Epilogue

Zane

" S o, Emilia seems to be okay with all the traveling we've been doing," Sebby says as we pull up to the site we'll be working the next few days.

"Yeah, now that Paul's trial is over and she knows he's never getting out of jail, she's definitely more relaxed. I think she likes doing this, too. She's able to help the satellite offices with anything that comes up, plus we're together."

"I didn't think she'd become a shifter too," Bub adds. "Gotta say, she's a lot of fun when we all go out running together. And she's definitely good with Colby and Cora. Have y'all talked about having cubs any time soon?"

I grin while shaking my head. "Naw, we want to wait until we're back home to start, since she knows her mom, aunt, and Bonita will want to be there to help."

"Makes sense," Alistair replies. "You know, you're going to have to eventually tell her family. What will happen if one of your future kids shifts in front of them?"

I start laughing, picturing Emi's proper mother's face if she turns around and sees a cub where a human once sat. "Yeah, we need to do that when we go back home. I think they'll be okay. Her dad didn't give me a lot of hell when we got married. I suspect he's just glad his little girl has someone who loves her the way I do."

"Probably so. She's definitely blossomed since y'all have been together."

I nod as I continue grabbing my tools. "Come on guys, let's get busy because daylight's burning," I call out.

"Got it, boss man," Sebby replies. "Let's do it, y'all!"

I'm walking through the next section, checking to make sure all the trees that are being culled are marked when I hear, Zane, are you busy?

Never for you, Emi, what's going on?

Well… I thought I'd share something with you now rather than later.

And what's that, mate?

You're going to be a daddy, Zane. I know we wanted to wait, but I guess Fate had other ideas.

Gods, sweetheart, I hope you're ready to celebrate tonight.

Aren't I always? Love you, see you tonight.

I try several times to reach her again, but the little minx is ignoring me, which has me chuckling. The rest of the day flies by as I whistle while I work, causing my brothers to give me a bunch of shit. I ignore all of them, eager to get back to Emi so I can show her just how much her announcement has thrilled me.

Having never expected to find my mate, I now wake up to beauty in my bed every single morning, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Emilia

I giggle when I hear Zane repeatedly try to reach me after I dropped my bomb on him. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that shifters existed, but not only am I mated to one now, but I also shift into a mountain lion as well!

Leaning back in my chair, I look up and picture Stacy's face.

I miss you so much, Stace. Wish you could see the beautiful life I finally have. Thank you for being my best friend, I love you and hope you're watching over me.

Contentment flows through me as though Stacy is hugging me and I know somehow, someway, that she knows. While I wish she hadn't lost her life that long ago day, I'm grateful I knew her because she was the ying to my yang. Plus, she would totally think Zane was a hottie!

The End