Epilogue
Six months later…
After a long day spent working on his latest defense prototypes, Balarr strode through the bustling streets of Starzzia, eager to reach the coffee shop.
Eager to reach his mate. Sweet Luna. His heart contracted as he considered the romantic evening he’d planned—dinner at her favorite restaurant followed by a moonlit stroll through the forest.
He entered the coffee shop, and his spirits lifted when he spotted his mate speaking animatedly to a customer. Luna passed the other human female a cup of coffee, then her smile widened when she noticed him standing in the entryway. He approached the counter as the customer exited the shop.
“Hello, sweet Luna.”
“Hello, Balarr.” He leaned over the counter, grasped her hand, and brought it to his lips for a lingering kiss.
She flushed. “Balarr, I’m working. The coffee shop doesn’t close for fifteen more minutes.”
“But you’re the boss. Surely you could close up early.” He waggled his eyebrows at her, causing her to laugh.
She made a subtle gesture toward the customers that were seated at tables in the dining area. “I can’t kick people out early,” she whispered. “That would be bad for business.”
Balarr released her hand and walked behind the counter. He grabbed one of her extra aprons—dark green, of course—and attempted to tie it in place, though it wouldn’t quite wrap around his body. She laughed again.
“If you really want to be helpful, you’ll assist Marianne in the back with the dishes.” She gave him a playful look. “We’re a bit short staffed today. Did you hear the news? Andrea went into labor early. She had a boy.”
“Yes, I heard the news. We’ll have to send a gift.” He smiled down at her, and since no one was close by, he stepped forward and placed his hand on the slight swell of her stomach that was hidden behind her own dark green apron.
Her eyes softened as she held his gaze. They hadn’t told anyone yet—not even Lorrd, Wren, Warrin, or Elora. It was their little secret. A baby. In a few moon cycles, they would have a baby.
“Are you feeling all right today?” he asked in a whisper.
“Yes. Perfectly fine.” She placed her hand atop his. “The little one is fine too. I felt him—or her—kicking earlier.”
Joy filled him, an immense glow of happiness that knew no bounds. He leaned in and pressed a kiss to her forehead, breathing in her familiar, comforting scent—sweet and enticing—layered beneath the ever-present aroma of coffee and sugary baked goods.
“Before I go wash those dishes, there’s something I must tell you.” He caressed his hand over her stomach.
“What’s that?”
“I love you, sweet Luna. With all that I am.”
“Oh, Balarr.” She blinked back tears. “I love you too.”