I turned to look at him as tears slipped from my eyes. I’d forgotten Christmas, and he, a male who’d probably never even cared about it, had remembered it. “Thank you,” I whispered and watched as he accepted Zander from Ciara, who then proceeded to rush to the huge chocolate fountain that was set up off to the side of the intricate staircase.
Others continued to come in behind us, and as I cast a questioning look at Ryder, he explained. “It’s the Winter Solstice on Tèrra right now so Christmas will be in a few more days for the Humans. On the Winter Solstice, most of the Fae give thanks to and honor the Goddess for another fruitful year. For almost sixteen years, when we were staying regularly on Tèrra, we held it at the lake near the mansion. This year we’ve settled on the pools outside in the gardens. The Mages have screwed up some traditions, but not this one.”
Everyone was laughing, and stamping off the snow as they entered the mansion. They then moved into the large room situated off the entryway, which held a grand fireplace. The Yule log burned, and I smiled, wondering just where they’d taken these traditions from. It looked as if Christmas had met Hanukkah, and they’d had a baby…which was this room. The huge chandelier that was hanging above the mantel was lit with candles, which increased the glow from the fire. Hundreds of other candles burned in sconces along the walls and evergreen boughs were strewn along the walls and banisters.
Mulled cider was being passed around in crystal goblets, and the scent of Christmas was heady as more of the men showed up. Everyone was wearing robes of bright Christmas colors, and I smiled.
“Come,” Ryder said as we made our way through the room to one of the large comfy couches that were arranged around the fireplace.
I rearranged Kahleena’s blanket and sat beside Ryder as Darynda passed us Cade. I caught sight of the Demon who was watching us. His eyes smiled as he took us in. I narrowed my eyes on him as he stepped closer.
“Not quiet what I saw for the future, but it’s still one worth fighting to keep,” he mumbled as he rubbed his temple as if trying to figure something out.
“You saw this?” Ryder asked.
“Yes, and no,” he admitted as he bent down to kneel in front of us. “I saw us here, after the mansion was destroyed. Only one child was here, a son with blue eyes and black hair.”
I didn’t speak, because it hit home at that moment, how many times he’d told me that just because he’d seen something didn’t make it real. A simple wrinkle could change everything. He stood back up after kissing Kahleena’s nose and walked away to where a female stood across the room.
“Olivia isn’t here,” I whispered.
“No, he took her to his quarters yesterday and I don’t anticipate anyone seeing her anytime soon. We don’t question it,” Ryder said as he rearranged the two boys in his arms. I watched them as their eyes grew alive as they watched the merriment of the Elite Guard as they pulled women onto an expanse of empty flooring at the other end of the room and began to dance.
“They are watching the men,” I said as I turned to watch them myself. “Oh, I’m not so sure they should be watching that…”
“They’re boys,” he said, as if it explained it all.
“So they get to watch the men’s frolicking and playing stick the pickle in the jar?” I asked, and watched as he did his best not to laugh.
“Stick the pickle in the jar? Please, elaborate on that…or, if you feel so inclined, show me,” he whispered.
“Fairy, you’re incorrigible,” I groaned. I called out to the men. “Hey, knock it off would ya? You need to keep it PG!”
They only smiled and winked as they continued to grind against the willing women. I watched as Ristan continued speaking to the woman in the corner, her eyes alight with whatever he’d said. Only he didn’t look as if he was as interested as his companion was.
“Is he sick?” I asked absently.
“Who?” Ryder asked.
“Ristan. He’s sorta ignoring his companion and doesn’t seem too interested in what she’s offering,” I whispered quietly.
“No, but if he’s turning down…”
“So help me God, Ryder,” I hissed. “Watch what you say around the babies.”
“I was going to say tail,” he said with a wicked grin.
“Sinjinn!” I said as he passed us.
“Yes?” he asked as he looked down at me.
“Hold your niece,” I said as I handed Kahleena over without waiting to see what he would say.
He took her, and I stood, and pointed at the couch as if to tell him to plant his ass there. I wanted my children to stay put with their badass father. I however, was going to catch a Demon by the toe and make him holler.
I spared a glance back at the couch and stopped. Sinjinn held her away from him, but in his lap. He stared down at her as if she was too precious to touch, as if he’d break her, but Ryder was on it. He showed him how to cradle her, and protect her head from moving too much. Kahleena’s eyes were closed, unlike her brothers who watched the men still.
I turned away with a heavy heart and headed for Ristan. He was still rubbing his temples as the woman…I think it was anyway, it was tall and grayish in color and it was hard to judge some of the sexes of these things, so hey, I guessed anyway.