25. Chapter Twenty-Five Epilogue

M isty

Our last grand opening, a year and a half ago, was a very public gathering. Even Mayor Azari Alderon and his human mate, Phaedra, came. This grand opening is just a private affair, just me, my mate, and our little chitza.

Well, if you want to get technical, I guess we should include an indeterminate amount of chitza babies. It turns out Vortex is a she who got very friendly with the neighborhood stud. I can't blame her; I'm pretty friendly with my own neighborhood stud.

Well, more than pretty friendly, because I'm also expecting. Not a litter like Vortex, mind you. Just one adorable Human-Astralite hybrid.

I'm told that human DNA is recessive to just about every other humanoid species in the galaxy, so I'm expecting an adorable green babe whose fangs will grow in after he or she is done breastfeeding.

I'm terrified that, considering how stubborn I am, the one thing our child will inherit from me is my willfulness. What if after he or she becomes able to perform their spectral shift, they disappear to terrify me at all hours of the day and night?

Zylus, always calm and steady, warns me I'm borrowing trouble. If he knew how horrible I was as a teen, I doubt he'd be quite so optimistic about how easy our child will be to parent.

However, here we are, two-and-a-half humanoids and an indeterminate amount of chitzas as we walk over the threshold to our new cottage together.

Well, not together. Who am I fooling? I'm big as a house and unless we wanted to record a vid of slapstick humor, we're going to enter this house single file.

We spent months developing the plans, painstakingly recreating the time period of the Inn. It's painted in inviting creams, with accents both the exact shade of Zylus's skin and Vortex's fur. If our babe comes out another shade, we've already planned to change the color of the window sashes to welcome the child into our family.

Over the last year and a half, I've gotten used to the way Zylus looks at me, the care he takes of me, the sweet words and praises he shares no matter who is listening, and the way he rocks my world in bed—whether he's corporeal or not.

But as we begin this new chapter in our lives, I take a moment to reflect on just how lucky I am. I met the best male in all the galaxy and was lucky enough to snag him. Well, it took a few crappy months, but I'll give myself credit. I finally came to my senses.

Zylus

I take a moment to look around the place with fresh eyes, noticing the workmanship, the comfy furniture, and the inviting layout. But the most important thing is my little family.

Shortly after our inn opened, Misty and I were legally mated. I considered inviting Nivar, then immediately thought better of it. He's not a good male, never has been, and never will be. I don't want him anywhere near my precious family.

My threats to take legal action against him were enough to keep him away from us, but I don't trust him. To that end, I had our attorney draw up a restraining order. That was the best money I ever spent, knowing that my beautiful wife and child will never need to fear him again.

There's part of me deep down that forgives my parents for giving the house to my brother and his children. I understand the need to provide for your children and their children. The feeling swells up in me every time I look over at my mate.

My life is taking on a new trajectory. My handiwork speaks for itself and I've got more renovation jobs than I can handle. I manage two crews now and have the operation running so smoothly I have all the time I need for my family.

Misty has always loved working in the hospitality industry, so she's happy to run the inn. We have plenty of people cross-trained to help her. When the baby comes, I have every confidence she'll figure out the perfect balance of work and family to suit her—and us.

Two years ago I never would have dreamed my life could be this good. Now all I wonder is how much better it can be.

"Hey babe, do you mind rubbing my feet?" Her eyebrow wings up in an invitation I doubt has anything to do with her feet. "Do a good enough job and I just might clean your pipes."

My mate is so naughty.

"How could I refuse such a delightful offer?"