All Chapters of Faded Dreams: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

 When Quin, Bash, and Gaia made it home, they found the doctor waiting. Sebastian’s skin had healed, but he was still suffering the effects of the UV lights on his energy and strength. The moment Quin parked the car, Bash was in the backseat pawing at Gaia’s injured body. Bash admired what she’d done and couldn’t believe how Gaia found strength in her battered and bloodied condition.It took Bash putting away all his pride to ask Quin, “Can you carry her inside? I think I’m too weak.”

 Gaia barely slept. Bash kept watch over her and held her throughout the night. She’d doze off, then wake shortly after, screaming in terror and fighting off invisible foes. Bash fought off sleep for as long as he could once the sun rose, but around ten o’clock, he lost the battle. 

 There was a light knock on Matilda's door. She’d just finished slipping on the black leather heeled booties Quin had also purchased for her. “Coming!” she called as she walked

Matilda threw herself into Quin’s arms and kissed him. This time, Quin kissed her back. Their lips smashed together in desperation and need. Quin’s arm snaked around Matilda’s waist as he pulled her closer. Mads’ nails raked up the back of Quin’s head as his tongue forced its way into her mouth.

 Three Weeks Since Oliver’s DeathIt was the first day of the fall session, the beginning of Mads and Gaia’s last year of college was about to begin. Gaia fought Bash the three weeks about dropping out of college. She had finally emptied her apartment and rented to someone Mads knew who planned to renew the lease in their name at the beginning of the year.

 The June After Oliver’s DeathGraduation. They’d finally made it. 

 One Month After Gaia’s Twenty-Eighth BirthdayAren’t you nervous or scared?" Matilda asked as they watched the workers set up a tent in the backyard. “As strange as it sounds, no. I’m at peace and excited. This is the first step before Bash and I can be sealed as mates,” Gaia replied.

 Gaia knelt before Bash in the center of the room, her naked pale skin exposed to the cool air. She held her back straight and proud. Gaia was no longer weak and mortal. In the two months since her turning, Bash realized Gaia had inherited her ancient sire’s strength. She was much stronger than a typical fledgling. But Gaia would always kneel in submission to her sire and mate. It was a show of love and trust and not a show of weakness as many people believed. Bash would always be her master, her lover, her everything. 

Gaia did as he instructed her. Bash guided her inside.“Okay. Open them.”Gaia opened her eyes and a smile spread across her face. “Do you like it?” Bash ask

 After the last guest had gone, and she had dismissed the help, instead of going home, Matilda walked to Quin’s room and reached up to knock. Before her knuckles could touch the wooden door, it swung open. Quin stood on the other side, shirtless and still damp from a shower. His joggers sat low on his hips and Mads couldn’t help noticing he was bare beneath.