Epilogue #2
The thought makes my stomach clench, but not with the same panic it would have caused months ago. “I don’t know. Part of me hopes I’ll find relatives who will welcome us. But I’m also prepared for the possibility that they won’t want contact.”
Mia’s expression shifts, and I recognize the steel that enters her blue eyes.
“Then they’ll miss out on knowing an incredible man and their nephew.
But here’s what I need you to understand…
no one is going to hurt you or our family.
If we find your relatives and they’re wonderful, fantastic.
If they’re not, I’ll make sure they understand very clearly that no one is going to mess with, or hurt Kavin Irontree. ”
The fierce protectiveness in her voice makes my chest warm. This is my mate, ready to defend our family unit against any threat.
“If anyone tries to hurt you or make you feel unwanted again,” she continues, her voice carrying an edge that I recognize, “they’ll answer to me. And I promise you, they won’t want that.”
I cup her face in my hands. “This is why I can do this search now. Because I know you’ll guard our happiness.”
“Always,” she says firmly. “We’re a team, and teams protect each other.”
Before I can respond, there’s a knock at the front door. Paprika immediately scurries under the couch.
“That’ll be everyone,” Mia laughs, glancing at the clock. “I invited them for Christmas breakfast, remember?”
I’d forgotten in the excitement of the morning’s revelations. “Right. Corinne and Talon.”
“And a few others. This is our first Christmas as a married couple, and I wanted to celebrate with family.”
I help her up from the couch and we walk to the front door together.
When I open it, Corinne, my new sister-in-law, stands on our porch with her arms full of wrapped packages, grinning widely.
“Merry Christmas,” she exclaims, pushing past us into the house.
“I hope you’re ready for chaos because I brought enough presents to spoil you both rotten. ”
Behind her, Talon appears carrying what looks like an entire feast. “I brought traditional orc Christmas foods,” he announces. “And before you ask, yes, I checked with Mia about the menu.”
“I thought you were at the commune for the winter,” I tell him.
“I’m leaving this afternoon, flying out there first class. But I’m here for your first human Christmas with your bride.” He leans in close. “Has she told you yet about your offspring?”
“Yes, this morning but she says we still can’t tell anyone else for two more months. Spread the word so the others know not to say anything.”
Talon grunts in response.
More figures emerge from the cold, Oreg and Doril, two other unmated orcs from Heat & Ink. Our small house suddenly fills with voices and laughter.
“Surprise,” Mia says softly to me as she takes coats and directs people toward the living room. “I thought it was time for our families to really blend.”
I watch in amazement as our home transforms into something magical.
Corinne immediately spots Paprika hiding under the couch and coos over her.
Talon starts setting up food in the kitchen with the efficiency of someone who’s done this before.
The other orcs examine our Christmas tree with curiosity, asking Mia about human holiday traditions.
As the chaos swirls around us, I find myself standing back and taking it all in.
This is what I came to Spokane seeking without knowing it. Not just a career or even a mate, but a complete life. Community. Belonging. The security to face whatever comes next, whether that’s raising our son or searching for long-lost family.
I catch Mia’s eye across the room. She smiles at me with radiant happiness.
This is our forever, and it’s more perfect than any dream I ever allowed myself to have.
I hope you enjoyed Kavin & Mia’s HEA!
Author’s Note: Yes, there is a timeline inconsistency between my three Heat & Ink novellas.
I’m referring to Krissy and Mia first meeting at Thanksgiving and then the three month wait until the pregnancy announcement actually happening almost a year after that, in Marked by the Wild Orc.