40. Florence

Chapter forty

Florence

"Are you ready?" I ask Adelbert as we walk through the forest, retracing our steps toward Alberad School for the Supernatural, just like we did the morning after I first arrived in Germany.

Adelbert pulls me closer to him and tucks me under his arm.

"With you by my side, I'm ready for anything," he says and kisses my temple.

"I'll remain just out of sight, but within hearing distance," I promise, needlessly reminding him of the plan we've gone over at least a hundred times already.

Since our mating a week ago, Adelbert and I have visited the meadow every day to hang out with the trees before they rest for the winter. We made plans for our future and talked about our goals and dreams until we had a rough idea of what we wanted it to look like.

Under Lebethron's branches, we laid out our picnic blanket. Adelbert read his grandmother's fairy tale book while I embroidered the sketch I did of his horns. He also learned to braid my hair—apparently something he had wanted to do for quite some time—using one physical hand and one mage hand. Adelbert practiced his magic every day and had long conversations with Lebethron about how to best help the forest.

Then, we'd make love. Or I'd ride his face. Or he'd go beast mode on me until my legs got all wobbly and I struggled to walk back.

Yay for piggyback rides.

I lift my hand to Adelbert's resting on my shoulder, and trace the enchanted emerald in the ring he's wearing on his index finger. For the first time since we left the island, he had to put on his glamour ring to hide his horns, bark, and hazel eyes from the other elves who are attending today.

"I can't wait to see your father's face when you reveal your horns and magic," I say, thinking how shocked that male will be when he sees elvish horns in person for the first time.

"Is my mate feeling a little diabolical today?" Adelbert teases and chuckles lightly.

"Perhaps a little." I giggle, then scrunch up my nose. "Am I mean?"

High above us, the branches sway on an invisible breeze and the leaves rustle in a way that lets me know they support my scornful thoughts.

"Never," Adelbert says. "I like all sides of you."

We walk in comfortable silence for a stretch, both lost in thought as we mentally and emotionally prepare for this day that will redirect Adelbert's future— our future.

"We're almost at the wards. You should be fine, just like last time."

"Need me to punch through them again?" I ask. I jump into a boxing stance and wiggle my eyebrows.

Adelbert bellows out a laugh and takes my hand as we start walking again. I tilt my head to study his profile and the smile that's just about a permanent fixture now. A lilting melody reaches my ears, and it takes me only a couple of seconds to place it.

"Are you humming my favorite song?" I ask Adelbert, recognizing the tune.

"I think so? I've never heard the original version, but the melody has been stuck in my head since I met you. You were always humming when you first arrived and it annoyed me because it was so pretty and wouldn't make me stop thinking about you."

"I'm sorry?" I say hesitantly, not sure what to make of this confession.

"Don't get me wrong. I was only annoyed because of how much I liked it. How much I liked you . It's entirely my own fault for being so obtuse for so long."

Adelbert pauses and cups my shoulders. Dipping his head, he looks me square in the eyes with his once-again silver ones.

"Loving you has always been inevitable, Florence."

My knees weaken and I blink the instantaneous tears away that threaten to spill over.

"You can't say things like that to me before the biggest presentation of your life," I choke out and wipe at the happy tear that managed to escape. "You're going to make it hard to concentrate on what you're saying when I have all these mushy feelings from your ooey-gooey sweetness."

Adelbert brushes a tear away that's tracking down my other cheek.

"Good. Hold fast to that feeling. I will amplify my barriers so none of the other elves can sense you. My father might not be very nice today and I don't want you to focus on him," Adelbert says. "Remember, today is just a formality. I'm doing it for the Black Forest, for Lebethron, and for all the woodland elves who deserve to know the truth. But most importantly, I'm doing it for us ."

"Okay. Because if that male says something mean to you, I can't promise I won't say something mean to him, too."

Adelbert gives me an indulgent smile that says a lot more than his words would and takes my hand again before we cross into Alberad.

Hidden behind a thicket of trees, I peek through the leaves at the high-back chairs set up in a semicircle in the center of the manicured garden and the ten elves mingling about.

Adelbert mentioned he will present to the "top scholars of the supernatural community," but it's curious that the only "top scholars" here are elves. It's something he hopes to change one day.

Adelbert stands in the center with relaxed shoulders and an easy grin when two elves approach him. He shakes hands with the haughty males who give his hair and clothes judgmental glances.

Since Adelbert's horns appeared last week, he's stopped constantly sweeping his hair back and just lets the strands fall where they want. He's now got very sexy ruffled hair that flops across his forehead in the yummiest way.

Adelbert has also swapped his sweaters for flannel shirts. After struggling with sweaters and stretching out their collars around his horns, he's had to find alternate clothing options that are easier to work with. Plus, the material catches less on the barky portions of his skin. He had to contact Sawyer for recommendations for durable fabrics without fully revealing what had happened yet. The bear shifter had a lot of fun on that phone call and the fact that Adelbert called him for fashion advice when he wears what Dede calls "lumberjack-chic clothes."

"Scholars," comes the clipped greeting of Nithard Alberad.

My lips instinctively pull back when I catch sight of him as he strides into view like he's the MVP of the day. In his mind, he probably is.

"Please take your seats for the presentation to commence," Nithard says with a voice that matches his icy eyes. Even though Adelbert's eyes were silver before, they were never cold like his father's.

There's some rustling as the other nine elves sit, but no one speaks.

Nithard stands slightly in front of Adelbert and addresses the group.

"Firstly, I would like to apologize for this highly unusual setup. It is at the request of my son to have today's proceedings outside."

Oh, this infuriating male.

Nithard's little indirect jabs are so cruel, they make me want to say something. But I'll wait. I'll let my Adelbert have his moment. Though, if his father dares to take it too far, I won't be held responsible for my actions.

A leaf stretches toward my face and comforts me with a brush against my cheek. I always knew I loved this forest, but since knowing I'm connected to it, it feels even more alive to me. I smile and take a deep, calming breath in, thankful that the whole forest is working to keep me obscured from view, and supporting me emotionally too.

With his gentle smile still in place, Adelbert moves next to his father and shoots me a surreptitious glance before meeting Nithard's eyes.

"Thank you, Vater . You may also take your seat."

Nithard's eyes flare and the way his muscles in his jaw bunch is evident of what he thinks of the dismissal, but he turns on his heel and takes the center seat.

Adelbert looks at each elf in turn, and says warmly, "Thank you to all who have traveled from far away to be here today. I promise to make the trip worth the effort."

Heads turn to their neighbors and brows crease at the statement. They're probably wondering if it's arrogance or sincerity talking, no doubt trying to read Adelbert's emotions.

Adelbert puts his hands in his pockets and the female elf on the left bristles in her seat at the gesture. The male next to her notes it too and his chin lifts in distaste.

"When it came time to pick my topic of research, I scoured the library for an idea of which direction I wanted to take my studies. I read tome after tome, finding a multitude of interesting topics about woodland elves and elvish magic. Until one day, I stumbled upon a passage in one particularly old book." Adelbert pauses for effect, then says, "A passage regarding mage hands."

A scoff emanates from the right of the circle, but Adelbert ignores it.

"Once thought obsolete, even a myth at most, I am pleased to say, is an actual fact very much alive."

Nithard crosses his arms over his chest. Mouth turned down, he says, "Prove it."

Adelbert smiles warmly at him, perhaps even enjoying this moment of distrust.

"I already have. Please check your bags."

A female elf leans forward and rummages through her handbag.

"Whose is this?" she asks and holds up sunglasses that don't match her look.

"How did that get there?" a male with a thick accent asks and stands up, only to trip over his own feet. The moment Adelbert uses his mage hand to catch the male is apparent in his shout of surprise.

Absolute chaos descends as everyone checks their tied shoelaces and searches their bags, all while shouting over each other for answers. Adelbert imperturbably stands back with his hands in his pockets and that cute little smile still curving his lips.

He's having fun, making up for the mischief he missed out on when he was at school.

Nithard's voice booms across the others', "That's enough."

Silence descends on them again, and they take their seats.

"Explain," Nithard demands and brushes lint off his shoulder, even though he never moved a muscle during the chaos.

"After reading about mage hands, I had to find a way to connect to it," Adelbert says and I almost squeak as his mage hand comes to rest on the back of my neck. "Discovering the way was purely accidental on my part. I got so frustrated one day that I swiped a hand through the air and a book moved on the opposite side of my desk."

One of the haughty males with the judgy eyes scoffs, "That does not make any sense. How do you expect us to master this? That behavior is hardly becoming of an elf." He rolls his eyes for extra effect and my blood boils.

My patient mate—grin in place—looks patiently at him and says, "Finding that my emotions are tied to my magic was a good start."

"Emotions?" asks one female elf, utter disbelief in the single word.

"Emotions, yes," Adelbert affirms. "That's the tip of the iceberg. It only gets better."

I note two of the elves who have stayed reserved throughout Adelbert's speech sit up a bit straighter in their seats. Perhaps they're open to learning and could be in Adelbert's corner when he makes his request later.

"You see, I spent years practicing my mage hand, only able to manage small experiments. However, this summer, my abilities strengthened." Adelbert pauses and makes sure he has every elf's attention.

There is absolute silence and it's like even the forest is holding its breath, waiting to see how they'll take the news.

"This summer, I fell in love," Adelbert states matter-of-factly while gently massaging my nape.

A stout elf on the right side of the semicircle shakes his head and waves a dismissive hand through the air.

"What would that help? You got your dick wet and suddenly your magic is stronger? No, boy, it doesn't work like that," he sneers. "You've cast wards. It takes concentration, discipline, and many hours between the books to get the enchantments memorized. It's not puppy love helping you. You sound absolutely delusional."

I stiffen at the remark and Adelbert senses it. He cards his phantom fingers into my hair then glides them down the full length, similar to how I'd normally comfort myself. I relax into Adelbert's touch and decide to ignore the stout elf's crude comments.

Two seats to the left of Nithard, a female elf inclines her head, attention riveted on my mate.

"Did love strengthen your magic? Is that what you are saying?" she asks with narrowed, calculating eyes the color of moss.

Adelbert nods. "In short, Monika, it did. Opening my heart up and letting my emotions to the fore has aided my magic."

Nithard crosses his arms over his chest. "What are you not saying, Adelbert?"

"There is much more I have to tell you. What I have found can change the course of our future as woodland elves, possibly other kinds of elves too."

The stout elf scowls at Adelbert and leans back in his chair, spreading his legs wide and resting his arms on his stomach. "Spit it out, boy. You got our attention with your little party trick. Now, let's see if you can impress us with the theory behind it."

The leaves of the trees around the semicircle stir with irritation and I send them calming energy, because I know what Adelbert is going to say will shut that rude male up.

Nithard side-eyes the elf and his lips press into a thin line before he raises his brows at Adelbert, indicating that my mate should proceed.

Adelbert's voice comes out steady as he starts his speech he practiced. "When I discovered my magic, it was in anger at first. Accidental. I tried to learn it, control it, and my skills grew over time. Yet, I was only able to pick up small objects and move them around my study, turn them upside down, or spin them around.

"I was ready to present on mage hands alone today. To reveal this magic that has been lost to us for hundreds of years. The theory behind it, originally, was that elvish magic is limited to warding and our empathic abilities, but we have forgotten the deeper well within us.

"We have spent far too much time sitting behind desks, pouring over texts and gaining knowledge that way, instead of practicing magic and pushing our abilities.

"When I fell in love, a part of my soul was unlocked and my magic flowed freely through me. I was able to do more intricate movements, lift heavier objects, and feel things as if I were using a physical hand.

"It got even stronger when I spent time outside, in the forest—the place woodland elves are meant to charge their magic.

"For too long, we have been locked inside stone castles, suppressing our magic. For too long, we have forced arranged marriages for status and prestige, instead of allowing the free choice to love. For too long, we have ignored our basest natures, denied our instincts, and suppressed our innate beings to surrender to a fabricated image of what elves should be."

Nithard opens his mouth to interrupt but Adelbert coolly holds up a hand, indicating he's not done.

"Mate bonds are relevant. Mage hands are relevant. Nature is relevant. Favoring emotions over book knowledge is relevant. If you remember these elements, there is so much you can do. So many you can help."

This time, Nithard can't help himself. He stands up and steps in front of Adelbert with a murderous look in his eyes, then calms his features before turning to the scholars.

Through clenched teeth, Nithard says, "I must apologize for my errant son. I am not sure what has preceded today's presentation to cause this tomfoolery. An appropriate reprimand shall be meted out."

Monika shakes her head and my shoulders sag that no one is hearing him out.

Surprising me, Monika scolds, "Sit down, Nithard. This isn't your presentation. We came to hear Adelbert speak. Let him."

I do a little wiggle and quietly high-five the closest leaf. We've got one elf on our side.

Nithard's jaw drops to an almost comical degree, but he quickly rights himself and wordlessly stalks back to his seat.

"Go ahead, Adelbert," Monika encourages gently. "We're listening. They won't say another word until you invite us to." She shoots a look at the other elves and a couple sink down in their seats, while others give her nods of approval.

Adelbert's chest rises on a deep inhale and he rolls his shoulders back. Clasping his hands in front of his body, his thumb strokes his glamour ring.

"I am a woodland elf," Adelbert announces. "I have been chosen as the elvish representative for the Black Forest. The forest is alive and wants to help elves connect with nature again. They want to help us strengthen our magic. In turn, we can help them too in the ways of old. The way it was always meant to be."

Adelbert removes his ring and gasps echo through the semicircle. Deciding to hit them with a one-two punch, Adelbert gives me the sign, and the thicket opens up to let me through. I graze a finger along one of the leaves in thanks and glide over to my mate.

Reaching out his hand for me, I place mine in Adelbert's and he envelops me in a warm embrace.

"I'm so proud of you," I whisper into his neck, feeling everyone's eyes on us. "You're doing great."

A muttering of voices starts up as the elves talk amongst themselves, sharing theories, while Adelbert and I hold each other. Eventually, a throat clears and we untangle our arms to lace our fingers, ready to face them together.

Monika asks, "Is this the summer love you spoke of?"

Adelbert nods and has the most serene smile I've yet seen.

"Everyone, I would like you to meet Florence Everly. My mate."

Nithard nearly loses his balance as he jumps to his feet.

"Mate? No. No, no, no, no, no. Now that you have given your presentation, you will take a mate approved by me . And she will definitely not be a human. I already have contenders in mind that will be befitting of the Alberad name. It is my legacy at stake here. Your legacy," Nithard thunders, voice ripe with indignation.

Monika tuts disapprovingly and rolls her eyes at Nithard's outburst. "Oh, shut it, Nithard," she scolds. "Can't you see how happy the boy is? And he's already mated. You can't break them up." She shrugs, making me like her more by the second.

"I certainly can," Nithard counters.

Not able to stay quiet any longer, I lift my chin and infuse all the sass I've been saving over the years into my voice when I say, "I'd like to see you try, Nithard."

Adelbert chuckles as Nithard's mouth opens and closes like a fish out of water. My heart pounds at having all the attention on me, but with Adelbert at my side, I steel my spine and let them look their fill as they discuss us.

When everyone has calmed enough again, Adelbert addresses the group.

"We wondered which would shock you more, sprouting horns or announcing our mating. Interesting to see where your priorities lie." Adelbert laughs but there's censure in his tone.

"Now, to sum up what has happened. Florence and I discovered that we had a fated bond and had to remain close. Fated bonds occur once every thousand years or so, depending on if the fates deem it necessary. We developed genuine feelings for each other and decided to pursue a relationship. Once we made the choice to be together, we became fated mates . A concept that has not been heard of in many years but is now relevant to us, along with nine other couples around the world. Each couple consists of a human woman and a male of a different species, and in some situations have an addition of one or more mates.

"Our matings see our species return to our most intrinsic forms, and in my case— as a woodland elf—I have features that have not been seen in hundreds of years. Horns, bark on my skin, hazel eyes, and some other, um, features too." Adelbert avoids telling them directly about his new cock, and I don't blame him one bit. To those that it concerns, he'll probably reveal more later.

"After our mating became official, I was able to communicate with Lebethron, an ancient oak in the forest. He welcomes any and all woodland elves to learn about their inherent magic and is offering to guide those who are willing to learn.

"It is my personal mission to travel around the world, visiting different schools, and teach them about the use of mage hands, to reacquaint woodland elves with forests, and ensure that this knowledge is widely accessible to anyone who desires to learn."

I glance around the semicircle and note those with bright eyes and keen interest, but a few remain skeptical. The rude elf from earlier hasn't said a word for a long while and his face is completely drained of color. I try to grin at him but he just looks away and studies his feet instead.

Looks like he's not ready to make friends any time soon.

Monika places her hand on her heart and her lips curve in a genuine smile. She looks at us with warm approval and I feel a special kinship with her.

"Adelbert," Monika says, "I would love to learn more, and to meet this Lebethron. You are welcome to teach at my school anytime that suits you. You are both welcome to visit us in the Great Bear Rainforest and stay as long as you'd like in Canada."

"What about your place at Alberad?" Nithard asks, voice coming out high-pitched and no longer looking very composed.

Adelbert looks at me and I give him an encouraging nod.

"The Black Forest is home. Florence and I will keep our house as our main base here. I would like to teach classes at Alberad when our schedule allows. My first priority, though, is my mate. Her artwork on the Black Forest has been curated for an exhibit at a well-known gallery in California. We will travel there first to prepare for the exhibition. Then I am open to teaching some classes at the local monster school there." Adelbert gives one of the males a pointed look, and the male nods enthusiastically.

Good. Another one on board.

My mate continues, "We will repeat this pattern with other schools around the world, depending on Florence's exhibition schedules. We will return to Germany to rest at home between trips. If your school is open to hosting classes, I would like to discuss options with you. But first, I'd like to take those interested to meet with Lebethron. The forest will enter their winter rest soon, so it's best we start the process. Any questions?"

The elves are eager to learn more about their heritage, Adelbert's magic, and our mating. They pepper Adelbert—even me—with questions on the walk. The stout elf looks to Nithard for cues on how to act, but I don't miss how they're both hanging on every word we say even when they're both pretending to be disinterested.

Hand in hand, Adelbert and I lead the elves through the forest, ready to usher in a new era for all.