the only one who doesn’t.“Who’s missing?” Tío Gael asks.“Sebastián Lobos, Zion Everly, and Kennedy and Blake Leblanc,” Aubrey replies. Looking up at Tío, she adds, “The four of them are best friends. Makes sense they’d be missing together.”“Any idea where they’d go?” Tío Gael asks, clearly exasperated. “We told everyone to stay nearby, and they’re the only ones who didn’t listen.”Amethyst—one of Jamal, Bella, and Gregory’s kids—is standing nearby and pipes up. “I overheard them say they wanted to practice some of the moves we worked on in warrior training this week.” She’s a hybrid witch-wolf, meant to eventually take over as the Priestess of the Maiden coven here in Arcadia. But she’s way more in tune with her wolf than her sister Freya. Honestly, I wonder if she’ll really step into the priestess role—or if her future lies with her alpha brother Finnegan’s l

I don’t know who gave the all-clear—or if we even got one—before I was hauling ass back to the city. It’s only ten miles, but with Kennedy’s intoxicating scent filling the car and our mutual need to touch, I nearly pull over five separate times to take her right there on the side of the road.Thank the Goddess—and all things holy and pro-sex—that my house is on this side of the city, close to the Academy. Two minutes later, I screech into my parking lot and kill the engine.We’re out of the car in seconds, and Kennedy immediately pins me against the hood, kissing me like she needs me to breathe. I moan into her possessive kiss, arching my back when one of her hands cups my breast with a firm, needy squeeze.“Kennedy,” I gasp as her lips trail down my jaw to my neck—featherlight kisses paired with rough, greedy hands. It’s a sensory whiplash, and I love it.“You smell so damn good, baby,” she whispers against my skin, and I shiver under her hold. “You’re already so wet for me.”It’s the

I’ve never been so nervous in my entire life.This is the first time I’ll meet my parents. And with some of the decisions I’ve made lately, I’m not sure how they’re going to take it. This could go really, really well—or really, really badly.I glance behind me, watching my mates watch me leave with Selene. All three of them are standing together, arms wrapped around each other’s waists. There’s happiness in their eyes, but I can see the shadow underneath it—disappointment that I’m not with them.I wish I was.I wish I could have let myself do it. But I just… I don’t feel worthy. And that’s what’s holding me back from being truly happy with them.I can be intimate with JoJo and Alexander for reasons outside of their powers. Alexander has literally been in my life since the day I was born. He’s been my brother, my best friend, my boyfriend, and now my mate. JoJo too—we grew up with her in Arcadia. She’s always been part of my life.They’re easy to love. Easy to feel safe with.But now I’

I launch a punch at Nate’s head, which he blocks. He does the same with the roundhouse punch I throw with my other hand—but I use his grip on my arm to gain leverage. I jump, wrapping my legs around him, and use the momentum to bring him down hard.With my legs around his arms, he can’t catch himself. He lands with a grunt, and I start wailing on him—temples, jaw, nose, cheeks. Hit after hit.Nathan bucks me off, but he’s definitely worse for wear.“What the fuck, Tomas?!” he yells, spitting blood. “This is sparring, not a beatdown!”I roll to my feet, crouching low and defensive.“Mas! Come on! Talk to me! It’s not that bad!” Nathan growls, his bruises already beginning to heal. That—and his words—piss me off more.“Not that bad?! Are you fucking kidding me?!” I shout, launching into a flurry of kicks, punches, and a headbutt. He blocks most, but I land enough to make a point.“That’s enough, Mas!” Devin yells. “We’re not trying to send anyone to the hospital today.”“I don’t know abo

“You look stunning, Fati! I’m so excited you’re finally taking your place as Luna,” JoJo gushes, adding the finishing touches to my hair. “And I think choosing Caleb as your beta is a great idea.”JoJo’s been absurdly hyped about every single thing related to my Luna ceremony since Hermes brought her and Alexander back to Arcadia. Jacob’s still with his parents in Selene’s realm—we haven’t heard a thing.I think part of JoJo’s excitement is just her redirecting her anxiety. If she stays focused on me, she doesn’t have to worry about Jacob.“Thanks, JoJo,” I say, trying to match her energy. I should be excited—it’s my ascension ceremony. But all I feel is... hollow. Like I’ve skipped a step. Like I failed some part of myself.“I think Caleb will make a good beta,” I add. “He’s compassionate, meticulous, and steady. We need that.”“He’s been searching for a purpose since Citra passed. I think this is something Michael would be proud to see him do,” Mom adds, clasping a necklace around my