Page 145 of Hand-Fasting and Other Hazards
Nia closed her eyes, emotion thick in her throat. “Thank you,” she whispered.
“I never doubted you’d get it,” Wulfric murmured. “Even after you insisted I stay out of it and demanded none of my council be on the approval committee.”
She pulled back, shaking her head with a knowing smile. “Only because I know how persuasive you are.”
She and Ivy had worked tirelessly on their proposal in the days since Nia’s kidnapping. They had presented five- and ten-year plans to the Videt committee only the day before, outlining structure, programs, and long-term benefits for the supernatural community. It had been one of the most ambitious things they’d ever done—years of planning and dreaming transformed into a single comprehensive plan in a matter of days—but their vision of what the House for Wayward Supernaturals could be had kept both her and Ivy going.
And now? It would be real.
The thought of what this could mean, not just for Stella Rune, but for witches and supernaturals everywhere, sent another surge of pride and hope through her. There was still so much work to do. For their world. For a future where supernaturals and regulars could finally coexist. And Nia had a feeling that this—the House, the work ahead—would be an essential part of it.
Lochlan arrived and handed her a drink.
“Fairy wine-free,” he teased. “I spoke with Thane today,” he said, turning to Wulfric. “He has news.”
“Not now,” Wulfric said, clearing his throat and wiping at his eyes. “We can talk tomorrow. Tonight I’ll make my rounds and head out. Blessed Samhain.” He smiled at them both before stepping away into the crowd.
Nia turned back to Lochlan, her heart still racing. “We got the funding.”
“Of course you did,” he said, warm and certain. He leaned down and pressed a kiss to her lips, the kind that said everything words couldn’t.
She smiled against his mouth, her fingers curling in the fabric of his shirt. Lochlan had been there through every late night, every moment of doubt. His steady presence had been her anchor—and she couldn’t imagine having done it without him.
A familiar voice broke through her thoughts.
“Nia!”
Ivy barreled toward them, her sheer dress catching the firelight in dazzling flashes. Nia set the drink aside and rushed to meet her friend halfway, grabbing Ivy’s hands in excitement.
“We got the funding!”
“No.” Ivy gasped, her face lighting up with pure joy. “You’re kidding!”
“I’m not!”
They squealed in unison, laughing and jumping up and down like they were teenagers again. Ivy hugged Nia tightly, her voice muffled against her shoulder. “I knew we’d get it. Goddess, this is going to change everything.”
“I think it just might. And none of it would have happened without you.”
“Don’t you dare get sentimental now,” Ivy teased, fanning her face dramatically. “I refuse to cry before the dancing starts.”
“Good thing it’s starting now,” Nia said, grinning as she grabbed Ivy’s hand and tugged her toward the fire.
The music swelled, a lively beat carried by drums and stringed instruments. Ivy let out a delighted laugh and spun in a circle, her dress catching the air like a shimmering cloud. Nia joined her, their laughter blending with the rhythm as they twirled and swayed.
From the edge of the firelight, Lochlan watched, an amused but hesitant smile on his face. He looked so out of place—tall and stiff among the fluid movements of the dancers. Nia broke away from Ivy and made her way to him. Grabbing his hand, she tugged him into the circle of dancers.
“Nia,” he began, reluctant.
“You’ll be fine,” she teased, her smile playful as she pressed a kiss to his cheek.
“The lack of fairy wine makes this hard,” Lochlan muttered, his feet shuffling awkwardly as he tried to match the rhythm.
Nia stepped closer until her body was pressed against his. Her hands slid up to rest on his shoulders, guiding him gently. “You don’t need to be drunk,” she whispered, her voice low and seductive as her lips brushed his. “You just need me.”
She swayed her hips in time with the tune, and Lochlan’s body responded. His arms settled around her waist, pulling her closer as he followed her lead.
“See?” she murmured against his ear. “You’re perfect.”
