Epilogue

“Will they like me?” Raine set her brush down on her dresser and did one last check of her appearance in the mirror. Her makeup was minimal, the slacks and top she wore casual but excellent quality.

It wasn’t like her to fret so much. She was used to navigating social situations. Academia was an excellent training ground for such things.

This was different.

Lucius finished buttoning his shirt. “They’ll love you. You already know Morrigan.”

That was true. They’d become fast friends since she and Lucius had temporarily settled in New York, bonding over how to deal with a stubborn, overprotective paranormal mate. Morrigan had given her great advice. But now she was meeting three other members and their wives who’d traveled to the city just to meet them.

Penelope jumped onto the dresser and nudged her arm. “Meow.”

“I’m not paying you enough attention, am I?” She picked the cat up and snuggled her, letting the deep purring calm her nerves.

“You’re spoiling her.” He was smiling when he said it, so she didn’t take it to heart. Besides, he was worse than she was. Penelope was the proud owner of not one, but two deluxe cat trees and a basket full of new cat toys. Her pet loved Lucius as much as she did.

He’d also been spoiling her. True to his word, they’d spent an entire week in a luxury hotel, doing nothing but eating, sleeping, making love, and talking. It had been heaven. There were still a lot of details to nail down—like where they’d live—but one thing they had was time.

After much discussion, they’d decided that if she did continue to age—although that seemed unlikely given the other changes she’d experienced—she’d use his blood to counteract it. He hadn’t pressured her into the decision, even though she could tell he’d wanted to. He’d impressed her with his restraint. They were both learning to navigate their new normal. She wasn’t the only one dealing with huge changes.

The more mundane details of life had been handled. All her belongings were in storage and the repairs were almost finished on her house. Money talked, and apparently, Lucius had tons of it.

She’d been forced to rein him in this past month. It had taken a lot of fast talking to convince him she didn’t want to buy anything until they knew where they were settling for good. As it was, there were several new outfits in the closet, including the one she was currently wearing. She’d learned not to show an interest in anything when they were out walking around the city streets or it would inevitably end up in her possession.

Her drakon was generous to a fault.

After one final snuggle, she set Penelope on the floor. The feline ambled over to the bed and jumped up, turning in a circle before settling. “Have you heard from Sven?” He’d been searching for several weeks now, but Rivka was proving to be elusive.

“Nothing in the past week, but he thought he was closing in on her.”

“He won’t hurt her, will he?” That was the last thing she wanted. The angel had tried to help them, whether from a guilty conscience or because she was an innocent pawn in this as Raine had been—there was no way to know unless they could talk with her. “I’m not convinced she was part of the plot against the Brotherhood.”

Lucius kissed her neck, sending shivers dancing over her skin. “He won’t hurt her. Unless she attacks him,” he added. “He’ll protect himself.”

Not exactly reassuring, but it was the best she could hope for.

He held his fisted hand out in front of her. “This is for you.”

“What have you done now?” She held her hands behind her back. “You have to stop buying me things.”

“I didn’t buy this. Not really.” He shrugged as if unconcerned, but the expression on his face told another tale. “If you don’t want it, I understand.”

She grabbed his arm before he could tuck away the gift. Whatever it was, it was special to him. “I don’t mean to sound ungrateful. It’s just that you’ve already given me so much.”

His brow furrowed. “Your life was destroyed because of me.”

She pressed her hands against his face. “It changed because of you. For the better. I have you and Penelope. Everything else is just details.” Her drakon was dealing with a ton of guilt. It was up to her to help him get past it.

His brow smoothed and the twinkle returned to his eyes. He opened his hand and a stunning necklace cascaded through his fingers. Pink diamonds glittered in the light. One of them was set as a pendant, while the rest were part of the chain.

“Your drakon tears.” She’d wondered what had happened to them but hadn’t wanted to ask.

He shook his head and draped the necklace over her head. “Your drakon tears. A drakon cries only when his heart is breaking. A drakon cries only for love.”

“I remember.” Tears welled in her eyes and trickled down her cheeks. “It’s stunning.”

“Each drakon’s tears are unique.” He ran his index finger down the chain where it nestled between her breasts. “Fire drakons shed rubies, water drakons sapphires, air drakons emeralds. The tears of an earth drakon become diamonds. Most are normal diamonds.”

“Yours are pink. I love that they match your eyes.” The necklace was heavy, a tangible reminder of the terrible time they’d survived, a testament to his love for her.

“They’re rare, as you are. I love you, Raine.” Taking her in his arms, he kissed her. She tasted love and heat and forever. Wrapping her arms around him, she returned the embrace until they were both breathless.

“Will you take me flying someday?” With everything else happening, there’d been no time.

“I will.” He nibbled on the curve of her neck, causing goose bumps to race down her arm. “I can make you fly another way.”

His sensual promise had her heart racing and her entire body quivering in anticipation. “Do you think they’ll forgive us if we’re a bit late?”

“They’re going to have to.” He swept her into his arms and carried her to the bed. Penelope jumped down and scurried from the room, obviously annoyed with this turn of events. In short order, Raine was naked except for the necklace. The metal and gems were warm against her skin, but not nearly as warm as her drakon, her love.

“I’m so glad I came into your cave and woke you from your sleep.”

He nuzzled his nose against hers. “So am I. Not only my body, but also my heart was stone until you. It was meant to be.” They made love, slow and easy, tasting and savoring, taking and giving. They ignored the phone when it rang and were an hour late to dinner.

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