“I knew you could do it, Rom,” I whisper.
“You always believed in me in a way no one else has, my perfect mate.”
My mate’s mark tingles, and I ballmy fingers and tuck my hand into his palm. “So, is that the only time you can do the stone magic inside me?”
His chuckle shakes his chest, and I grin against him, flicking my tongue onto his chest for just a taste of his salty skin. “I can do that anytime you wish for it.”
I shimmy in his embrace. “I was hoping you’d say that.”
Epilogue: Laini, One Month Later
With Rom on one side and Rustion on the other, I stare up at my finished Leafshire Cove tapestry. It hangs in the mayor’s great hall, in a place of ultimate honor.
I see the moment Rom notices the gargoyle I wove into the town. His lips part, and his hold on my hand tightens, his talons pinching at my skin just a bit. He turns.
“Laini, thank you.” His cheeks rise high with his broad smile.
I bump his arm with my shoulder. “You belong. I was just being historically accurate.”
Rustion chuckles and crosses his arms. “It’s exactly what I wanted, Laini, my dear. And you are good for completing the series of woodland ones bythe end of the next growing season? If you need more time, I can give it.”
“I’ll finish. That’s plenty of time. Thanks again for the opportunity.”
Rustion reaches for my free hand and shakes it. “It’s been wonderful doing business with you so far. Now, about that chapel usage request…”
“Yes,” Rom says, his gray cheeks going a shade darker. “We would like to have our public mating bond ceremony as soon as possible.”
“It’s already booked!” Nisa calls as she walks toward us from the direction of the bedchambers in the back of the large home.
She hugs me, and I hug her back, grateful for these two elders in our lives. I feel like we are some sort of a family. That’s another wish of mine granted, a wish I never thought to ask for.
We spend the rest of the day planning the ceremony and eating what appears to be every type of food the manor has to offer. Spark sits in my lap, napping like nothing of import is even happening. Such a cute little brat.
“Life is good,” I whisper to Rom as he sips some elderberry wine and offers me a glass. “I’m so happy I get to spend it with you.”
“I’m blessedbeyond measure, my flower. Thank you for believing in me.” He drops a wine-scented kiss on my head, and I scratch Spark’s head.
I’m precisely where I belong.
Bonus Epilogue
Tully
Shortly Thereafter
“Tully,can you give me a hand here?” Kaya asks me. She lifts another twine-tied pine bough and cluster of wishberries, and her hair slips from the knot on top of her head. She blows a lock out of her eyes.
I snicker and wave my wand to secure the natural decoration to the chapel. Laini and Rom’s mating ceremony will begin soon, and we are behind schedule. Good thing these fools have a witch to aid them.
With another flick of my wand, I cast frost over the chapel door, and I lengthen the icicles already on the roofline.
Kaya clasps her hands under her chin. “That is lovely, Tully. She is going to be thrilled.”
“I doubt she’ll notice with that deliciousgargoyle on her arm. All I’d be thinking about would be getting back in bed.”
A laugh bubbles from Kaya, and I grin at her. I’m not usually into these silly traditions, but I am truly happy for Laini. Plus, their romance was my main goal for the month, and I’m ready to see the completion of my success. I wonder if there is something I can do to the pies Kaya is setting up at the table beside the chapel.
Kaya glances at me. “I don’t love that look, Tully.”
