Epilogue
The Following Summer
Rex
I check the inn's work schedule, double-checking to make sure we have enough coverage for the solstice. Darien and I will be leaving in a few days, and we still have so much to do. As soon as Liam arrives for the night shift, we’ll head over to Folksy to close up.
Ever since Virgil retired and sold the store to us, we’ve been going back and forth between the two businesses. It keeps us busy, but we made a point of hiring managers for both the store and inn. I learned from my mistake with Darien, offering a cabin to prospects as one of the job perks.
So now, even with summer tourist season at its peak, we can take off for a couple of weeks without everything crashing and burning while we’re gone.
Darien calls out from the back office of the inn. “Rex! The plumber can’t get here until after we’re on the road.”
It’s funny. Before Darien came into my life, that announcement would’ve sent me over the edge. I now realize that there will always be challenges in life. Some little, some not so much. What matters now is that I have Darien by my side. I can handle anything as long as he’s with me.
“Hold on, sweetheart. I just have to jot something down real quick.”
The words have barely left my mouth when Darien appears at my side. “That’s okay. No biggie. I only wanted to know if we should look for someone else or keep the appointment and let Howard handle it.”
I snake my arm around his waist. “Let Howard handle it. The only way we can get more time to ourselves is if we’re confident the people we hire can do their jobs.”
He nods. “Yeah, you’re right. I’m still getting used to what it’s like being in charge.” He rolls his eyes. “I never could’ve done this without you.”
“Hey,” I jostle him. “We’re doing this together.”
Darien smiles. “Yeah. We are.”
“Good, that’s settled.” I close the schedule. “I’m done with this. Anything else before we head down to Folksy?”
Darien’s brow wrinkles. “No…I don’t think so.” He holds up a finger. “But we can’t forget the scones when we get there. We need to put an order in, so they’ll be ready when we leave. You promised the guys in the last chat.”
“Got it.”
Me and my big mouth. I was bragging about Folksy and what an amazing job Darien is doing there, and somehow, the subject of food came up. I suppose that’s because it’s one of my favorite subjects. At any rate, the next thing I know, I’m raving about the scones, and now everyone wants to try one.
As soon as Liam arrives, we get in my truck to make the journey to the market. Now that we’re alone with no phone ringing or interruptions from staff or customers, it’s a chance to reassure Darien about something that’s been plaguing him lately.
“Sweetheart?” I stroke his knee a few times before returning my hand to the wheel. “I spoke with Edgel this afternoon. He's been doing a lot of research for us.”
Darien folds his hands in his lap, and I can tell he’s nervous. “Is it bad?”
I knew that’s where his thoughts would go.
“Not at all, baby. According to Howler lore, the longer you’re exposed to my Howler magic, the more your years extend.
A year becomes more like ten, then more like twenty and so on.
” He’s trembling, and I clasp his hand. “Don’t you see?
It’s going to be okay. We’ll have each other for a very long time. ”
“I was so worried.” His breath catches before he continues. “Not for me, for you. I couldn’t stand the thought of you being so lonely again.”
My throat tightens. I’m constantly humbled by his love for me.
“I wouldn’t make it without you, Darien. Not after experiencing such an intense connection with someone.”
My emotions are all over the place, and I decide I shouldn’t be driving on a winding two-lane highway in this state. I spot a viewpoint and park.
I grasp Darien’s chin and encourage him to face me. “Sweetheart, there’s nothing to cry about. Edgel said everything’s going to be okay.”
Darien sniffs, and he lets out a shaky laugh as a tear rolls down his cheek. “I’m not upset. I’m just so fucking relieved, you have no idea.”
I actually do. But this isn’t about me right now. My job is to comfort him.
Leaning over the center console, I lick away his tears then give him a reassuring kiss. “I can’t wait until we leave for the solstice.”
His features brighten. “I know, me neither. I’m looking forward to those bomb drinks I had last year.”
I tilt my head. “I don’t remember any drinks with bombs.”
Darien bursts into laughter, and I have no idea what’s so funny. But who cares? As long as he’s not crying. He pats my thigh.
“It’s an expression, not literal.”
“Oh!”
I’m getting better when it comes to West Coast humans and their odd sayings. But Darien can still surprise me.
“Hey, I still have a question about what Edgel said.”
I lace our fingers together, glad that I pulled over. The view of the valley is spectacular. “What is it?”
“What did he mean by me being exposed to Howler magic?” Darien chuckles. “He makes it sound like I need to bask in your aura or something. Wouldn’t anyone hanging out with you get the same benefit?”
I smirk. “Not unless I’m fucking them, which isn’t happening.”
Darien’s chin drops open. “That’s what he meant?”
“Also, the magic is more potent when I’m in my Howler form.”
Darien’s eyebrows shoot up. “I don’t have a problem with that.”
I don’t know why I’m still surprised that he loves my hairy Howler ass so much.
“I’m glad to hear it.”
I’m starting to lose interest in going to the market, but I guess duty calls.
Darien slides his hand along the inside of my thigh, his fingertips ghosting over the crotch of my jeans.
“The market doesn’t close for another hour, and we’re only thirty minutes away.”
“What about the scones?”
Darien frowns. “Fuck the scones. I need some hot Howler cock.”
I live to serve.
I jerk my head toward the woods. “Whaddya think?”
Darien opens the door. “I think you’re wasting time.”
I jog after him, my Howler already primed to shift as I scent Darien’s need. We find cover, and right as my horns break free, my cock hard and aching, ready to pierce Darien’s ass, he stops me with his palm against my chest.
“Remember, no howling like last time.” Darien shucks his jeans to the ground. “We can’t scare the tourists. It’s bad for business.”
I whip Darien around, greedy for his sweet ass, then plunge deep into him. I can’t hold back and let out a bellowing roar.
Oh well. Business is overrated.
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