as I’ve come to learn. You would never have lived as long as me, but now that the gargoyles have taken years off my life, we should die around the same time.”
“They took years from your life?” I screech.
But he just nods calmly. “It’s what gargoyles do. Leeching is how they come alive and why the courts use them.”
I shake my head. Even though I’ve been living with other supernaturals for over two months, there’s still so much I don’t know. “But I still don’t understand how any of this is possible. You never would have been allowed to live outside of prison in the human world.”
“I know, but things are different in the community. And ultimately, it was Daria convincing the queen justice that my wolf had healed, that he was no longer insane, that ultimately led to my rehabilitation program.” He goes on to explain how Daria had felt his healed wolf when she touched him in the courtroom. She had dipped her healing magic into his brain and was able to see a thoroughly sane and clean mind.
“So they truly believe that you’re no longer a rogue?”
He nods.
“And instead of prison, they said you could serve your sentence in a life of servitude?”
He nods again but then his jaw locks. “It’s important that you understand what that means. I won’t be able to work on my family’s ranch, which means I won’t be earning the Ward money. My income comes from the community courts now and is modest at best. I’ll take a second job so I can provide better for you, but we’ll never live like my parents.” His brow furrows. “I won’t be able to give you the life I envisioned. You’ll most likely have to work, too, to make ends me.”
Devastation crosses his features, and his eyes glow more. And in that moment, any remaining ice around my heart melts away. I lay a hand tenderly across his cheek. “I always intended to work, my love. I’m not one to sit at home, so if that’s your biggest concern, you can rest easy.” A look of such relief washes over his face that I laugh.
“So you forgive me and you’re okay with the life that I have to offer you?” he asks.
I push away from the wall and pull him toward the dance floor. Quite suddenly, I want to laugh, dance, and be merry, and the only man I want to do it with is him.
In a cheeky tone, I reply, “I suppose so, and since I won’t be left barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen, you better know that you’re on dish duty four nights a week.”
A grin stretches across his face, then he laughs before grabbing my hand and twirling me around.
Suddenly, the future feels so much brighter.
Epilogue – Collin
I survey the bedroom, making sure all of the details are right. Our king-size bed is surrounded by a sea of candles. I’ve changed the sheets, fluffed the pillows, and have soft music playing in the background. In our bathroom, a scalding bubble bath awaits. It should cool to the perfect temperature by the time I place my mate in it.
Brianna’s due home from work soon, and I want tonight to be perfect. It’s only our second night together in our new apartment, and she’s not expecting me to be here, but my parole officer let me have the night off so I decided to surprise her with what I’ve been dreaming of since I arrived in Crescent Crossing.
Initially, I had wanted to rent a remote cabin for what I had planned tonight. A little dwelling hidden away in the woods would have been perfect—a romantic getaway that would make this night even more special—but then I remembered who my mate is. Brianna would no doubt cross her arms at the frivolous use of money and tell me that such romantic accommodations weren’t needed. She would be just as happy to stay in a tent.
I chuckle. Fuck, I love my mate. She suits me perfectly and keeps me in check when I need it.
I take one last look to make sure everything’s perfect. Snow flies outside, and the full moon calls to my wolf. He whines in anticipation, more than ready for what’s to come since tonight is the night he’s been waiting for.
The sound of a key entering the front door’s lock kicks me into action. I whiz out of the bedroom and to the kitchen where the sauce is bubbling on