Epilogue

EPILOGUE

LARAMIE

ONE YEAR LATER

M y toes curled against the silk sheets, seeking warmth in the empty space beside me. A year ago, waking up alone on Christmas morning would have been a relief. Now it just felt wrong.

The scent of freshly ground coffee beans drew me from our nest of blankets. I snagged Kotos’ discarded shirt from the floor and slipped it on, the fabric falling to mid-thigh. I didn’t bother with pants. Not like anyone else could see into our private chalet at this elevation.

Snow fell in fat, lazy flakes outside, blanketing the Swiss Alps in pristine white. The landscape stretched endlessly toward snow-capped peaks, untouched save for the tracks of winter wildlife. So different from the sun-drenched Greek islands where we first met.

My fingers traced the mate mark at my neck, remembering that frenzied coupling in the labyrinth. Who would have thought smacking a minotaur in the balls with an orange would lead to jetting around the world with my mate?

I padded down the hallway, following the heavenly aroma of fresh coffee. The sight that greeted me in the kitchen made me pause in the doorway, drinking in the view.

Kotos’ massive frame somehow fit perfectly in the space, his muscles on full display as he moved between counter and stove. Steam curled from the coffeemaker while he whisked something in a bowl. The morning light caught his horns just right, making them gleam like polished ivory.

“You’re staring,” he rumbled without turning around.

“Can you blame me?” I pushed off the doorframe and crossed to him. “My incredibly sexy mate is cooking breakfast wearing nothing but pajama pants. It’s like my own personal Christmas special.”

He chuckled, the sound vibrating through me as I pressed against his back. My hands slid around his waist, fingertips tracing the defined muscles of his abs. “Speaking of Christmas...”

His laugh deepened as he fished a small, square box from his pocket and held it out to me. The silvery wrapping paper shimmered under the kitchen lights.

“What’s this?” I asked, my curiosity piqued.

“That’s bait, not a present,” he answered with a wink. “Or a bone for a dog? Something to keep them occupied?”

I stuck out my tongue but eagerly snatched up the box. Inside, nestled on black velvet, lay a delicate bracelet. Geometric patterns were etched into the platinum surface—the same ones that decorated the walls of the labyrinth’s central chamber.

I laughed and dashed for our Christmas tree, carefully retrieving the small box I’d hidden behind some larger packages. My heart raced as I placed it in Kotos’ massive palm. “Your turn.”

I practically bounced on my toes as Kotos carefully unwrapped the small box. He flicked me an amused glance as he popped open the lid to reveal a pair of cufflinks. They were cast in gold with the same intricate geometric pattern as my bracelet.

He lifted one from its velvet nest, inspecting it closely. A smile broke across his face—one that made my heart race. “They’re incredible.”

“I was thinking you could wear them when we return to Elysia for New Year’s,” I suggested, my tone playful. I leaned closer, brushing against his side, my fingers tingling where they made contact. “Scene of the crime and all.”

“Only if you promise to wear yours.” Kotos raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. “We can match.”

“And show everyone the great mind we share?” I stood on my toes and pressed a kiss to his cheek. “They’ll be so jealous.”

Andreas would eat it up. He was already over the moon about the number of bookings Elysia received by way of MythMatch, though his last update made sure to note how very few ‘interactive holiday displays’ were requested.

For the life of me, I couldn’t imagine why.

Kotos drifted a hand to my neck, thumb brushing over his mark. The gentle touch sent shivers down my spine, igniting that constant low burn of desire that seemed to simmer between us.

“You never cease to amaze me,” he murmured. “Merry Christmas, Mrs. Mavridis.”

The title still gave me little thrills, even two months after our impromptu wedding. We’d been touring MythMatch’s new London office when Kotos suddenly turned to me and said, “Marry me. Right now.”

Three hours later, we’d exchanged vows in a tiny chapel off Portobello Road, with a very confused vicar and two random tourists as witnesses. The headlines the next day had been spectacular: “MINOTAUR MOGUL ELOPES WITH MARKETING MAVEN.”

I pulled back slightly, meeting Kotos’ gaze. My fingers found the simple platinum band on his left hand—the one piece of jewelry he wore besides his medallion. There was so much I wanted to say to him, so many words that came nowhere near describing the joy and contentment I felt with him at my side. About how perfect our wedding had been, how right it felt to just be us, without the circus a public ceremony would have created.

But what came out was simply, “Thank you.”

Because he knew. He always knew. We’d been operating on the same wavelength since picking that skiff excursion.

His hands slid down my back to cup my ass, lifting me easily onto the counter. My legs wrapped instinctively around his waist, pulling him closer as his mouth found mine.

Fuck, I loved kissing him. Loved the way his lips felt against mine, so soft yet so demanding. His tongue explored my mouth, tasting, teasing, claiming me. I gasped as his teeth grazed my lip, just hard enough to sting.

My hands roamed his chest, nails dragging lightly across his skin. I could feel the strength coiled within him, the barely controlled power that drove me wild. There was no amount of him that I could get enough of, no matter how much we explored each other.

A timer dinged, making us both jump. Kotos groaned against my lips. “Damn waffles.”

“Better not let them burn.” I gave him a playful shove. “I’m starving after last night.”

He growled softly, nipping at my lower lip again before pulling away. “You’re insatiable.”

“You love it.”

“I do.” He poured two perfect cups, adding just the right amount of cream to mine. “I love everything about you.”

The words made my heart skip. This time last year, I’d been drowning in bitterness, using work as a shield against another lonely holiday season. Now...

Now I had a mate who challenged and cherished me in equal measure. A career that let me shape the future of magical matchmaking. And yes, even a renewed appreciation for the holiday season—though I’d never admit that last part to my mother.

Kotos caught my hand, pressing a kiss to my palm. “What are you thinking about?”

“How sometimes the best gifts come wrapped in grumpy minotaur packaging.” I smiled against his lips. “And how getting on the naughty list turned out to be the best decision I ever made.”

His answering growl vibrated through me as he pulled me close. “Speaking of naughty lists...”

I laughed and wrapped my arms around his neck. “Save it for after breakfast, Mr. Mavridis. Though...” I cast a meaningful glance at the fruit bowl on top of the cabinets. “I did notice you kept the oranges on the top shelf this time.”

“Can’t be too careful with you,” he murmured against my mate mark. “You have deadly aim.”

New Series: Osen needs a mate and takes the lovely Miranda home as soon as the bond snaps into place. Too bad Miranda sees it more as an abduction than the start of their life together.

Bewitching the Orc Chief is now on Amazon:

https://chloegraves.com/SMM1

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