Chapter 13

WatchingTrace's rebirth was a sight to behold. I held my breath for I don't know how long as I locked onto the pile of ash for what seemed liked hours but was probably only minutes.

He and his phoenix had spiraled into the air so high, I was afraid that would be the last time I saw him. Them.

But then a bright flash of golden red and orange filled the sky, and he rocketed back to the earth. Just before he crashed, the phoenix burst into one last glorious flame before turning to ash and falling to the ground like rain.

Stunned and unable to move, I witnessed something I desperately hoped I would never see again. The man who I loved spread out in a pile of gray ash. I prayed to any goddess who would hear me, particularly Athena. Surely, she would be here for her son during what could be his final minutes on earth?

But I didn't dare look away from the pile to see if anyone else had shown up. And when I noticed movement, and ashes shifting to reveal pale flesh, I screamed. I screamed with fear and with a happiness I never thought to have. Trace had survived.

"Quite the display. I never understood why she'd give one of our sons such a burden as that of the phoenix. But then again, who can really understand a goddess, am I right?"

The voice boomed from behind me and I wasn't sure if the terror of the last few hours was now erupting in hallucinations or maybe more of his brothers had finally arrived. My gaze remained on Trace as he stood, fully in his human form, and naked. His eyes narrowed as he looked beyond me.

Not taking any chances on it being another demon, I sprinted toward my mate and jumped into his arms. We kissed until neither of us could no longer breathe. "You were, are, magnificent." I rested my head on his shoulders. "Your wings!"

Trace's eyebrows rose at my distress. "That's funny. I thought you loved me for my ridges." He wiggled his eyebrows, then chuckled before he whispered into my ear. "By the way, we have company."

"I know. Tell them to go away."

Trace loosened his hold, and I slid down the front of his body.

"Mate, that was not fair. I have no clothing to cover my reaction to you, and my father is watching us a bit too closely."

"Your father?" I spun around. I was expecting to find someone who looked less like the mountain man who stood about a hundred yards from us and more like a green-skinned humanoid. So much for my imagination.

"Son, that was quite the show. And congratulations on finding your mate. That makes three now. Where's the rest of the brethren? I have news." Tiegh turned and disappeared.

"Wait, where'd he go? Why would he say he has news, then go poof?" My head began to pound from all the events of the day. Being part of this family was going to take some getting used to.

"Knowing Tiegh, he's already at the castle. And back to the subject of my wings. The only reason they were out before is because I was in my regeneration cycle. But, now that we're mated, I can bring them out anytime, not just for battle." Grinning, Trace closed his eyes.

His wings appeared as if they'd always been out. The transformation dizzying. Just one more thing to get used to.

"Ready?" Trace asked.

"Ready for what?"

"To be flown by your naked mate back to our castle." He gathered me in my arms and shot up into the sky.

Huh. After years of hearing broom jokes, this witch was finally flying. "How long do we have to spend with your father before we can escape to our room and celebrate?" I asked.

"What kind of celebration do you have in mind?"