Tears fill Clem’s eyes as we gaze at each other.
When my parents finally part, there is a round of applause and then my siblings bound in for a group hug.
But I don’t join them. Yet.
Instead, I go over to Clem and, taking her hand in mine, gaze deep into her beautiful green eyes.
I could try and explain what happened these past few hours, but I know she understands the gist of it.
Explanations are not necessary. But these words are. “I love you, Clem Summers,” I say. “Mata o dio.”
“I love you too,” She whispers,“Mate o dia— echa.”
Mate of mine, always.
“Echa,” I repeat, bending my head to hers. Our lips meet in a sweet and binding kiss.
To my surprise, there is another round of applause, and we pull apart to see all the monsters in the room clapping wings, hands, paws, claws.
Mom and Dad, the twins and Amy are all nodding with approval, huge smiles making their tusks stand out against their green cheeks.
Taking Clem’s hand, I lead her toward my family, all five of them watching us with eyes full of love and acceptance.
“Clem, you are part of the Cane family now,” I say, and then we walk into the embrace of my parents and siblings. “Welcome, to our clan, beloved.”
As their strong green arms encircle us both, my heart explodes with joy.
Because our family is complete at last.
CHAPTER THIRTY
ONE WEEK LATER…
CLEM.
I dive into the chest of drawers and dig around in the clothes.
Blouses and tees go flying, along with little pairs of lace panties and the bras that Otis has bought for me in the markets.
And then I find it.
Letting out a triumphant little yip, I pull out my pink polka-dot bikini.
I undress quickly and wriggle into it.
Then I find Otis’s jacket on the chair.
He’s doing the final checks on the devices that Jax will be taking up to Sparkle in the next few days, working in his office, but he’ll be in here any minute.
A lot has happened in a week, I guess.
Otis’s dad left; he has returned to the small colony of witches and warlocks that hide on the Earth’s surface, waiting and watching, biding their time. Ready to assist us when the runes dictate they must.
The twins and Amy have gone back to their jobs on the lower levels, but will be back very soon, no doubt.
Since her family was reunited, Sally has had an amazing transformation. She seems at least ten years younger, and she is stronger, more vibrant, her step steady and her eyes bright. She is, the family say, almost back to her old self.
And tomorrow she is coming home.