Total pages in book: 113
Estimated words: 107209 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 536(@200wpm)___ 429(@250wpm)___ 357(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107209 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 536(@200wpm)___ 429(@250wpm)___ 357(@300wpm)
She placed her hand over his heart. Nobody had ever seen her this clearly. Of course, he ruffled her structured composure any time he wanted. Even though her entire personality had rebelled against relying on him, he’d worked his way right into her heart. She trusted him and realized that gave her strength. And a new freedom to explore. “Also, I’d like to look at the finances, if that’s okay. I’m wondering if paying people more will gain loyalty.”
“Sure. You probably need a raise as well.”
She hadn’t thought about that. “I figured my million dollars was pay enough once I left.”
“You’re not leaving,” he said evenly. “But you can still have the money.”
She perked up, having no intention of leaving, ever. “I don’t want to take that much.”
He shrugged. “I have a few billion of my own, so spend all you like.”
A few billion? Dollars? “Wow.” She’d have to think about that one.
“Like I said, you’re staying, but I hope you don’t mind the cold and snow.”
She could feel his heartbeat beneath her palm. So steady and strong. “I love the cold and snow. It reminds me of the happy and safe times of my childhood. So,” she said, her voice teasing, “we’re mated, huh?”
“In every way possible.” He held her close. His body heat alone could have chased away any lingering chill. His lips twitched. “Paxton just went to find Hope. The walls are thin. We might want to turn on some music.” His grin turned mischievous as he shifted her to straddle his lap. “We have the rest of the night before I need to return to work.”
“I love your smile. It’s rare, and I can change that. I’d like to see it all the time.” Her legs tightened around his waist as her hands landed on his thick shoulders.
His gaze softened. “You have ways to do that?”
She leaned in closer, her nose brushing his. “I can think of a couple,” she murmured, her voice dropping. “I love you.”
“I know,” he said, his grin softening into something deeper. His lips brushed hers in a slow, reverent kiss. “I love you too.”
Epilogue
Three weeks later
Vero finished checking the rotation of the guards, his sharp eyes scanning the room as Paxton paced beside him in the main lodge with his newly arrived dog stretched out by the fireplace, watching him while yawning once in a while. Snow fell heavily outside, blanketing the ground in a pristine white, but the tension inside made the atmosphere anything but serene.
“Would you relax?” Vero asked, glancing sideways at his brother.
“Are you kidding?” Paxton shot back, his tone incredulous. “My father-in-law is landing in a moment. Zane Kyllwood is a force of nature.”
Vero shrugged. “His daughter loves you. Though this makes me somewhat appreciative that I don’t have a father-in-law.”
Paxton cut him a look, his mouth twitching. “Yeah, I envy you. But not really—because Zane’s the best. As a part-demon, you’re his relative as well.”
“Now that’s a thought,” Vero replied, adjusting his sleeve to expose the demon brand on his hand. Though faded, it would always remain. It marked him as more than just a Kurjan, and the nation had accepted both him and Paxton despite their demon blood. After all, that blood had saved everyone. Without it, the virus might still have them puking their guts out—or worse, dead.
He glanced at the C on his palm. Unsurprisingly, there hadn’t been anything in Talt’s journal about Vero’s true ancestry. Should he try to find his demon relatives, if any had lived through the last wars? It was something to think about…later.
Vero glanced around the lodge. The soldiers had finally recovered, the forty Cyst members had moved in and had already recruited ten more members, and the loyalty coalescing around Paxton as their king was absolute. The Kurjan nation was strong again.
The thrum of a helicopter outside drew his attention, and he followed his brother into the cold, whipping wind. Paxton’s steps faltered slightly, betraying his nerves.
Vero smirked. “Are you nervous?”
“No,” Paxton said, though the sharpness in his tone betrayed him.
From across the snowy expanse, Hope and Lyrica emerged from the medical facility, their heads close as they spoke. The sight of his mate warmed Vero in a way that had nothing to do with the heavy coat he wore. She moved toward him, her face lighting up despite the storm.
“Stay here,” he murmured, stepping into her path. He held her back gently, shielding her from the pelting snow as the helicopter descended.
The whirling blades slowed, the back door opened, and Collin and Liam jumped out first, scanning the area with sharp precision, their weapons visible.
Paxton raised his hand in greeting. “You can relax. We’re safe. There’s not even a guard patrol around the lodge right now.”
Liam didn’t smile, but he did nod and step aside.
A bundle of energy barreled out in the form of a lovely female with tawny eyes and blondish-brown hair. “Hope,” she yelled, running toward her.