Read Online Running for Home by Zenina Masters - Free Book Online Page A

holding him tight while the shutter clicked.
    Apollo cleared his throat. “You two have the rest of your lives to suck face. Go and attend to your guests.”
    Juno shot him the finger, heard the shutter click and the photographer laugh, and then, she reluctantly broke away from Derix. “A few hours and then we can go back to Isthmus.”
    She smoothed the front of his tux and patted his chest.
    Apollo made gagging sounds, but he was grinning.
    She linked her arm with her husband’s and walked toward the twinkling fairy lights that were actually fairy lights for the first time in local history.
    Music started up, and they took to the dance floor. As she swayed with him, she smiled. “So, is it everything you have been dreading?”
    “So far, so good. My father won’t go after your bridesmaid.”
    “I think Grandma might be interested.”
    He chuckled. “Apollo is frightening enough to dissuade my mother. She likes them a little more pliable.”
    “So, our bridal party is safe. The rest of the guests are on their own, but my family is on alert. If they try and make off with one of the humans, they will feel fox teeth.”
    “And so, we have covered as many bases as we can. There is nothing left to worry about.”
    When the music changed, Apollo took over for a song while Derix danced with Grandma.
    “You look so happy, Juno.” Apollo smiled as they did a graceful foxtrot.
    “I am happy. I have even met with a sketch artist and handed over the names of Falkir’s guests. The past is over. I can move forward now.”
    “You know your happiness is almost enough to make me want a mate of my own.”
    “Ouch. Don’t hurt yourself. That almost sounded sentimental.”
    He laughed. “I am well versed in the language of sarcasm. I can feel your happiness, Juno. It bleeds through the walls between us.”
    “Those walls are for your protection. You really don’t want to know how much Derix and I are having sex.”
    He winced. “Ow. That is a blinding mental image.”
    She giggled. “Tough. We enjoy ourselves, and with the Isthmus ready for its first actual guests, we will soon be rather busy.”
    “He does look a little tired already. What will he do when you go into heat?”
    Juno’s smile was evil. “Chafe.”
     
    * * * *
     
    Derix looked up as Apollo and Juno laughed together. Next to each other, their similarities were obvious. It was probably why he had been so easily drawn to Juno. He was already prepared for her sense of humour by working with her brother.
    “They are probably talking about you.” Grandma smiled and moved with grace that belied her age.
    “It is a safe guess.”
    “You don’t mind?”
    “If it makes her laugh, she can discuss anything she wants.”
    Juno’s oldest relative smiled. “Her mother laughed like that. Right until the day her husband died and she chose to follow him. The kids were only ten, but they understood. Their parents lived for each other.”
    “And died for each other.”
    “Correct.”
    He nodded grimly. “That won’t happen to us.”
    “How can you be sure?”
    He looked at his wife and smiled. She smiled back. “Because she learns from the past and defends her future. It is why I love her. She doesn’t give up. She fights, and she will do the same for any children we have. They will be family, not accessories.”
    “Ah, music to a grandmother’s ears.”
    Apollo cut in, and Derix returned to his bride.
    “Gran looks happy.”
    “I just suggested the idea of great grandchildren. I think she had some kind of endorphin rush.”
    Juno pulled in close and swayed with Derix. “That would do the trick. My next heat isn’t for a few months, so we have some time.”
    “I think we need to practice.”
    She chuckled. “Think so? You might want to save yourself. It can be a little intense for a male.”
    He growled low. “I can handle it.”
    “I look forward to seeing you try.” She wrapped a hand around his neck and pulled him to her for a kiss.
    When she