Chapter 27

TWENTY-SEVEN

F ia’s fingers traced the smooth edges of Vienna’s crib, her heart swelling with love as she gazed down at her sleeping niece - no, her daughter. The thought still caught her off guard sometimes, but it filled her with warmth every time. Vienna’s chest rose and fell in the gentle rhythm of deep sleep, her tiny hand clutching a well-loved stuffed lion that Sayer had given her.

Softly, almost unconsciously, Fia began to hum a lullaby. The melody flowed from some deep, half-forgotten place in her memory - a song Myla used to sing when they were children. The notes hung in the air, weaving a cocoon of love and protection around the sleeping toddler.

“Sweet dreams, little one,” Fia whispered, bending to place a featherlight kiss on Vienna’s forehead. “Mama loves you so much.”

As she straightened, her eyes caught on the framed photo on the dresser - Myla and Dune, beaming with joy as they cradled newborn Vienna. A bittersweet pang tugged at Fia’s heart. “We’re taking good care of her, Myla,” she murmured. “I hope you can see that.”

With one last glance at Vienna’s peaceful face, Fia slipped out of the nursery, gently closing the door behind her. The house was quiet, settling into its nighttime rhythms. As she padded down the hallway toward the bedroom she now shared with Sayer, Fia’s mind whirled with the events of the past few months.

So much had changed since that first day she’d arrived in Whispering Pines, heartbroken and uncertain. Now, she couldn’t imagine her life anywhere else. This quirky, magical town had become home in a way she’d never experienced before. And Sayer...

She smiled as she thought of her lion shifter. If someone had told her that first day that she’d fall in love with Vienna’s uncle, she would have laughed in their face. Yet, here they were building a life together and creating a family that was uniquely theirs.

Fia pushed open the bedroom door, her breath catching at the sight of Sayer. He stood by the window, silhouetted against the moonlight, his powerful frame softened by the shadows. As if sensing her presence, he turned, his golden eyes lighting up with that look that never failed to make her heart skip a beat.

“There you are,” Sayer said softly, crossing the room in a few long strides. His strong arms enveloped her, and Fia melted into his embrace, breathing in his familiar scent of sandalwood and something wild that was uniquely him. “I missed you.”

Fia chuckled, tilting her head back to meet his gaze. “I was only gone for ten minutes, you big softie.”

“Ten minutes too long,” Sayer growled playfully, nuzzling her neck. His stubble tickled her skin, sending a shiver down her spine. “How’s our little cub?”

“Sound asleep,” Fia replied, her fingers instinctively finding the nape of his neck, playing with the short hairs there. “I think all the excitement from the festival wore her out. I feel so guilty every time she calls me mama. It should be Myla hearing her say those words.”

“Don’t do that. Myla is happy watching you be the best mother to her baby. There’s nothing to feel guilty about. She loves you and she’ll grow up knowing about Myla and Dune, but it doesn’t take away from her being Vienna’s mother if she calls you mama.”

“You don’t think?”

“Not at all. You’re playing the part and are an amazing mother. She’s our daughter now. We may not be her biological parents, but we love her as our own. And as she grows, we’ll tell her all about her amazing parents.”

“You’re right.”

Sayer hummed in agreement, his large hand splaying across her lower back. “Come sit with me,” he murmured, guiding her toward the bed. “I want to talk to you about something.”

A flutter of nervous excitement danced in Fia’s stomach. There was something in Sayer’s tone, a mix of solemnity and barely contained joy that had her pulse quickening. They settled on the edge of the bed, Sayer taking both of her hands in his.

“Fia,” he began, his deep voice rumbling through her. “These past few months have changed everything for me. When I first came to Whispering Pines, I thought I was just here to look after Vienna. I never expected to find my mate, my other half.”

Fia’s breath hitched. She knew, of course, that Sayer considered her his mate. But hearing him say it out loud with such conviction never failed to send a thrill through her.

“You’ve turned my world upside down in the best possible way,” Sayer continued, his thumbs tracing soothing circles on the backs of her hands. “You’ve shown me what it means to be part of a family and put down roots. Every day with you and Vienna is more than I ever dared to hope for.”

Tears pricked at the corners of Fia’s eyes. “Oh, Sayer,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “You’ve changed my life too. When I lost Myla, I thought I’d lost my chance at having a real family. But you and Vienna have healed parts of me I thought were broken forever.”

Sayer released one of her hands to cup her cheek, his touch infinitely gentle. “You’re the strongest person I know, Fia. The way you’ve stepped up for Vienna, the love you shower her with every day... it’s incredible. And the way you’ve opened your heart to me...” He trailed off, swallowing hard. “I love you more than I ever thought possible.”

“I love you too,” Fia breathed, leaning into his touch. “So much it scares me sometimes.”

A soft chuckle rumbled through Sayer’s chest. “No need to be scared, my love. I’m not going anywhere.” His expression grew serious again, his golden eyes intense as they bore into hers. “In fact... I want to make it official.”

Fia’s heart began to race as Sayer slid off the bed, going down on one knee before her. From his pocket, he produced a small velvet box, opening it to reveal a ring that took her breath away. The band was white gold with a delicate filigree work reminiscent of a lion’s mane curling around a stunning oval-cut diamond. As she watched, the stone seemed to glow from within, pulsing with magical energy.

“Fia Barlowe,” Sayer said, his voice steady despite the emotion shining in his eyes, “you are my mate, my partner, my best friend. Will you do me the extraordinary honor of becoming my wife?”

For a moment, Fia couldn’t speak. Joy bubbled up inside her, threatening to overflow. “Yes,” she finally managed, her voice breaking on the word. “Yes, Sayer. In a heartbeat!”

Sayer’s face split into a brilliant grin as he slipped the ring onto her finger. The moment it settled into place, Fia felt a surge of warmth flow through her as if the ring’s magic bound them together. She threw her arms around Sayer’s neck, nearly knocking him backward as she peppered his face with kisses.

Laughing, Sayer gathered her close, standing and spinning her around. When he set her down, his expression was tender, filled with such love that it made Fia’s knees weak.

“I have something else to tell you,” he said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “I spoke with Posey earlier today. She’s drawing up the adoption papers for Vienna. If you’re agreeable, we can make it official before the wedding.”

Fresh tears spilled down Fia’s cheeks. “Really? Oh, Sayer, that’s... that’s perfect. Vienna’s already ours in every way that matters, but having it legally recognized... it means everything.”

Sayer brushed away her tears with his thumbs, his own eyes suspiciously bright. “I want us to be a real family in every sense of the word. You, me, Vienna, and...” He paused, his gaze dropping to her stomach. “And this little one when they arrive.”

Fia’s hand flew to her abdomen, a giddy laugh escaping her. They had only just confirmed the pregnancy a few days ago, and it still felt surreal. “Our family,” she whispered, wonder coloring her tone. “I can’t wait to tell Vienna she’s going to be a big sister.”

“She’ll be thrilled,” Sayer agreed, his large hand covering hers over her stomach. “Though I’m a bit worried about how she’ll use her magic to ‘help’ with the baby. Remember last week when she tried to make her stuffed animals come to life?”

Fia groaned, though she couldn’t help but smile at the memory. “Luna’s right, we’re going to have our hands full with her magical education. At least we have the whole town to help.”

“Speaking of the town,” Sayer said, leading Fia to sit beside him on the bed. “I was thinking... what would you say to getting married here in Whispering Pines? Something small and intimate with our friends and my family?”

Fia’s eyes lit up. “That sounds perfect. I can’t imagine getting married anywhere else. This place has become home in a way I never expected.”

Sayer nodded, understanding shining in his eyes. “I feel the same way. I’ve traveled the world and lived in some of the most luxurious places imaginable. But nothing has ever felt like home the way Whispering Pines does. The way you do.”

Fia leaned in, capturing Sayer’s lips in a sweet, tender kiss. When they parted, she rested her forehead against his. “I can’t wait to be your wife,” she murmured.

“And I can’t wait to be your husband,” Sayer replied, his voice husky. He pulled back slightly. “You know, I think this calls for a celebration. What do you say we keep practicing for the next baby?”

“But I’m already pregnant,” she laughed.

“I know, love, but practice is never a bad thing.”

She curled her arms around his. “What do you have in mind, my handsome lion.”

He kissed her and she forgot about everything but the feel of his lips on her mouth and the way his hands caressed her body.

Fia moaned into his mouth, when Sayer gripped her ass, bringing her closer to him. His erection pressed against her as she crushed her breasts against his hard chest.

Sayer laid her gently on the bed, and Fia kicked off her shoes. He grabbed hold of one foot, kissing her ankle, then her calf, her knee, every few inches of the smooth, tanned skin received a kiss. He stopped when he got to the hem at her thighs. Fia was tugging at his shirt, trying to pull it over his head.

He obeyed her silent command, taking it off and throwing it over his shoulder. Fia sat up and placed a kiss against his heart as her hands traced down his chest and the column of his abs to the waistband of his pants. Her fingers grazed against his jean-clad erection, and she watched his reaction, her eyes burning into his.

“I want you,” she told him. She brought his head down for a kiss. “Sayer, being with you is always so special. Because it’s you . Because it’s us .”

“Fia,” he whispered back, “I’m the one who is supposed to say sweet things to you.”

“Why?” she asked, her lips grazing his. “Someone needs to be sweet to you once in a while too.”

His throat was thick with emotion. There was so much he wanted to say at that moment, but words were failing him. Instead, he kissed Fia with as much passion as he felt. The kiss alone could have melted the house down, and he was only getting started. As they continued kissing, Sayer pushed Fia back onto the bed, his hand going up the hem of her dress, following the curve of her thigh. His fingertips brushed against her underwear. They were damp against his skin.

“You’re already wet for me,” he breathed.

“I always am,” she responded with a coy smile.

He leaned over her and took her mouth with his again. As he explored every inch of her body with his fingers, Sayer tugged the dress higher and higher until it was wrapped around her waist. Somewhere along the way, her dress, her bra, his pants, and socks were lost.

With the dress gone and Fia lying on the bed in nothing more than her panties, Sayer nearly lost his mind. She was all smooth, perfect, and ready for him. He lowered his head between her parted legs, kissing her through the thin material of her underwear. He flicked his tongue through the lace, chuckling happily at the reaction he elicited from his mate. He slowly peeled the underwear off, wasting no time. He kissed her core again, this time, his tongue meeting her clit. Her sweet taste exploded in his mouth, her scent filling his nostrils.

“Ah, Fia. You’re the best thing I’ve ever tasted.” He took another swipe at her to confirm just how wonderful her nectar was. Yes, he was definitely addicted to this. He took longer licks up and down her lips, teasing her, before finally letting his tongue trace the edges of her nub. He closed his mouth around it, pulling it into his mouth completely.

His tongue moved again as Fia’s hips lifted off the bed to meet his mouth. She was panting, writhing under his touch, her hands locked into the strands of his hair. He continued laving her clit with attention until Fia’s breath caught. He sucked on the nub, sending her over the edge. He watched as her body flushed with her release. Her hands continued gripping his hair while he licked, swallowing each wave of her climax.

He smiled at her, pleased that he had been able to bring his mate pleasure, but he was hardly done. He kissed his way up her body, stopping at her chest to deliver some attention to Fia’s beautiful breasts. He tweaked one nipple with his fingers while he caressed the other with his tongue. She arched her back, presenting all of herself to him, for him.

“I want you, Fia. So much.”

She nodded. “I’m yours, Sayer. I really am. Take me. Make me your mate.”

To demonstrate the point, she lifted her hips off the bed to grind up against his cock. He made quick work of his briefs and settled between her legs. The head of his cock was at her waiting entrance, but he didn’t push inside her. Instead, he let the moment sink into his mind. This woman, the lovely, caring woman, was all his.

It was them. Just them.

He took his cock in hand, positioning himself. His eyes were connected with hers as he slowly eased in. He stilled as he bottomed out, needing a moment. She was like a tight glove around his erection, soft and wet, tight and perfect. Every. Single. Time. She clenched his cock, silently begging him to move. He did, easing out before sliding back in. He set a slow rhythm, intent on making it last as long as possible. He wanted to remember every moment, every flash of emotion on Fia’s face, every feeling.

Fia dug her heels into his ass, her nails digging into his back as she met him, thrust for thrust. Pleasure and passion coiled inside him, and with every motion, he was seconds from losing himself to her once and for all. But he didn’t want to get there without Fia. He tilted his hips and moved out of her slowly, drawing out the movements until she was a breathless cloud of want under him. She moaned his name, swore, and pleaded to come again. He gripped her hip, his claws digging into her skin, leaving the burning mating mark behind.

She came as he marked her, clenching him hard, nails digging, his name on her lips, it was a moment made of pure devotion. He was right there with her, his hips moving in and out of her with more speed as his climax overtook him.

“Fia,” he shouted with one last hip thrust. He came hard, emptying himself inside her. His entire body was still as his cock trembled inside, spurting all of his seed.

All around his erection, Fia spasmed, her walls milking everything he had to give to her. She purred, wordlessly begging for it. His eyes were locked with hers in the heated moment. He had come deep inside his mate, and something in his soul was forever changed. He didn’t pull out, but leaned down, his body draping over Fia. He captured her lips in a kiss as his cock began to soften. He didn’t want the moment to end. It was too pure, too perfect.

“Love,” he said against her throat, “was that all right?”

“All right? It was wonderful, Sayer.” Her hands brushed his sweaty hair back. Her hazel eyes sparkled with emotion. “It was more than wonderful. It was perfect .” She arched against him to kiss him softly.

He rolled them onto their sides, keeping her in his arms. Sayer kissed the top of her head, inhaling her scent that now had a hint of him in it. It filled him with a sense of possession. Fia was his . His to protect, his to love.

She stretched her body against his like a content kitten.

“I’m not ready to move,” he told her, already planning out his next amorous advances.

Fia giggled into his side as she drew patterns on his skin. “I could use some food.”

He growled, pinning her under him. He nipped at her shoulder. “I’ll feed you in a minute. I want you again.” His cock was already thickening, and he rubbed it against her leg. Her eyes popped wide in shock.

“Amazing. I am so okay with that.”

Another few hours passed before they made their way to the kitchen to eat a bit. Fia was wrapped in a dressing robe, and he was only in his briefs. They fed each other fruit and pizza, and Sayer’s cheeks soon started to ache.

Because he was smiling so much.

Because he was with Fia.

Together.