EPILOGUE

I held Kale's hand as we drove out to meet with his hale. “How many are in your hale?” I asked I wore a brave face but inside I was nervous. If Kale was the leader then that meant I would play an active role in his hale. I was worried that some wouldn't be happy he had matured with a human. I was also worried I would commit some Selkrian faux pas that would offend someone. “Well some are scattered throughout the state but there are about 100 living near the LaKai’s house. We own a very large community in this area and have been living here since we first came to earth”

“Wow that's more than I thought it would be.” I sighed as we pulled up to a high gate and Kale punched in a code that had the gates swinging open. “Don't worry” he squeezed my hand reassuringly “they will love you and I will be right by your side”  I smiled at him and looked out the window to take in my first look. The driveway we were on ended in a circular drive that was in front of a large house. The house was two stories and looked extravagant, made from red pine wood with granite accents.It had large windows big enough to allow for a lot of natural light to come in. The wraparound porch boasted several comfortable looking chairs and a few scattered tables. The house itself was surrounded by a well maintained lawn that had several flower patches here and there, and off to the side looked to be a fairly big garden. To the right side I could see another road leading to rows of houses which I assumed was where the other members of the hale lived.

I looked back at him impressed by the very scenic picture, I opened my mouth but then snapped it closed as I noticed the large crowd standing in front of the LaKai’s home. “Tell me you didn't assemble a welcoming committee!” I gasped. He had the audacity to laugh and I turned my head and speared him  with a look. He muffled his laugh and said “ I am sorry dear heart, but your friend suggested this would be better than meeting everyone one by one. She said it would be like ripping off a bandaid.” That traitor I spotted her at the front of the crowd a wide mischievous smile on her face. As we parked and got out of the car she came walking up to us and held her arms open wide “Mia!” I hugged her but hissed in her ear “Payback is a bitch on her period that is out of chocolate, be very afraid”

She laughed and leaning back pinched me on the cheek “ It just makes me so happy to see my bff living her best life!” she  pretended to wipe a tear “ I taught you so well!” I rolled my eyes and laughed along with her. Taking Kale’s hand with my bestie at my side I walked towards my future, smiling the whole way.