Page 92 of Heatwaves

We didn’t even know Lila had put a bid in on it until she told us she’d bought us a house. It really is the perfect house for us but needed some renovations, so we didn’t move in until a week and a half ago.

I love that we finally have a place where we can be together, with everyone having their own room. Plus, there are a ton of extra rooms for us to use as we expand our family. Lila hasn’t decided how long she wants between pregnancies yet, but she wants to have one of each of our kids and she wants them close in age. It’s going to be a busy next few decades for us, but I can’t wait.

“Hey, Aidan.”

I startle at Ryder’s voice, eyes going wide. “You made it!”

“Like I was going to miss your bonding ceremony—especially when Bria was making a special appearance.” He laughs, running his hand through his thick black hair.

“It’s so fucking good to see you,” I tell him, pulling him in for a hug. It’s been less than a year since we last saw him, but he’s basically family to us. “Have you seen the others yet?”

Ryder slaps his hand on my back. “Everyone but you and Ty. I thought I’d let him introduce me to the last two of his mates.”

“She’s our mate, too.”

He laughs. “I’m well aware. I’m glad to see him doing better than the last time I saw all of you. He looks so much lighter.”

“Happiness will do that for you. Well, that and lots of amazing sex with his mates.” We laugh together as I glance around. “Did you not bring your mates?”

“No, they had to stay at home, but don’t worry, we’ll all see one another again. Or so Bria has told me.”

“I don’t like the sound of that,” I say warily.

He laughs again. “Nothing like the last ten years, I promise. She’s talking about opening portals to all the realms now that they’ve allbeen repaired. We’ll be able to move freely between all ten realms.”

I frown. “Ten? There are only nine, aren’t there? And most people don’t even know Quion exists.”

“If your realm is hidden, do you really think there aren’t others hidden?”

I blow out a breath. “Well, hell. No, I hadn’t thought about that.”

He waves me off. “We’ll talk about it later. I’m off to go meet the last two members of your pod. I’m glad you got your happy ending, man. You all deserve it after what you gave up.”

Watching him walk toward Ty, Wyatt, and Lila, I shake my head. I guess there’s still more I don’t know about the realms, even after traveling them for ten years. As long as I don’t ever have to leave my mate behind again, I’m happy to learn more about the realms.

And we’re not the only ones who deserve a happy ending—Ryder does, too. I can’t help wondering what has kept his mates away, and if it’s something we need to worry about.

Shaking my head, I trail behind him. That’s something to worry about another day. Right now, I just want to spend the rest of the night with my pod.

THE END

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