“I suppose.” Rayna closed her eyes and let out a long breath. “We’re all aware she snuck that damn plant in a few months ago, so let me know when your mate finally decides to have a child. I’m itching to watch our family grow again almost as badly as she’s itching those scales.”

“I’m sure the gossip will keep you posted better than I will,” I said, watching Aria dance lightly as she laughed, still holding her drink. “There are plenty of others repopulating our castle right now.”

She was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen.

“I suppose.” My sister nudged her mate. “Let’s go back to our room. I need to sleep so I can wrap my mind around my little brother manipulating all of us to get himself a mate.”

I laughed. “I would never.”

“I didn’t used to think so.” She swatted my arm, then gave me a quick, tight hug. “Enjoy the holiday with Aria. You both deserve it.”

“Thanks.”

She and Wesson slipped away. Aria saw them leaving, and abandoned her group of ex-humans long enough to give Rayna a hug of her own. I couldn’t hear what she said, but I assumed it had to do with what happened on the beach.

They were both smiling when they parted.

Aria waved me over before rejoining her group of ex-humans. I made my way through the crowd. They moved for me, so it wasn’t a big deal to go through.

I took her empty glass and set both of ours on a tray nearby. “What are we doing?” I called out, raising my voice a little so she could hear me over the music.

“Dancing! Come on!” Aria swayed her hips, dragging me into a crowd of couples with her. No one bumped us, but I eyed everyone around us anyway.

If any of the men touched my mate…

“Loosen up,” she teased me, speaking into my mind. “It’s a holiday. You’re supposed to enjoy it.”

“I’d prefer to enjoy it without anyone else brushing up against my female.”

She rolled her eyes at me, turning around so we could dance like humans, with her ass against my cock.

I couldn’t stop my erection from reacting to her.

“No one’s going to touch me if you hold on to me. They don’t have a death wish. You’re the scariest thing in the ocean, remember?”

“Don’t say it like it’s a joke.” I nipped at her throat playfully while we swayed together.

“Just because it’s true doesn’t mean I can’t tease you about it.”

“Fair enough. Though I suppose by next year, you might be the scariest thing in the ocean.”

“Yes, me and my blue hair will terrify all of the sharks, kelpies, and selkies. Watch out, world.”

“I’ll send out warnings for you.”

“Someone has to.”