Epilogue

MAC

" L ook at them all." Roane, brother number five, scoffed, gesturing to our mates folding baby clothes in the next room. "Nesting I think it's called."

"Wow, you've been reading again, Ro. I'm impressed." I laughed. "But you really need to stop complaining. We've never eaten so well."

Quinn joined us in the great room of the castle. "Yeah, Roane. I'd say you're getting a bit soft around the middle. Maybe we should ask Rhia to start rationing your supply of macaroons?"

Roane rolled his eyes. "Hey, there's no reason to upset Rhia. It's just?—"

"I think Roane's jealous. Our mates are here safe, in our beds, and sure they're making the castle homier. And soon this place will be filled with play mats, burping cloths and smell like baby powder." Keir sat next down next to Roane and threw an arm over his shoulder. "Maybe it's time you get out of here and search for your mate, then maybe you'll stop moping around."

Roane ran a hand over his smooth head and released a frustrated growl. Our brother was a dead ringer for Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, and more often than not had a perma-scowl on his face. "Don't think I haven't already started. In fact, I'm waiting for some information now."

As the three began arguing over why Roane was just now letting us in on his plan to locate his mate, I glanced across the room toward the threshold into the dining room where Sierra and my sisters-in-law had gathered.

My mate was glowing. In part thanks to her new sisters, cousins, granddaughters of Brigid, the Irish Goddess of Protection, Healing, and Wisdom. They had bonded over their shared ancestry and their magic. Each one bringing a different power to what they hoped would assist us once the final two women were found.

Thank the gods that Sierra had regained her former health, and much needed weight because she was also carrying our son. Like my brother's mate's, she'd become pregnant the first time we made love. We hadn't told anyone yet. Despite her now being immortal, she was adamant she wanted to wait until she'd made it through the first trimester before we told the family.

Trace and Gavin finally wandered into the room. "What's going on?" Gavin asked as he stood next to the fireplace. He still wasn't happy with me that I'd refused the binding ceremony. Even after I told him what our father had said about it and that it wasn't necessary. After much discussion, we concluded that The Fates' had crafted the ceremony merely for show.

"Roane says he has a lead on his mate." I responded.

"Why haven't you shared this before? Were you just going to take off like Mac did?" Gavin frowned at Roane.

Gavin had been the most upset when I'd taken off without letting my brothers know where I was going. Gavin's sense of duty and belief in our brotherhood, our duty and the Brethren's Prophecy, that I prepared myself for an all-out brawl between Roane and Gavin.

"Roane says he's been waiting for more infor?—"

"Hello, my sons."

Six pairs of eyes widened in shock as we turned to where Athena had materialized behind the couch. Shouts of "Mother!" and "Athena!" filled the air and had the women rushing in from the other room.

"Ah, my new daughters. How lovely. Britt, I hope you have everything you need. That little one is planning his big debut later tonight. Rhia, hello my dear. Bexley, it's so good seeing you again. I understand you're also breeding."

"Mother!" Both Keir and Trace shot to their feet, ready to protect their mates from Athena's poor choice of words.

But she was too quick for them. She gathered her flowing robes and turned in dramatic fashion and held out her arms to Sierra. My grizzly's growl filled my head, and I jumped up and crossed to Sierra's side. Who knew what she'd say next?

Athena gathered my mate in her arms. "I'm so sorry for the abuse you suffered at Dante's hands. I must admit I don't often praise Tiegh, but he finally pulled his head out of his ass and helped Mac locate you. And I can't let his good deed go unmatched." Athena leaned closer to Sierra and in a loud whisper said, "Don't worry, I'll let you announce your pregnancy. But I wanted to personally give you my congratulations. Unfortunately, it seems my children haven't found the need to invite me to share in their mate's happy news."

"Athena, the wounded mother-in-law is not a good look for you. And I'm sure The Fates' happily informed you of the news." I pulled Sierra into me, wrapping an arm around her waist, and said, "I'm sorry, love. If I'd known she'd be showing up today, I would have prepared you. She has this bad habit of unexpected and embarrassing drop-ins."

Britt had been rubbing her baby bump, looking a bit shell-shocked at Athena's announcement when she interjected. "Just be glad she didn't show up when you and Mac were in bed. Talk about an introduction."

Athena tapped a finger on her chin as if she didn't quite remember. "Ah, yes. That was the day you conceived. My first grandchild is going to be a handful. Just like his daddy. Quinn, I hope you're prepared." With another dramatic sweep of her long robes, our mother glided toward an empty chair and sat. Her owl flew across the room and landed on her shoulder. Minus her speak, which she no longer carried, she was the picture of how I remembered her from our training in our youth. Composed and regal, she commanded everyone's attention without saying a word.

"You called mother for help?" Gavin accused Roane.

"Not at all. I offered and I'm ready to do my part to help not just Roane, but you too, Gavin." Athena raised her hand, and a tablet appeared. "I've been tracking Roane's mate. Gavin, I'm still working on yours. My hope is Tiegh, and I can work together to find her, but first things first."

All the air was sucked out of the room at her words, then everyone was speaking at once. Our parents hadn't spoken in centuries that I know of. We still didn't know what had torn them apart.

"What the hell?"

"Now you decide to help?"

"What's really going on, mother?"

"I think my water just broke." Britt shouted to be heard over the din.

Quinn swept his mate into his arms and strode out of the room. Rhia and Bex quickly followed. They were going to assist in the birth.

Athena turned to Roane. "Are you ready for her location?"

Roane stood. "I love you, mother. But maybe we could all focus on Britt and Quinn and welcome the newest member of the Brethren into the world. Then I'll gladly take the information." He left the room, followed by Gavin, Keir and Trace.

Sierra grabbed my hand and whispered, "You weren't kidding about your family being full of drama. But I think I really like your mother."

"Ssh, don't let her hear you say that. Let's just pray that by the time our baby is born, she'll be occupied elsewhere."

Standing on her tiptoes, Sierra kissed my cheek. "You got it. I'm going to go upstairs to see if I can do anything to help. Seems like you're it. Good luck."

"Ah love, maybe you could?—"

"Don't worry. I'll make it up to you later. After the baby's born. Love you." Sierra winked and waved at Athena. "Nice to meet you!" And then she was gone.

Dammit. My mate better have been referring to Quinn and Britt's baby and not ours.

"So, Mac. You're the last one to have spoken to your father. Tell me everything. What trouble is he getting into now?"

Thank you so much for reading Mac and Sierra's book. I hope you enjoyed the story as much as I did writing it and you will consider leaving a review on Amazon.

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FATED TO THE GRIZZLY is part of the Mated to the Monster: Season Two multi-author series. Each book is a standalone story, and you can read them in any order.

Get all the books:

MATED TO THE MONSTER: Season 2

a monster romance series

PROMISED TO THE SATYR

by Andie Fenichel

PROTECTED BY THE WOLVEN

by Alana Khan

FALLING FOR THE YETI

by Karla Doyle

FATED TO THE GARGOYLE

by Lisa Carlisle

THE PIXIES' CHOSEN

by SJ Sanders

BONDED BEYOND REGRET

by Ember Davis

BIDDING ON HER ORC BOSS

by Evangeline Priest

INCU-BLISS

by Matilda Martel

FATED TO THE GRIZZLY

by Debra Elise

ECHOES OF ETERNITY

by YD La Mar

SASQUATCH'S CLAIMING

by AC Ruttan

THE GOBLIN'S MINE

by Vivienne Hart