She huffed a reply and nodded. Flynn stepped back, holding her clothes, as his family turned their backs. The moment of privacy was appreciated as Octavia pulled on her magic. That white light flashed, and by the time she was back on her two legs, he was already handing her clothes.
It was like they had done this a thousand times before.
She dressed quickly, not wanting to flash Flynn’s entire village, before pressing a kiss to his cheek. “Thank you,” she murmured.
He smiled. “Thank you. Are you ready to meet my family?”
Well, even if she wasn’t, it wasn’t like she could say no. They were already here. Luckily, she was eager to make their acquaintance. “I am.”
Slinging his arm over her shoulders, Flynn held Octavia close as he led her over to the family. When they were close, he asked them to turn around.
“Mama, Papa, I’d like to introduce you to someone special,” he said. “This is Octavia Ashbloom.” He paused, then added, "My mate."
Hearing those words sent a rush of heat through Octavia. She grinned.
She had a mate, and it was… good.
If Octavia had thought that Flynn's family was loud before, that was nothing compared to their reaction now.She had never heard someone squeal as loudly as Flynn's mother did at that moment. The woman ran over and wrapped her arms around Octavia.
"Oh my gods," she exclaimed. "A mate! You’re goddess-blessed, both of you.” She gasped, clutching her hands over her heart. “This is incredible. You know, we never..."
A stream of words exploded from the older witch as she led Octavia to their home. The dragon shifter didn't even have the chance to respond, and to be honest, she didn't even try.This reception was far more than she had ever anticipated.
If Octavia had returned to Firefall,she was certain that the other dragons would have been lukewarm towards her at best. Perhaps even hurtful. But here? In this place, with her mate and his family? There wasn't a hint of that to be found.
No, as she entered the homey three-bedroom cottagethat housed Flynn's family, the only thing Octavia felt was love. She soon learned most of his sisters lived with their families in houses nearby, but Flynn and Amyla still resided with their parents.
It was loud, but somehow, it didn’t bother Octavia. Everyone was going out of their way to make her comfortable, and she appreciated it more than she could express.
The day flew by. Octavia didn't have a moment alone to talk to Flynn because there were so many people. So much laughter.Tears. Joy. He had to recount the story of Amyla'srescue a dozen times as more and more friends and extended family stopped by.
Each time someone new came, Flynn introduced her in the same way. "This is Octavia Ashbloom.My mate."
Whenever he said the words, that connection between them thrummed. He did not leave her side,somehow knowing that she did not want to be left alone in this place where she knew no one else.His hand was sturdy in hers, and he didn't let her stand for long before a stool magically appeared.
It seemed impossible that Flynn could be even more handsome, but he was positively glowing, surrounded by his family.
They ate a delicious meal of stew and fresh bread prepared by Flynn’s mother, and then the family gathered around an outdoor campfire under the stars.
It was cool but not cold, and the crackling fire kept everyone warm. Stories were shared, mostly Flynn’s family telling Octavia all about the mischief he got up to as a child, and laughter rang through the night. Eventually, the family trickled inside until only Octavia and Flynn remained.
They sat side by side, their hands linked as the silence of the night surrounded them. Octavia’s head rested on Flynn’s shoulder, and she felt… at peace.
Eventually, Flynn’s thumb brushed against Octavia’s knuckles. “You seem like you’re deep in thought.”
Octavia’s lips twitched, and she looked up at him. “I am.”
She’d been thinking ever since their night in the cave.
“Do you care to fill me in on those thoughts?”
She wanted to. Honestly, she’d wanted to tell him the moment she came to the decision. But the moments earlier hadn’t been right.
But now… this was the moment she’d been waiting for.
Taking in a deep, fortifying breath, she turned to him. This was it. “I want to accept the mating bond,” she breathed. “I mean, we don’t have to do it right now, and if you’re not sure, I’m happy to wait. But I’ve made my decision. I want you. All of you.”
The decision was quick, yes, but it wasn’t rash. Octavia was Mature. She’d lived for several decades, and she knew what she wanted. Seeing Flynn with his family had cemented the decision she’d reached earlier—she wanted their bond.