“Oh, he’ll get over it, or he’ll have dead fish in his bed again,” Cassidy said, grinning.

  “So, how did it go, meeting Malachi’s family?” Maria asked. “I have to tell you, when I met your family, I was not at my best.”

  “Well, most of them think I’m a nut, but there are a few I’d like to find out more about, especially if they are going to be staying around here,” Cassidy said.

  “Ohhh, who and why?” Maria asked. “Who has set off the Spidey senses?”

  Cassidy pointed. “The bimbos in the corner there and the two men at the far end of their table.”

  “Hmm, I’ve met the one guy, and he gives me the shivers every time he is around. Now the three banshees over there…just knock them upside their heads, and maybe you’ll jar something loose.”

  “If they keep looking at Malachi like that, I’m going to do more than knock something loose.” Cassidy watched the three women look from Malachi to her, smirking.

  “Maria, how would you like to take a little stroll?”

  “Only if we take Faith with us. They have three. We should have three.” Maria waved Faith over to them.

  “So, which three are trash?” she asked.

  “I’m so happy you are Nessa’s other mother. You are an amazing woman, Faith.” Cassidy got up and stretched. Cassidy glanced around the room, turning to see her mother staring at her.

  “I swear I have to learn that look. My other two kids just laugh and keep on doing what they do,” Maria said. “It’s like they know we are up to no good.”

  “That’s because you are a pushover when it comes to your kids,” Faith said. They’d moved around the tables and out into the open when Surne stepped up to them.

  “Where are you going, little one?”

  “Um, just walking around. Saying hi to a few people and such,” Cassidy said, reaching up, pulling him down to kiss his cheek, all the while never taking her gaze off the three.

  “Cassidy, be good,” Surne said, reaching around and squeezing her ass cheek. “I’d hate to use the paddle on your special day.”

  But Cassidy was already on her way, waving at him as she watched the three in question move closer to her man Malachi.

  “They really are brazen hussies, aren’t they?” Faith narrowed her eyes. “Look at the way they are drooling over your mannn.” Faith squeaked the last part.

  “You are not going to be causing trouble are you, Faith?”

  “We were just—” Cassidy began when a big body pressed up against her.

  “You were saying, Little Whirlwind?” Malachi scraped his fangs across her neck. “Don’t you think I know you are up to something?”

  “Who, me? Never. The three of us were just walking around, that’s all. Oh, and I thought I would say hi to a few of your family.” Cassidy turned around to see said three women right behind them. Even though they weren’t related to Malachi she still didn’t want to start trouble with them, since they were part of his clan-family.

  Cassidy wrapped her arms around Malachi. “Can we help you ladies?”

  Malachi nipped her neck and pulled her to his side as they faced the three in question.

  One girl with black hair and a green stripe down the side of her head, Betsy was her name, stepped forward. “I was wondering if you would save a dance for me? We used to tear up the dance floor, if you remember.”

  Cassidy snarled and moved to step forward, but Malachi held her still. “Actually, Betsy, I do believe Jordon was hoping he could have the first dance with you.”

  “You called?” Her brother arrived beside them.

  Malachi nodded. “I think Betsy here is going to be very important to you. Don’t ask me how I know, I just do.”

  “What? Really, Betsy?” Cassidy glanced from her brother to Betsy who stared at each other. “Well damn. Seems my brother now has two mates,” she laughed as the music started to play.

  “If you will excuse us, I believe I get the first dance with my lovely lady,” Malachi said, twirling her around. “Oh, and I suggest you two go sit, before I have you sent back home.”

  People formed a circle around them as Malachi pulled her into his arms. “You know, this is kind of like the human first dance at their marriage,” Cassidy said, and smiled up at him as he dipped her and placed a kiss on her lips.

  “Really, interesting. Now, you want to tell me what you were thinking about going to confront the three women?”

  “Actually, it wasn’t only the women. There are two men who are giving my Spidey senses fits or gut feelings you would call them.” She smiled. “Tell me, have you danced in the wind?” she asked, lifting them up, wind rushing around them.

  Malachi stumbled and glared down at her. “You did that on purpose.”

  “Hey, have to see if your expertise is actually good in the air, too,” she teased.

  He twirled her around, before bringing her back into his body as people below clapped and whistled. “What two men?”

  She lowered them to the ground. “I wasn’t introduced to them. Last I saw they were sitting at the long table off to the back,” she said.

  He spun her toward the wall. “To the left or right of you?” Malachi said.

  “You know this is supposed to be our dance, and to the left.”

  “So, it is. Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight? I have to admit, seeing the other men watch my mate does not sit too well.” He nipped her neck as he pulled her back in close.

  “Hmm, well then quit walking around and talking with everyone. Spend some time with your lady. You haven’t even eaten, have you?” Cassidy pulled Malachi toward the buffet. “You are going to eat and then we can dance.”

  * * *

  Malachi sent a message to Surne who nodded in acknowledgement then moved toward the two men.

  Malachi had only known the men for a few years. They had recently arrived from a well-known family in Scotland.

  “You can tell Jasper and Kyle to grab themselves a plate and meet us at the table, too. It could be just my nervousness and nothing else when it comes to the two men.” Cassidy glanced at him, with doubt in her eyes.

  “Whatever is a concern to you is to us, too. You are our life, Little Whirlwind,” Malachi said, taking the empty plate she handed him and watching her pile on the food. “I hope you plan on sharing this, because I know for a fact all you have done is nibble today.”

  She smiled at him. “I have another plate here. I do miss cooking, though.”

  “You cook?” Krill asked, arriving with a plate filled to the max. “Not burn things?”

  “Just for that, you won’t get any of my homemade cookies when I make them. My cookies are famous, and everyone wants some.”

  “You making cookies this year?” a woman behind the table asked. “If you are, I’ll take three dozen this time. I promised Mom if you make any that I’d send her some.”

  Krill looked from the woman to Cassidy. “Mrs. Sanders? You make the best food around.”

  “Your woman can cook up a storm, but her desserts are surpassing mine by a mile.”

  Cassidy winked at her. “You have four dozen coming, and I’ll even throw in a fruitcake for Mr. Sanders. He loved that last year. Just donate to the children and we’ll call it even,” Cassidy said, turning and moving toward their table.

  “Wait? Children, what children, and damn it I want some cookies,” Krill growled.

  Cara and Hugh laughed as they all sat down at the table. “Got on Cassidy’s bad side, did you?” Hugh said. “Even I keep on her good side when it comes to her baking. I’m not missing my girl’s cookies.”

  “I’m sure you’ll get some. Now, stop whining and eat. Mrs. Sanders has gone out of her way to make sure to have a wide selection for us.” Cassidy pointed to Krill’s plate, before leaning over and placing a kiss on his cheek.

  “As for children…” She shrugged. “Down here, we have so much, but up there, on land, well, there are a number of orphanages around. I make sure two of them are loaded with food and presents for the holidays. So I make cookies and other baked treats, asking others to donate to the homes in exchange.”

  “Well, then I’ll take you to a toy store and we’ll buy it out,” Krill said stuffing his mouth.

  “Are both orphanages in your town?” Malachi asked. “Maybe we could bring them both together in one home, closer, so we could help all the time?” He took a bite of seafood salad and moaned. “My god, that lady can cook, and you’re better than her?” Malachi was so glad the house they had purchased had a huge kitchen.

  Surne leaned over and kissed Cassidy’s cheek before taking the bite of food off her fork. “Hey, get your own.” She laughed. “What did you find out?”

  “Let me fill a plate, and then we’ll talk,” Surne told her. “These Kyle and Jasper cannot stay here.”

  Reaching over to grab his glass, Malachi stopped seeing what Surne had seen in his head. His stomach turned and it took everything in him not to get sick. “Inform Reese what you have found out. He’ll know how to handle this mess since it’s obvious this started before they came here, but right now I want both watched. We don’t need those two loose on any of the children around here. Krill, have a few of your men follow them. We do not want to draw attention right now.”

  “It would seem our woman has another gift. I don’t know if it will be a good one for her if she happens to see into these kinds of men. Our woman is too sensitive,” Surne said.

  “Okay, I know the three of you are talking, so spill it. What is wrong with the two men?” Cassidy asked.

  Malachi leaned over and placed a kiss on her cheek. “I’d rather not show you. Just know your gut reaction was right on the mark with these two,” he said.

  “That bad?”

  He nodded and she sighed. “Thank you. I really don’t want to see anything. I don’t know if I’m up to it. I’m afraid I have a little bit of a temper.”

  “Ha, little bit my butt. This squirt gets mad at the least little thing,” Jordon said, coming over with his two mates.

  “Watch it, Jordon. This is your sister’s day,” Malachi said. “I can give you another noogie if you need one.”

  Cassidy placed her hand on his arm. “Relax. He always does this. It’s hard at first finding one mate, but when you have a few, it gets complicated no, Jordon?”

  “Yes, and I would never hurt my sister. She means the world to me.” Jordon glanced over at his father, Hugh. “I’m going to be leaving next week. Dad wants me to take over some of the functions at the queen’s palace. Maybe when we get settled, you’ll visit us there?”

  Cassidy stood and moved around the table, stepping up to her brother, wrapping her arms around him. “Of course I will and I tell you what, why don’t we tradeoff for the holidays? Every other one we’ll visit the other.”

  “Hey now, don’t forget me,” Alexander said. “We do this all together, the three of us.”

  Cassidy and Jordon smiled. “You got it,” Jordon said.

  “Granddaughter, I would like the honor of a dance with you, please?” Gak appeared next to her.

  Cassidy placed her hand into her grandfather’s. “Swan Lake Waltz” started to play and Malachi smiled, wondering if Cassidy knew the old dance.

  She glanced over her shoulder as her grandfather whisked her out onto the dance floor. “Watch and learn, old man,” she teased as she and her grandfather impressed the whole room with their dance.

  But what had him relaxing were her grandfather’s words of apology to her. Malachi looked up to see Lommie standing there. “Would you dance with me, Grandson?” she asked and he smiled, standing.

  “It would be an honor, my lady,” Malachi said and made his way out onto the dance floor with Gak’s wife. Then he noticed Melody dancing with Surne and Kat dancing with Krill. The power in the room was breathtaking.

  “I would like to thank you and your mates for showing us that there are other ways and that our way is not always good for others. Gak could not understand our granddaughter, and it really did disturb him that he had hurt her. On our world, our men would never knowingly hurt their family or females. It will take us time, but we will learn some of your ways. My daughter and I would like to come and visit often, if you would allow us.”

  “Lommie, you and your family are always welcome at our home. I just didn’t want our woman hurt on this special day. I meant no offense to any of you. As a matter of fact, I believe it is very important to Cassidy that her family keeps in touch. King Hugh has told us he’s never seen Cassidy so happy. So please feel free to visit anytime, and I have a feeling she’ll want you here for the holidays this year if you’ll consider it.”

  “I’ve been studying these holidays, and I think we will come each year since we don’t celebrate like you do here.”

  “Are you not leaders of your colony?” Malachi asked, drawing her attention again.

  “Yes,” she said.

  “Then why not share our holiday with your colony. You could have it maybe after ours. Bring some of our holiday spirit to your people,” Malachi suggested.

  After a moment, she said, “I will speak with my mate about this. Both my daughter and I like this idea. Maybe Cassidy and Kat would help us get started. It would be something we can work on together.”

  He smiled and bowed to Lommie as the song ended. “I think that is a wonderful idea, and I know they would love to help you.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  Cassidy stood out in the wind, blindfolded, waiting for her men. Surne and Cassidy had done their dirty dancing among the shouts and hoots of everyone there, but in a surprise move, both sets of her parents had joined them out on the dance floor, showing everyone that even old ones had the moves.

  She shook her head at the thought of them… “Nope,” she said, not going there.

  “Are you ready?” Malachi asked, stepping up behind her and reaching up, taking the blindfold off of her.

  “The Dranger home?”

  “Not the Dranger home anymore. It’s ours. We bought it for you,” Malachi told her.

  “Malachi, I love the gift, but I was hoping we would stay in my home. I thought we could have plans drawn up to add to it so you would have offices there.” Cassidy smiled then. “But I have an idea. You know how you asked about bringing the orphanages together? Why don’t we use this house for it?” She clapped her hands. “It would be close so I could help out and it’s twice the size of both places put together.”

  “You really want to add to your home?” Krill asked.

  “Yes, I want to make it our home. We could even enlarge the master bedroom, which I’ve been wanting to anyway.” She turned and slid her hands up his chest, wrapping her arms around his neck. “Thank you, the three of you. I really wanted to bring the kids closer, and now we can do that, plus, with all this land around here, we can set up a playground, too.”

  Surne leaned down and kissed her cheek. “As long as you are happy, that is all that matters. Plus, I have to agree, your home is more you and warm.”

  “Agreed, Surne, can you send the rest of our surprise to her home?” Krill asked, leaning in and kissing her.

  “It’s done, come let’s go home,” Surne said.

  “Can we walk? It’s so nice out, and I just need the air around me for a bit. Being below for me is rough sometimes,” Cassidy said, taking Malachi’s hand and Krill’s, moving toward her home.

  “I have to agree a little on that. Don’t get me wrong, I love your father’s city, but being here out in the open with the stars around us is definitely better. So, what did your grandfather have to say? I know he apologized,” Malachi asked, lifting her hand up and kissing it.

  “Those nasty things are gone from this world.” She shivered, and at once a white coat was on her. “Thank you, Surne, I’m much better. He also explained his confusion, and I explained a little bit about who I am, which was hard as hell. I’m not much into talking about myself.”

  Malachi smiled down at her. “We’ve all sensed this. Did your grandmother discuss helping them plan a holiday celebration at their home?”

  “Yes, and I can’t wait. There is so much we can do, since they have nothing. They’ve never had a big holiday like we do, but I know we’ll have to watch what we do, too. I don’t want to make the mistake I did before with Grandpa.”

  “Each of us will help. Are you really up to tackling the children? You have so many projects going,” Krill asked.

  “I won’t be doing most of it. The woman in charge of both places is amazing, Krill. She has to have a gift, the way the children respond to her. I try and help her as much as I can. Even my folks make sure the children are clothed and such.”

  “Do you want more children?” Malachi asked.

  “I would love more children, but can we have more children at my age? I would ask that maybe we could adopt a child, too? I love my boys, but adopting Nessa was special and with all of us, I think we can handle a few children.”

  She stopped before getting to the edge of the cliff, the path to her home, and glanced over at Krill. “Your momma adopted a few children. She is an amazing woman.”

  “I think that would be an excellent idea, but I suggest we wait for a few months, get our home in order before we plan anything,” Surne said. “But, Cassidy, you can have children. You are not going through the change or never will.”

  “Agreed. Surne, do you have family? I’ve met everyone’s family but yours.”

  “No, my little one. My family are either sleeping or have moved on. If they awake, I will know. You are my family now.”

  “Okay, that is just sad. Well, you can share all our families. We have a big family.” She saw her friends swimming out in the ocean. Their pod and their calls filled the night air.

  Malachi leaned down and swept her up in his arms. “Come, Little Whirlwind, we have plans for you.”

  “You do? I wonder what they could be?” she teased, laying her head on his chest as they moved to their home.