Epilogue

Epilogue

Rafe wrapped his arms around Brianna as they stood in the club three months later. Things had moved rather quickly since the fire at the school. Once permission was granted, the old school was torn down and the new one built.

Zeke, Gabriel, and their construction team had the new school built in no time. It helped that Zeke’s fiancée, Allyson, worked at the city planning and urban development office. She was able to get the permits and inspections done in record time.

The Wicked Sanctuary family had stepped up to the plate, from rebuilding the school to getting supplies the teachers needed, helping the teachers set up in their temporary space, and then decorating their new classrooms.

The principal was so overwhelmed with it all. She thanked everyone personally when they had a small party at the school for the teachers. An unknown in the plans was that a bigger place for the students to eat and more playground equipment had been added.

“I’ve been meaning to ask about the kid you caught running away from the school.” They’d talked about it, but she’d gotten caught up with her students and now moving back into the new school.

“I forgot to tell you about the call I got today. You know that I was able to connect him to several other fires.”

“Yes.”

“Apparently, today, he confessed that he’d set them all. He’s over eighteen, so he’ll be tried as an adult.”

“But why the school?” She never understood that.

“His little brother goes there and was bullied by a couple of other kids. He admitted the other places were trial runs.”

Brianna frowned. “We don’t tolerate bullying in any way, shape, or form.”

“It was only once. It wasn’t until the big brother confronted his little brother, that the kid broke down and told the big brother what happened.”

“Goodness.”

“Yeah.” Rafe leaned over and kissed her temple. “He’s got a long road ahead of him, but his parents have already told the court they’ll do whatever is needed to help both sons.”

“That’s good.” She relaxed into his embrace.

“Happy?” Rafe asked, his arms tightening around Brianna.

“Very. I do have one question for you.”

“Yes.”

“I want to try fire wands.”

“We’ve talked about his.” Rafe turned her in his arms.

“I know. But I really want to try. I’m not afraid of fire with you, Rafe. I’ve learned so much about it; I’m not as bothered by it as I was.”

“This is different.”

“Is it? I’ve been able to sit with you around the fire pit with a live fire. I know you won’t hurt me or cause any harm. I trust you.”

Rafe swallowed. “Let me think about it.”

“That’s all I ask. Besides, I love you.”

“I love you too.”

“Good, because I’m not letting you get away from me, Sir.”

“There’s no other person I want to be with.” Rafe kissed her. Maybe, in another few months, he’d be ready to do the fire wands with her. But for right now, he was going to keep her safe in his arms.

* * * *

Across the room, Max held Sierra in his arms as they looked over their friends at Wicked Sanctuary.

“Our lives have changed so much in the last few years,” Max said.

“Yes, they have.” Sierra tilted her head back. “I want to do a big Christmas party for our intimate Wicked Sanctuary family.”

“Is it going to be like that Halloween party last year?” He was still trying to get over what the women had done.

“Same group with a few added, and our Wicked Sanctuary family, because that’s what we are.”

“Anything you want, my sweet.”

“Thank you.” Sierra turned and hugged him.

Max would never get tired of Sierra, and he would probably never deny her anything. “Please don’t go crazy decorating. Halloween almost killed me.”

“I promise it won’t be crazy. It’s going to be a celebration.”

The glint of mischief in Sierra’s eyes told him she was planning something. “Are you feeling okay? You’ve been really tired lately.”

“I’m good.”

There was that twinkle again. Max knew he was in deep, deep trouble with her. And there was no other place he’d rather be.

* * * *