We might finally have a chance for regular meals again.
Brace hopped out of the bed before swinging me up and onto my feet. One of his hands landed on my butt as he pulled me closer and lowered his head to press his lips to mine.
“I think we need a shower first,” he said.
I snorted. “If we shower together, we’ll never make it downstairs.”
Still, could be worth starving to death for. I thought that to myself, but of course Brace picked up on it.
No, I need you alive and well. Go shower. I’ll grab one next door.
“You might want to put some clothes on first,” I said as my eyes scanned the tawny expanse in front of me. It was almost involuntary. I really couldn’t help myself.
His eyes heated again, and I had to step back into his arms. He lifted me higher so we were almost face to face.
“I want to do the mating ceremony, Red.” His words were low. “I don’t want to wait any longer, and even though our bond could not be any stronger, I want this for us. Blessing from the elders. Blessing from the gods.”
I nodded, my head jerky as emotions took me over. “Yes, Brace. A million times yes. I love you,” I said, throwing my arms around his neck. “I love you so much.”
“I love you too, Abby. More than my life, for all of eternity.”
We kissed one last time, and then with a strength of will I didn’t know I possessed, I managed to wrench myself away, and dash across into my bathroom. Before I lost my resolve to shower and eat. Brace’s laughter followed me the entire way. I legit could not wait to spend the rest of my life in his arms. Right after I washed away the funk of last night’s party and got some food. Girl’s got to have priorities.
Once I was done, hair brushed back into a braid, I stepped into my dressing room and threw on the first pair of jeans and comfy tee I could find. Brace had been a touch faster than I was and was waiting as I stepped back into the main room. Dressed in a fitted black shirt and his fatigue-style pants with their many weapon pockets. Plus shit-kicker boots. He looked hot and dangerous, which was my favorite combination.
As we strolled along the hallway toward the stairs, I could sense so many different energies surrounding us. The party last night had been on the grounds where the original Walker gathering was held. I knew most of the fey, First Worlders and Walkers had passed out somewhere in that vicinity, but I could sense that the half-Walker girls had made it back here.
And Lucy was definitely around.
Her green energy was easy to distinguish. Just the thought of her and Fury doing karaoke again had laughter bubbling up. Memories were coming easier now, although plenty still seemed to be on the blurry side.
“Colt was happy she kept her clothes on this time,” Brace said, picking up on my mental images.
“I’ll bet he was.” Overprotective wolf-Walker.
I took the stairs two at a time, keeping up with Brace’s long-legged stride, and practically dragging him across the entrance and into the kitchen area. I could smell food. And I needed it.
The kitchen benches were filled with large trays of goodness, and there was more than one person perched around there filling their plates.
“Supes!” Fury gave a shout before bounding over and throwing her arms around me. “Thought you’d be hugging the toilet right about now.”
I groaned, her words reminding me of the nausea when I awoke. Thank the gods for Brace’s healing hands. My face flushed as I thought more on those talented hands.
My mate’s grin shot straight across the space, heat burning in his gaze.
Later.
“Abbs, you have to grab some of this deliciousness. It’s to die for.” Lucy distracted me as she mumbled around her full mouth of food.
She was wedged into a small space at the table, the wall on one side and Colton on the other. Both of them had a mountain of food in front of them.
I didn’t hesitate, practically running to the side bench. I got some of everything, the colorful fruit particularly appetizing today. Brace and I pulled a few chairs from the more formal dining area and squished them in. I wanted to be close to everyone.
Lallielle and Josian dropped kisses on my cheek, before strolling over to retrieve some of the scraps which were left. By the time I’d gobbled down my toast, the table was full to bursting. All of the half-Walkers were there, and their mates. Even Lucas was perched close to Ria.
“Don’t you have a world to boss around or something?” I teased when blue eyes locked in on me.
His perfect nose wrinkled. “Have we forgotten that you’re the chosen Empress? I’m thinking of retiring and leaving the job up to you.”
He exchanged a look with Ria. A light started to glow across the amazing color of her eyes. She liked what he was saying.