A Clash of Storms (A Shade of Vampire #50)(82)

“Oh, hell,” he said. “Although this has certainly been a traumatic experience for us all, I must admit that it has also brought out the best in you kids. You’re all more than worthy of high-ranking GASP positions sooner rather than later, and we might as well assign you to the new Eritopian base here, since you’re more familiar with the locals than we are. You can also help to train the recruits coming in from The Shade.”

Mom was the first to burst into tears, her emotions a mixture of joy and sadness. Dad put his arm around her shoulders and held her close, while Phoenix and I quickly moved to hug and kiss her.

“My babies have found true love and meaningful lives here, and I… It would be cruel to take them away from here,” Mom said between hiccups. “I’m so proud of you.”

“We are who we are because of you and Dad,” I replied gently, wiping her tears. “So thank you both. And let’s not forget, we’re only a portal away!”

I ended on a positive note, as Aida, Vita, and Field’s parents were also getting increasingly emotional, at an alarming rate.

“You’ve all matured faster than other Shadian supernaturals, anyway,” Derek proudly added. “You’re all more than fit to do this. Oh, and Field?”

The Hawk’s head shot up from Aida’s, blinking nervously fast.

“I think you’d make a fine commander of the Eritopian GASP base here on Calliope,” Derek said with a smirk. Field’s eyes nearly popped out of their orbits, and Aida couldn’t help but gasp with surprise. “You’re the eldest and most experienced of your group. You’ll be able to assign positions to your team members according to their skills and abilities. You’ve fought a war with them, after all.”

“Thank you, Derek,” Field croaked, overwhelmed with emotion. “I… I will not let you down.”

“Of course, he won’t,” River interjected, hugging her son. “He’s a Novak, after all!”

Another wave of cheers and laughter erupted as we were all once again hugged and congratulated by our Shadians for everything we’d accomplished after what had simply started as a fae ball gone horribly wrong. I found myself exhilarated by the notion of having a sister and my whole family back.

Despite Eritopia being my new home, I knew that it would never truly replace The Shade in my heart. And I was definitely looking forward to spending time there and catching up with the rest of the Shadians. I figured that twenty years had brought new supernaturals and recruits into GASP.

“The portal between The Shade and Calliope will never close,” Rubia reiterated, as her sisters gathered behind her. “We will take our leave now, people of The Shade.”

“Nineteen kingdoms are awaiting news of Azazel and their liberation,” Safira added.

“And it will be our pleasure to deliver it,” Chana concluded with a nod, then winked at Viola, who’d kept herself close to Phoenix. “You can stay, little sister. We’ll handle this.”

Viola smiled at them, while Derek and Sofia gave them a curt nod. The Daughters then vanished into wisps of shimmering pink dust, leaving us with our families and friends.

“So what now?” Mom asked, looking at Phoenix and me.

“I was hoping you’d cook.” My brother’s adorable bluntness made us all laugh, until Mom cleared her throat.

“After all the time you’ve spent here, you’re willing to try one of your mother’s home-cooked meals for a change?” she asked with a flicker of amusement in her eyes.

“We might as well.” I shrugged, pretending it was no big deal. “Not that the food here is bad, but I am literally starving for some loaded pies à la Mom… That is, of course, if you’ll have us.”

That was as rhetorical as it could get, but it was enough to bring out the brightest smiles on Mom and Dad’s faces. I heard footsteps coming toward me and turned my head to see Hansa approaching. She reached me so fast, I didn’t even have time to react when she took me in her arms, hugging me tight enough to knock the air out of my lungs.

“You go, Serena,” she said, relentless in her grip. “We’ll take care of things here. Go be with your family for a while.”

As soon as she let go, I gave her a warm smile.

“I’ll be back before you know it,” I replied, then glanced at Draven, taking his hand in mine. “Would you like to join us?”

His eyes flickered black as his gaze darted from me to my parents and my siblings, then nodded.

“It would be an honor,” he said.

“And a pleasure, trust me.” Phoenix winked. “Mom’s one hell of a cook.”

Draven smiled, and I swooned, seeing him genuinely happy after everything he’d endured. I caught a glimpse of movement at the corner of my eye and noticed Jax sauntering toward us, his jade eyes carefully analyzing us.

“Would it be possible for me to join you as well?” he asked. “I’d like to learn more about your kind, vampires. I understand The Shade is always dark.”

“It is, yes,” my dad said. “You’re more than welcome to join us, Jax. I must admit we’re also curious about the Maras and our similarities as species.”

“Excellent, thank you. I’ll consider it a vacation, without a sliver of sunlight for a minimum of forty-eight hours.”