Epilogue

A Year Later

H ayley readjusted her son over her shoulder and couldn't stop smiling at the room full of everyone she cared about—her sister and family; Nathan's family; her friends on Stonefire. Even a few of her solicitor colleagues, ones that had always been interested in helping dragon-shifters, were mingling in the crowd inside the great hall.

Oh, it wasn't as full as when the entire clan came together. Even so, she was surprised at how many people wanted to celebrate her and Nathan's official database launch. One that, while still in development, had already been used to help a few dragon-shifters in the UK.

Grace Lewis walked up to her, one of her sons in her arms, and said, "First the UK and Ireland. Next up: the world."

They'd become friends over the last year. To everyone's surprise, Grace had mated Dr. Trahern Lewis not long after Hayley had mated Nathan. She'd had her doubts about the pair at first, but clearly they'd been unfounded. As Trahern played with their other son across the room, he stole a glance at Grace, and he gave a rare smile.

Hayley replied, "Well, we're talking with a few clans in America about making their own. One of the humans on Lochguard is the cousin of a woman mated to an American dragon clan leader. However, it's not an easy task for them, given all the state laws."

"Still, at least they're thinking about it. Trahern's research is taking more time for people to accept."

Research that had saved Grace's life, among others. "They'll get there eventually, Grace. When people finally notice how healthy Stonefire is, and how low our human maternal mortality rates are, they'll start paying more attention."

Grace smiled at her. "Look at me, complaining on your special day. Go find your mate and enjoy yourself! Trahern and I can even look after Vincent for a bit, if you want to have some fun."

"Thanks, Grace. I may just take you up on that offer later."

After waving goodbye, she made her way across the room to her mate. Nathan stood with his cousin, Luke.

Luke held out his arms. "Let me take him for a bit. You know I'm the baby whisperer, and he'll sleep longer with me."

It was true. Vincent loved his cousin. Despite only being a few months old, her son idolized him.

Not for the first time, Hayley wished things would work out for Luke, so he could have the family he so desperately wanted for himself.

She was about to ask if Luke's situation was any less complicated, but Nathan must've noticed the determined look on her face and said, "Have fun, Luke. I've been waiting to dance with my mate for a while now."

Luke took Vincent, winked, and went toward the corner set up for the young children.

Hayley frowned at Nathan. "Dance? No one else is dancing, and you hate it when everyone watches you."

He took her hand. "Ah, but you've forgotten one rather important change."

"Which is?"

"As long as I'm with you, I don't care what everyone else thinks or says. Now, will you dance with me, Hayley?"

She smiled up at him. "Of course I will. Although you can't complain when I step on your foot, which will happen, knowing me."

"I can handle that. But let's not crash into a refreshment table again."

She glared at him. "It was only the one time, and it was your fault."

He laughed, pulled her close, and started moving to the music. "You distracted me with your beauty. So, technically, it was your fault."

She stuck out her tongue. "Blinded by beauty isn't a good defense and won't hold up in court."

He kissed her. "We'll see." He moved a hand to her arse and squeezed.

"Nathan!"

"What? It's my job to distract you. That way you won't overthink dancing and it'll save my poor feet."

"Just for that…" She deliberately tried to stomp on his foot, but he was faster.

He quickly scooped her up into his arms and kissed her. Hayley wrapped her arms around his neck and the fight went out of her as the kiss turned heated. Only because she remembered they were in the great hall did she finally break it. "Luke is watching Vincent for a bit, and I'm sure no one will notice if we slip downstairs."

By now, the pair of them had found all of the known secret rooms and passages. Nathan replied, "As long as we avoid the fireplace leading to the bunker. That one will set off an alarm in the Protector building, and I don't want Kai and Nikki and who knows how many other people seeing you naked."

Nathan had worked hard to upgrade the security beneath the great hall. Soon Bram would even open the treasure room to clan members, once it was secure enough.

But Hayley didn't want to think of treasure rooms or security systems or anything but her mate. So she whispered, "Take me to my favorite place, Nathan. Now."

And so he slipped out of the room, still carrying her, and took her to a large room beneath the great hall that contained a secondary clan library.

There, in front of the fireplace, her mate claimed her. Twice.

Thanks for reading Nathan and Hayley's story!