That was a bit of a surprise. I knew I hadn't seen him around, but hadn't asked. I thought he was staying with Griffin, since they were brothers and were becoming close. Jeral walked in looking just the same, only he wore a confident smile on his face. The transition had been good for him. He went to sit with Griffin and Amara, who were there with Wyatt. My little brother, I realized. I had a brother for real, now. The though made me dizzy.
Rolfe was introduced next, and I'd already seen the transformation in him. He didn't seem self-conscious about his height now, whereas he had been before, towering as he did over everybody. Now he wore it comfortably. I was more than happy for him.
"And now, for the ones Belen chose," Kiarra announced. Someone folded to her side, smiling. I was on my feet in a second. Thomas Williams was grinning at me as I rose to go to him. He took my hands and bent down to kiss my cheek.
"It's so good to see you again," he whispered.
"I know," I was trying not to cry. I'd watched him die on a dark night in North Dakota. His family had accepted me and I'd become a member of the Sacramento Pack after Winkler was forced to move my membership from the Dallas Pack. Thomas went to sit next to Martin—they'd renewed their friendship, I could tell. I wanted to get the full story but that would come later.
I went back to my seat between Gavin and Garde. The next one to fold in had Gavin on his feet, though, and I'd never heard that sound come from him before. I realized why after only a second or two. "This is Aurelius," Kiarra introduced the vampire. He had a lion's mane of dark-gold hair and he was a bear of a man—strong and authoritative. When Gavin went to him, Aurelius welcomed his son, crushing him against him and weeping. That was a reunion I never thought to see. Garde pulled me into his lap so Aurelius could sit beside Gavin. They were both misty-eyed when they took their seats.
"You are Gavin's—the Vampire Queen?" Aurelius asked when he settled on the chair beside us.
"Yeah." I wanted to cry for Gavin, too—happy tears. "I can't tell you how glad I am that you're here," I said. "And I want you to meet Connegar soon," I added. Aurelius flashed me a brilliant smile and nodded.
"And now, last but not least," Kiarra was smiling as someone else folded in.
He was tall, black haired, black eyed, and moved with the grace of a werewolf. He wasn't wearing a suit, either, but had settled for jeans and a pullover. No socks were worn with the designer loafers and the grin that came was like a gift from heaven.
"Winkler!" I was shouting his name as I ran as fast as I could in his direction. He took the hit as I crashed into him and he lifted me off the floor, kissing me hard and fast. I was saying his name repeatedly as I kissed every bit of his face I could reach. He finally set me down and got my face between his hands, holding it still for one long, deep, I'll-never-let-you-go-again kiss.
Do you know how much I love you? He sent the mental message.
Not as much as I love you, I returned.
I think not, he argued, giving me a mental chuckle.
"Come on, baby, we're being stared at," Winkler lifted me up and carried me off to the side. Two more chairs were brought so we could sit down.
"The last announcement I have to make before we sit down for dinner," Kiarra called for our attention again, "is that there are Rogue Copper Ra'Ak out there again. The ones that were out planting REHs are now among the worlds of light and Belen says they're making spawn as quickly as possible. The Saa Thalarr and Spawn Hunters will be given schedules to hunt them down. We hope to contain them quickly, before they have a chance to spread again. In the meantime, enjoy yourselves. You've earned it."
"Let's eat," Winkler pulled me from my chair. He was hungry. Well, some things won't ever change.
The End