Epilogue

Not that long ago I was walking into a bar like this, looking for my next target. The thought alone makes my stomach sink. Thankfully, a big hand in my own squeezes, keeping me in the present.

So much has changed since then.

I was so desperate to help my sister that I was willing to do whatever it took. I thought I was forced to face life all alone but instead, Lady Fate sent me some help.

Cooper follows behind Martin and I, carrying Lana in her baby carrier. The rest of the crew steps in after us. Thankfully, this little bar seems to be able to fit all of us along with all the other people here tonight.

"Would it be okay if we pushed a few tables together?" I ask the bartender, smiling when he says that's fine.

We all work together to find a little corner we can fit everyone, squishing tables together and pulling over a few chairs. We order a couple pitchers of beer and some pizzas for us all to share.

"Are we, like, super sure this place is safe?" Carlos asks, looking around the bar.

"Why wouldn't it be?"

"I don't know. Something feels off."

Jeff tilts his head. "Seems fine. And there wasn't any cases around here that Ronny could find. I think we're all good."

Carlos huffs, crossing his arms over his chest. He keeps his eyes on the door just in case.

"Before the end of the night I want at least half of you up on that stage," I tell them all stubbornly. "It's my birthday and I demand a show."

Martin chuckles, shaking his head beside me. "I'm not sure if I'll get up there, but I promise to make it up to you later tonight."

I squint at him before getting an idea. I lean over, whispering in his ear. "Are you going to let Cooper ride you while I watch?"

He pulls back, blushing slightly. "Is that what you want? It's your birthday, Dorian."

"Yep! That's what I want and I have a feeling Cooper will be on board."

"On board for what?" Cooper asks, sliding into the seat beside me.

"Letting me watch you ride Martin."

Zander groans, putting his hands over JJ's ears dramatically. Carlos just shakes his head, still watching the door. I wonder what's got him all worked up.

"I'll sign up," Jeff says, standing up with me. "Who else is with us?"

Zander drags Ronny up from his seat and the four of us head to the table by the stage, going through the giant binders they have and picking out which songs we're going to pick for karaoke.

Just as I'm filling out my slip, someone new walks into the bar. I turn towards our group, my stomach fluttering as Carlos stands up, his eyes flashing with his shifter side for a moment before he can pull himself back into control. His hand wraps around the necklace he always wears.

"Oh my gods," Jeff murmurs beside me. We all watch as Carlos slowly walks over towards the man who's just stepped into the bar.

The man is shorter with blonde hair. He smiles wide looking at the group at the table. He starts to walk over towards them. Carlos goes to meet him and I put my hands over my mouth, watching as Lady Fate works her magic.

Just before they meet in the middle, Carlos stops, holding out his hand.

But then the most unexpected thing happens. The guy looks down at his hands where he's holding something before ducking under Carlos' arms and heading over to the table where everyone is sitting. Carlos looks hurt as he spins around, watching with his mouth wide open in shock. If I didn't know any better I would say Carlos thought he was meeting his true mate, but this kid wouldn't have just rejected Carlos like that, right?

What the fuck is happening?

I begin making my way back over to the table, my brows wrinkling as this guy slides into my empty seat, looking at Cooper.

"Hello," the guy says with a wide smile. "It's so good to finally meet you."

Cooper looks up at me with confused eyes before looking at this kid again. "Umm? You too?"

The guy reaches over, putting his hand on Cooper's shoulder and I let out a gasp of surprise as my mate's eyes flash with the most brilliant green color, his scent turning even spicier. Oh. Oh my gods. There's no doubt in my mind that magic is happening right now.

"I'm so sorry," the kid says, looking around the table and realizing we're all staring at him in shock. He runs his fingers through his blonde hair, composing himself. "I should introduce myself! My name is Jude."

Carlos storms over, putting his hands on his hips. "Aren't you here to meet me? Cooper already has a mate! He has two."

Jude looks over at Carlos in confusion. "Don't be a silly goose. I'm here for my spark."

"Your spark?" Martin asks in confusion.

"Yeah!" Then he looks back at Cooper with a giant smile and the pieces all fall into place in my mind just before Jude explains. Cooper's scent has changed, indicating that his magic is slowly coming to life, slowly activating. "I'm your familiar."

I put my hand on Jude's shoulder and he looks up at me with wide eyes. "You're in my seat, Jude."

"Shit, sorry," he says, standing up and letting me sit down. "I'm Dorian. These are my mates, Cooper and Martin. And all of the people around this table are our crew. I hope you like chaos because this crew is full of it," I warn, already knowing this kid is here to stay.

Jude looks down at his nails, trying to keep a smile at bay. Oh gods, I already like this kid and I've only just met him. Carlos stands just to the side, full on pouting now. It's not hard to piece together that they're mates, but Jude is on a mission to win over my mate before he's willing to think about Carlos. I gotta admire the dedication. "I've been known to indulge in a bit of chaos from time to time," he says like he's admitting a crime.

"Then I have one very, very important question for you," I say, matching his energy and keeping a serious look on my face.

"Shoot."

"Do you like karaoke?"

The End