Page 120 of Spirit Storm

"As if there were any doubt." Asher's expression tells me just how worried he'd been. He leans into the contact of Orion and, man, love is a good look on them.

Rowan appears with two drinks and offers me one. Behind her, Clara lifts her cup in a silent toast, and Izzy wraps an arm around my shoulders from the side and squeezes once without making a production of it. "Congrats, ladies. We couldn't be happier for you."

Violet and Lily go off with them, dissolving into the crowd.

I take a sip of my fruity concoction and yeah, baby, it's gooood.

Sebastian falls into step beside me and I squeal, and give him a hug. "You're here! How are you?"

I look him over, and the answer is obvious. He's wearing a glow that has nothing to do with his golden tan or any magic. "Things are… good."

"Yay, you. I'm so thrilled. You deserve all the happiness."

He shrugs. "I'm not sure about that, but I'm too selfish to give it up."

"Then don't. Live in every moment. I hope it lasts a lifetime."

He winks. "Right back at you. How's life treating you?"

"I've given up some dresser drawers and space in the closet, but can't complain."

Across the yard, Wylder is at the grill, because of course he is. He has a spatula in one hand and is apparently explaining something to Garrison with great seriousness.

Garrison is listening with the solemnity of someone receiving tactical intelligence. When Wylder looks up and finds me watching, he hands the spatula directly to Garrison, who takes it without hesitation, and strides over.

He doesn't ask how it went. He just puts his hand against my jaw and looks at me, reading the answer himself. "You look lighter."

"I feel lighter."

He kisses me once before Tanner and Marty interrupt.

Tanner clasps both of my hands in his and gives them a firm, warm squeeze. "I'm so damn proud of you, kid."

"Of all three of you girls." Marty raises his beer. "Now, make a plate and eat something. This is a party—your party."

Tanner puts an arm around Marty's shoulders. "We're headed out shortly. Six o'clock comes fast, but we had to be here." He says it simply, and I understand what he means.

Some things you simply show up for.

Vale finds me after they leave. He is wearing a purple velvet suit at a backyard barbecue with the confidence of a man who has never owned casual clothing and does not intend to start.

His rainbow silk tie catches the fairy lights, and he smiles. "I trust the ritual was a success and your contract ended."

"It did. Thank you for all you did to help me, to find my sisters, and to get me out of that contract."

I give him a quick hug, and he stiffens, briefly and completely, in the manner of someone ambushed by sincerity. Then his hand comes up and pats my shoulder. "Yes, well, I owe a great deal to your family. I am ever your humble servant."

"Well, I'm honored to have inherited you. Thanks again."

Mica finds me next, Brimstone draped across her shoulders like a smoke-grey scarf, his amber eyes are half-closed and deeply unimpressed by the festivities.

She points her thumb over her shoulder toward the house. "Your mirror is hung upstairs, where your sisters said it belongs. We're taking the forge and answering a call from Dae-Jung for demon weapons in Korea. We'll be mobile for a while, and I didn't want you to be without it while we're gone."

I hug her, careful to not get my face too close to the cat. "Thank you for everything. If you hadn't come through with those blades, we never would've defeated Tharuzel. You're making a real difference."

She chuckles. "I'm not the only one. Take care, Poppy."

I'm still watching her disappear into the trees at the back of the property when Garrison makes his way to me. He's got a crystal tumbler in his hand, and I have no idea where it came from or what he's drinking. "You gather followers like a rock star."