Page 119 of Magic and Muffins

“You’re really okay?”

“I am. Tonight was a little scary, but the vampire leader is dead. And I’m safe in the car with Cross and Shepard now.”

“Both of them?”

I felt my face flush.

“Yeah. Both of them.”

She was quiet for a long moment.

“I’d like you to meet them when you get back. They’ve saved me more times than I can count.”

“But aren’t they why you needed saving?”

“No, Mom. The people who were trying to use me to hurt them are why I needed saving. I’ll explain everything when you get home and we have more time.”

“We’ll be home in two days.”

“Okay. Keep sending pictures. Please enjoy the rest of the trip, and don’t worry about me. The danger is behind us now.”

“I’ll try, but I’d like a few pictures from you too.”

“Deal.”

I hung up and looked at Shepard and Cross. Both looked equally nervous.

“Do you think they’ll be able to accept us?” Cross asked.

“I do. Eventually. Like I said, it won’t be that you’re a vampire or that you’re a werewolf that they’ll struggle with. It’ll be that I’m with both of you. It will take time, but they’ll come around.”

When we finally arrived home, it was nearing sunrise. All I wanted was a shower and bed and to cuddle with my two guys. Thankfully, we were all on the same page.

“Go ahead and shower,” Shepard said. “I’ll have pajamas and a glass of water waiting for you.”

Cross went ahead of me and started the shower. He helped me out of my clothes and glanced at my many bruises and cuts.

“They’re fine,” I said. “I’m fine.”

They were both being sweet, and they both wore the same apprehensive expression. It wasn’t until I was showered, dressed in soft pajamas, and snuggle-sandwiched between the two of them that I finally understood why.

I eyed both of them in the dim room. “This is because I said I wouldn’t forgive either of you, isn’t it? Can you blame me? You cared nothing for the world and were going to sacrifice your rings and yourselves just to save me.”

“We couldn’t stand by and do nothing,” Shepard said.

“What about your pack? The rest of the world? You’re the alpha, Shepard.”

“And you’re my mate. I would give up everything for you.”

“Neither of us would change our minds or regret our choices if it means saving you.” Cross slipped his hand into mine, bringing it to his lips for a kiss. “We also would have found a way to fix our mistakes. Be mad at us tomorrow, Everly. For what’s left of tonight, get your sleep.”

“You’re postponing the argument.”

He kissed my hand again, then my cheek. “I’m only saying the hero should rest.”

“Hero?”

“You saved us all, Everly.”

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