Azy wasn’t sure that was even possible, but it was so nice of them to care so much. “Of course. I appreciate you guys coming. It’s not like I have any family who is going to show up or anything.”
Funny that she should say that because just then family did show up.
“Azynsa. We have missed you.” Three Mami Wata in human form, butt-freaking naked and still dripping wet walked into the dining room. The one in front, Zambezi, held one hand up, giving her the finger.
Azy covered her laugh with a cough. She’d told the mermaids that flipping someone off was a war cry of her people. After the battle to destroy Hell with the mermaids, many had taken to using it as sign of unity and basically, girl power.
Of course, Wesley chose that exact moment to walk back into the room and turned right back around. “Whoa. That’s a couple too many naked ladies for me.”
“Ooh.” One of the other Mami Wata followed Wes, “He looks like mate material to me.”
Uh. The Mami Wata hadn't contacted her once since they'd all battled the demon dragons and made the African coast safe again. Azy hadn't exactly reached out to them either. “What are you all doing here?”
Zambezi smiled. “We heard you will have a ritual to celebrate finding a mate. We would also like to find mates now. There will be potential ones at your celebration. You can introduce us.”
“Wait, who told you I was having a wedding? I didn’t even know until an hour ago.” Azy looked at Ciara, but she shook her head.
The remaining Mami Wata dripped their way over to the table and picked up cake samples. Zambezi ate one, her eyes went wide, and she ate two more. “It’s all over the ocean. Some of the mermen are very angry that we no longer want to have sex with them whenever they want it.”
“About fricking time.” The patriarchal misogyny of the Mer society drove Azy nuts.
“Yes. It is time for fricking. That is why we are here. Fricking, with dragons, or other men. We would like to have mates, like you, Azynsa.”
Wow. Most Mami Wata had barely tolerated Azy, since she was only half mermaid and hadn’t been raised with them. For them to admit they wanted something she had was kind of a huge deal.
“I can’t guarantee you’ll find mates, but I’d be happy to introduce you to some guys. I think Jada will know of some in particular that you might like.”
Jada’s eyes narrowed, and she studied the mermaids. She felt just as protective of the blue dragons as Azy did of the golds. “We’ll see if the White Witch decides to match make for you three.”
If she was going to have a wedding, there would be plenty of dragon warriors of all colors there. While she had a particular fondness for the gold ones, most of her sisters of the sea would probably be more suited to Jada’s blue dragon warriors whose element was also water.
Okay, this she could do. If Ciara could tone the planning down, and it was just them, a few dragon warriors and a few mermaids, that wouldn’t get out of control.
If one more unexpected guest came through that door, she might just call the whole thing off and talk Cage into flying the two of them to Vegas.
Actually, she might do that anyway.
Wesley speed-walked his way back into the dining room, no mermaid in sight. “Between the horny mermaids and the sexy ass Dragon warriors around here my heart is getting one hell of a workout today.”
“Yeah like your butt needs more toning.” Ciara rolled her eyes.
“Thank you very much. But I'm not the one who's going to be wishing she had been in training for a marathon.”
“I can only think of one reason, make that two reasons, why I would want to run anywhere. Toward a good glass of wine or away from zombies.”
“I know of a better one that might, maybe, definitely get your power walk on.” Wes wagged a finger at Ciara.
Ciara rolled her eyes. “Not likely.”
Wesley knew something he wasn't sharing, and he was having a good laugh about it at Ciara's expense. Azy could tell they had been friends for a long time. She hadn't ever been that tight with anyone.
Except, Cage.
Wes folded his arms and cocked one eyebrow. “Your mother's here.”
Ciara blinked, stood up, spun on one heel and ran toward the door.
“Ciara Elizabeth Mosley-Willingham, you stop right there, young lady. That is no way to behave in front of your friends. Now, please come back here and introduce me.” A petite, but curvy woman with stylish white hair, a silk dress suit, and a French manicure stood in the doorway that led from the kitchen. She tapped one toe and looked expectantly at Ciara's back.
