Epilogue
CAIDEN
Two Years Later
W atch your step,” Selene says with a giggle, leading me through the door of her studio.
I can’t see anything, but that’s because she’s secured a blindfold over my eyes. “When can I take this damn thing off?”
“So impatient,” she teases, guiding me through her studio. “Stand right … here. Don’t move and don’t take off that blindfold.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
She releases another giggle followed by the click of a switch. The buzz of neon fills my ears. It’s become one my favorite sounds, something I associate with her.
“Okay. You can remove your blindfold now.” There’s a tremble in her voice, but it’s not anxiety that zings through the tether. It’s more like fear.
I rip the blindfold off, concerned as to why she’s afraid. But Selene isn’t in front of me, instead I face a neon sculpture that bathes in a soft pink glow.
WILL YOU MARRY ME? The sign asks in big loopy script.
Shock strikes me dumb. “What? Selene?”
“Caiden?” Her sweet voice reaches my ears from below.
She’s down on one knee, holding a small box up to me. Nestled in a velvet cushion is a simple gold band.
Her hand trembles. “I know we’re already tethered together thanks to the mating bond. But I want to claim you in every way that I can. So, Caiden Miller, will you marry me?”
Tears prick at the corners of my eyes. “You made a whole sculpture for me? Is this why you haven’t let me come to your studio lately? I thought you were just stressed about getting ready for your next installation.”
Selene nods. “I didn’t know what else to do to get out my anxiety about asking you.” Her wings flutter. “Which you still haven’t answered by the way.”
I laugh, the tears of pure joy now flowing down my face freely. “Of course I’ll marry you Selene Luminaire.”
“Really?” Her wings and antennae twitch as the brightest smile spreads across her face.
“Yes.”
She gestures for me to hold out my left hand. “Here.”
The band slides onto my ring finger with ease. I bring it closer to my face so I can examine it better. “It’s beautiful.” I smile down at her. “But not as beautiful as you.”
“Oh, Caiden.” Selene flaps her wings and leaps into my arms. “I love you.”
“And I love you,” I murmur against the shell of her ear. “However, this does ruin things a little.”
Her eyes widen. “What do you mean?”
“I had a whole plan.” I begin to sway with her, the only music is the bond quiet song of our bond. “A picnic under the stars with the most decadent dessert money can buy. And under the light of the full moon, I was going to ask you to be my wife.”
She giggles. “I guess that means I win this one.”
I pull her against me, bringing her mouth to mine in a deep kiss. I pull back just far enough to whisper, “I guess it does.”