Epilogue
LUCY
Six months later…
“Ihear congratulations are in order.”
I look up from my paperwork to see Dr. Binks standing in my office doorway.
He came out of retirement on a part-time basis after everything went down with Evan and covered for me while I was out.
He’s the only person at the zoo who knows what really happened, and that’s only because of his history with Zombie and the club.
“Don’t know what you’re talking about,” I quip with a grin.
Dr. Binks still comes in from time to time, and I always love it when he’s here. I’m still struggling with who I can and can’t trust, but my old mentor is squarely in the ‘trust him with my life’ category.
“You’re not going to be able to hide it much longer,” he retorts as he sits in the chair across from my desk. “You’re what, three months along?”
You guessed it… I’m pregnant.
I wasn’t happy about it at first, terrified that becoming a mother would derail my career. Then Zombie and I sat down and really talked about it, and he made me realize that I can have both motherhood and a career. I just might have to cut back on sex around exotic animals.
Not crazy about that, and neither is my husband, but we’ll survive.
“Who else knows?” I ask because I haven’t told anyone at work.
“No one,” he assures me. “Zombie let it slip when we talked earlier.”
“Let it slip, my ass,” I grumble. “He’s been itching to tell people from the moment I peed on that damn stick.”
Dr. Binks laughs, and warmth spreads through me at the sound.
Chasing adrenaline rushes has been such a huge part of my life that I forgot to slow down and enjoy the normal things: Sunday rides with Zombie, walking around downtown and window-shopping, watching movies at the clubhouse with everyone, Saturday night parties, the laughter of friends.
I missed so much, and as much as I hate the man, I have Evan to thank for my newfound appreciation.
Okay, thanking him is taking it a little too far. How about I settle on no longer praying on a nightly basis that the Devil will roast him on his spit for centuries before finally consuming his soul?
“Anyway, just wanted to congratulate you,” my friend says, standing. “I better get home. Give me a call next week sometime, and we can discuss what you’re thinking as far as maternity leave. That way I can plan accordingly to be available to cover for you.”
“You got it.” He’s almost out the door when I add, “Thank you, Samuel, for everything.”
With a parting wink, he disappears. I glance at the time and realize that the day is almost over. Excitement buzzes through my system because tonight is date night.
I grab my cell and pull up Zombie’s contact info. He’s still listed as ‘Lion’s Den Fuck’, but now there’s a black heart at the end.
Me: Still planning on being here around 11?
Lion’s Den Fuck : Yep. Finishing up with the guys now
I don’t bother asking what he’s doing because he won’t tell me. It’s club business and information I don’t need. Honestly, I’m thrilled to be in the dark, especially now that I have more to worry about than just myself. If it keeps me and baby safe, I’m not gonna argue.
Me: Meet me at our spot
Lion’s Den Fuck : You got it, babydoll
The zoo clears out at eight, when it closes, and by nine, the other employees are gone.
Danny, KOAMC prospect and Evan’s replacement, is the only remaining staff member.
Scrubs taught him how to clear the security feeds following my and Zombie’s date nights, so we never have to worry about letting someone we barely know in on our secret.
I make my way to the security building and grin when I see Danny with his feet propped up on the desk.
“Hey, Danny,” I greet, and he jumps to his feet with a sheepish look on his face. “You’re fine. Sit.”
We’re still working out our dynamic. Danny’s fairly young and has a hard time treating me like a colleague at work because he’s so used to having to treat me like royalty at home.
Mellie and I have it so good.
“Zombie still coming tonight?” he asks.
“God, I hope so,” I reply, biting my bottom lip.
“Aw, Luce,” Danny whines. “That’s not what I meant.”
I grin wickedly. “I know.”
“Did you need something?” he asks, his nose still scrunched up like he can’t get the mental picture out of his head.
“Nope. Was just checking in. We’ll be in our usual spot, so you can shut those cameras down at eleven.
“You got it.”
“Actually, make it ten forty-five.”
“Done.”
“Thanks.”
After leaving the security building, I head to the staff showers and get ready for my date. Tonight is also the six-month anniversary of the worst night of my life, so I decided to recreate one of the best nights in an effort to replace my nightmare with something good.
At exactly ten forty-five, I arrive at the lion’s den. I enter and give treats to Leo and Sarabi, who greedily take them and prowl to the other side of the enclosure. Then I lean against the rock wall and wait for my husband.
“Goddamn, babydoll.”
I look to my left and see Zombie standing on the other side of the fence, his eyes hungrily taking in the sight of me.
“Hi.”
“That dress.” He puts his fist between his teeth. “Damn, that emerald dress is stunning.”
“Ah, so you remember it?” I ask, remaining where I am.
“Remember it? I fucking dream about it on a weekly basis.”
That’s news to me.
“Well, are you gonna stand there and stare or join me?” I purr.
My husband quickly climbs the fence much like he did all those months ago.
He stalks toward me, only stopping when he’s a foot away.
“Something’s not right,” he comments as he grabs a fistful of material and pulls it aside to expose my legs and bare pussy.
“Fuuuuck,” he growls. “Touch yourself like you did that night.”
I slide my hand down my slightly swollen belly until my fingertips tough my clit. Zombie watches me with hooded eyes, and I use my free hand to yank his sweats down, loving that he wore something to make this easier.
Wrapping my hand around his hard cock, I suck in a breath when he pins me between his body and the rock wall.
“You need help?” he asks, knowing exactly what I want because we repeat our first night together whenever we can.
I nod.
“Cock, hand, or mouth?” he asks huskily.
Grabbing his hand, I place it where I need it, and my body shakes at the friction against my clit.
“You’re soaked for me,” Zombie growls as he slides two fingers into my pussy. He leans forward and bites the flesh where my shoulder meets my neck. “I’m so happy you didn’t settle.”
My orgasm crashes over me as soon as he curls his fingers, and I ride out the pleasure until my knees threaten to buckle. He wraps an arm around my waist to keep me from collapsing, and seconds later, he thrusts his rock-hard dick into me.
“Time for cock,” he growls as he fucks me like the animals we’re surrounded by.
Whether we’re chasing an adrenaline rush or curled up in bed on a rainy day, there’s never a dull moment between Zombie and me. And the fact that Leo and Sarabi are chuffing just feet away from us as we shatter is living proof.
I know I said I’d have to cut back on seeking out these euphoric rushes, but not tonight. No, tonight is all about me, Zombie, and the life we’ve created and are building together.