Epilogue
EPILOGUE
S ix weeks later…
Scarlett ran her fingers over the newly woven cloth, admiring the way the colors blended together—a blue that reminded her of Finnar’s eyes and a deep green like the leaves of the trees surrounding them. She added it to the growing pile by the door, ready to take to the market on their next visit to the village.
He had eventually—reluctantly—agreed to accompany her back to the village. She smiled as she remembered the way the villagers had reacted, their eyes wide and shocked, edging nervously towards their houses. But Grandmother had been at work, happily telling people about the Vultor who had saved her granddaughter, and that had helped soften their reaction.
Tessa had also accepted him readily enough. But maybe that wasn’t so surprising, she thought, her lips curving into a smile.
The fact that the mayor was proposing what she promised would be a profitable trade alliance with the Vultor had also helped. It was amazing how many people were able to overcome prejudice in the name of profit. Admittedly most of the villagers remained hesitant around Finnar, their ingrained fears hard to overcome. Yet even there, progress emerged in small ways—a nod here, a careful greeting there.
Each visit had been a little easier, but she was always happy to return to their den, especially since he’d added a weaving studio. Sunlight streamed through the large windows he’d insisted on installing, filling the space with warmth. She smiled, remembering how he’d worked alongside the other Vultor males to build this sanctuary for her, even though some had initially grumbled about helping a human.
She started to pull out the yarn she needed for her next commission, then realized the specific shade she needed was still at the village cottage. A rueful laugh escaped her—it seemed she was forever shuttling supplies between her two workspaces. But it was worth it to maintain relationships in both locations.
The Vultor pack had actually accepted her more readily. Oh, some still watched her warily, but others like Nyra had become true friends. She glanced out the window at the lengthening shadows. Tonight would put that delicate balance to the test.
And she had news of her own. Her stomach fluttered with nervous anticipation as she headed into the den to prepare. She touched the mating mark on her neck, drawing strength from the bond it represented.
Moonlight filtered through the trees later that night as they walked home. The end of the evening had been a little… unexpected but on the whole it had gone well—both Vultor and humans mingling cautiously but peacefully.
“That was… interesting,” he said dryly.
She laughed. “It certainly was.”
“Perhaps we should have a bonding ceremony of our own,” he suggested carefully.
She shook her head and reached up to touch her mating mark. “I don’t need that. This is all the ceremony I want.”
His eyes blazed that familiar electric blue as he watched her fingers trace the mark. Heat pooled in her belly at his intense gaze.
“Still so possessive,” she teased, then darted away into the woods, her laughter trailing behind her.
She heard his growl of pursuit, excitement racing through her veins. Sometimes he liked to draw out the chase but tonight he caught her quickly, spinning her around and pressing her against a tree. She gasped at the impact, her body already aching for him.
She clutched his shoulders, loving the feel of the hard muscles beneath his shirt. His eyes burned into hers before he leaned down and kissed her fiercely, his tongue sweeping into her mouth with a hunger she felt deep within. She arched against him as he kissed her, his cock like a steel rod against her stomach.
He broke the kiss far too soon, and she whimpered in protest. He chuckled, a dark, hungry sound.
“Shh, little red. I know what you need.”
He spun her around and pushed her gently but firmly until she was bent over, hands against the rough bark of the tree trunk.
“Spread your legs for me,” he growled, and she complied, her breath coming in quick, excited pants.
He slowly pulled her long skirt up her legs, the silk caressing her sensitive skin.
“Did I mention how much I liked this dress?” he murmured. “But then I always did like you in red.”
She wiggled impatiently and he laughed, but he kept going until her ass was bare and the evening air drifted across her damp flesh. His big hands squeezed the soft flesh before a thick finger slid between her folds. She quivered, her clit already aching and swollen.
“So wet for me, my beautiful little red.” He teased the opening of her cunt with a thick finger, sliding it slowly back and forth until she was lifting into his hand, begging for more. “So eager to take me.”
“Please, Finnar,” she whispered.
He gave a satisfied growl and she felt the broad head of his cock replace his fingers. He kept teasing, pushing just far enough that she’d start to stretch open around him, then withdrawing to torment her further. He loved playing with her like this, seeing how long he could draw out the teasing until she begged him to fill her, but tonight she wanted him too badly.
Instead of begging, she pushed back against him next time he entered her, drawing him deeper. His groan rumbled over her, sending a wave of pleasure down her spine. She flexed her inner muscles, trying to pull him deeper, but he resisted, gripping her hips tightly to hold her in place.
“Greedy little female,” he growled, and she smiled, her heart overflowing.
He used his grip on her hips to pull them higher, lifting her until only the tips of her toes touched the ground. The position left her completely at his command, unable to move, unable to do anything except take him. And take her, he did, with slow, deep thrusts that filled and stretched every inch of her channel.
One hand slipped beneath her and found her clit, stroking the swollen bud, and her body tightened, already on the edge of climax. She cried out as the pleasure washed over her, her pussy rippling helplessly around the thick invader, and then his knot swelled, stretching her even further and sending her into a second, more powerful climax that had her shaking and quivering in his arms.
Her body continued to flutter around him as his hips jerked against her ass and he flooded her with his seed. The thought sent a last tremor of pleasure through her body. He held her close, supporting her until his knot released and he slipped free.
She sighed happily and let her head drop back against his chest. He brushed a gentle kiss to her mating mark and she decided it was the perfect time.
She turned around in his arms to look up at him and all of a sudden her carefully prepared speech deserted her.
“I’m pregnant,” she blurted out.
His eyes widened, blazing blue as he stared down at her.
“Are you sure?” he asked, his voice hoarse with emotion. “We’re going to have… a child?”
“Yes. Are you pleased?” she whispered.
He dropped to his knees before her, pressing his forehead to her stomach. She ran her fingers through his hair as he murmured soft words she couldn’t quite hear, but she felt the love in every syllable. When he finally rose, she was crying, tears streaming down her cheeks.
“Why are you crying?” He brushed the dampness from her face.
“Because I’m happy,” she said simply.
“I will never take your happiness for granted, little red,” he vowed as he bent down and gathered her into his arms, lifting her easily against his broad chest. He buried his face in her neck, nuzzling the mating mark and sending shivers of pleasure down her spine. “I will always strive to be worthy of you and the miracle you’ve given me. A family.”
She stroked her fingers gently down his check.
“You don’t have to strive for anything. You’re perfect just the way you are.” She grinned at him, her heart overflowing with happiness. “Especially when you chase me.”
“No more chasing tonight,” he said firmly.
She gave him a playful pout and his lips curved in a slow, sensuous smile.
“Don’t worry, little red. We have the rest of our lives for me to catch you.” He pressed a kiss to her mating mark and she shivered helplessly. “Over and over again.”
He started for the den and she snuggled against his chest, her heart filled with joy. She couldn’t wait to tell their children the tale of how he’d found her in the woods and claimed her heart, and how together, they’d built a home and a family. A true happily ever after.
Korrin’s story is up next in Alien Huntsman!