Total pages in book: 24
Estimated words: 22412 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 112(@200wpm)___ 90(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22412 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 112(@200wpm)___ 90(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
When we collapsed, spent and slick with sweat, I gathered her close and nuzzled her neck. “You’re mine now, kitten. Completely.”
“And you’re mine,” she whispered back. “Body and soul, forever.”
Nothing had ever felt as right as our bond being sealed and unbreakable. Whatever the future brought, we’d face it together.
EPILOGUE
ALARA
Afew months passed in a whirlwind of bliss I never imagined possible. After everything that went down, Booker integrated seamlessly into Nightbriar. He learned our customs and earned quiet respect from even the grumpiest elders. He even made my brother grudgingly admit fate knew what it was doing.
We spent those first weeks nestled in the cliffs I’d always called home, but with his strong arms around me each night, I didn’t feel trapped.
I’d never realized how much loneliness I’d carried until I didn’t anymore. Every time I woke with my face pressed to Booker’s chest, my lynx stretched languidly inside me, like she finally had everything she’d ever wanted. Because we did.
Then we ventured to the Wilderness Pack. I was drawn by how similar their remote cabins felt to my home. Keane and the others welcomed us like family, and I loved the freedom their forest provided. During our month there, we ran under endless stars and attended pack barbecues that reminded me of chain gatherings, but with grizzlies and dragons adding unexpected flair. Artemis even taught me how to roast marshmallows with dragon fire to his daughter’s delight, which was both terrifying and addictive.
Booker and I thrived there, but we both felt the pull to explore one more option before deciding where to plant roots.
Now, strolling hand-in-hand down the main street of Timber Ridge, I couldn’t stop staring. This place was like stepping into a book with its vibrant shops, shifters and humans mingling, and the scent of fresh-baked pies wafting from a bakery while kids laughed in a nearby park. Mountains framed it all, familiar yet alive in a way Nightbriar never was. A gentle hum of community pulsed around me, warm and welcoming.
“It's everything I dreamed of and more,” I whispered, squeezing Booker’s hand.
He smiled down at me, gold glinting in his deep blue eyes. “Told you you’d love it here, kitten.”
His parents had enveloped me in hugs the moment we arrived. Elias, with his quiet, watchful pride, so like his son, and Mira, with warm chatter about grandpups and family recipes. I melted instantly. They’d insisted on treating us to dinner at Timber Treasures in the heart of town.
The restaurant was cozy perfection. Mira chattered about local gossip while Elias asked Booker about our time with the Wilderness Pack. I savored every bite of the grilled steak and stole glances at Booker, my heart full. He looked so at ease here, with his shoulders relaxed and eyes soft every time he glanced my way.
Mira reached across the table, brushing away a crumb near my plate. “So, Alara, be honest. How is my son as a mate? Does he brood as much as he used to? He was terrible at communicating when he lived at home.”
Booker groaned. “Mom.”
I grinned. “He communicates just fine. Mostly in growls.”
Elias snorted into his water. “Sounds about right.”
Booker squeezed my knee under the table. “They’re exaggerating. I do not growl that much.”
“You do,” all three of us said at the same time.
Mira’s eyes gleamed. “But he treats you well?”
My heart softened. “Better than well. He’s more than I ever could’ve dreamed of in a mate.”
Elias nodded, looking pleased. “He learned that from his mother.”
Booker muttered, “I learned patience from surviving you,” which earned him a swat from Mira and a rare full laugh from Elias.
Then Mira turned dreamy. “And I’ll have grandpups. Eventually. No pressure, of course.”
Booker nearly choked on his drink. “Mom.”
I bit back a smile. “We’ll take our time deciding where to live first.”
Mira leaned forward. “Speaking of that, have you two thought more about it? Timber Ridge has room for you. There’s a lovely house available on our street, with plenty of room to build a family.”
Elias added, “We’d like you close, but only if it feels right. A mate bond needs space to grow where it feels steady.”
“We’ve been talking it through.” Booker’s gaze slid to mine. “But we’re not rushing into a decision.”
“Every place we’ve been has felt like a part of our story.”
Mira reached over and squeezed my hand. “Take your time. Home is something you build, not something you hurry.”
Booker smiled at her words, and something in my chest warmed. I understood then why he grew into the man he was. He’d been raised in a house where strength came wrapped in gentleness.
Elias leaned back, pointing at Booker with his fork. “And if he ever forgets that, you let us know.”
“I won’t forget,” Booker grumbled, brushing his shoulder against mine.
We were still smiling when the kitchen door swung open, and Bexley emerged. I’d met the grill chef earlier, when Booker took me around Timber’s Treasures to introduce me to everyone.