Epilogue
Cole had made the trip to the cabin every weekend in case Akai left solstice early, even though he knew he wouldn’t. He had jewelry to sell and his parents and friends to catch up with.
Leaving had been the hardest thing he’d ever done—not only because he wanted to stay with Akai, but because he’d started to have fun around the monsters and meeting other human mates—but he’d needed to get home and find out if he had to search for another job.
While his father was cranky, Cole still had a job, and they had a new worker, which his father said would allow them to take on more work.
Cole had been hoping it would take the pressure off.
When his father asked what he was going to do regarding going back to college, Cole still had no idea.
He wasn’t sure that was what he even wanted, only that he’d been seeking change and Akai had dropped into his life, and now he was part of a tiny club of humans who knew about monsters and an even smaller one of those who were mated to one.
Perhaps that was enough change for the moment.
Especially since they hadn’t worked out what they were going to do about anything.
Halfway up the long, winding driveway, he stopped. A wolf sat in the middle of the road, its gray fur gleaming in the headlights. As he opened the truck door, the wolf stood and became a mothman. Akai.
His feet hit the gravel, and he was walking toward him, engine still running. Akai met him halfway and swept him up and spun him around. The stars spun overhead before Akai set him down and kissed him.
“I couldn’t wait until you arrived.” Akai kissed him again. “Plus, my parents are here.”
“Uh-huh.” Akai had texted to warn him they were joining him on this part of the flight.
“They’re still happy to stay in the nest?
” He smoothed his hands over Akai’s arms, running his fingers through the silky hair.
Heat slid through his veins. He’d been half-hard with expectation on the drive up, and now, he was more than ready.
It had been three weeks, and he wanted to be alone with Akai.
“They wouldn’t dream of sleeping in the cabin.”
They’d at least have the nights to themselves.
Cole had worried that they’d hate him, but they didn’t.
Though they were concerned that he couldn’t fly and that he’d keep Akai grounded.
Leaving solstice after a week had been the right thing to do; he didn’t want to clip Akai’s wings—and he didn’t want Akai’s parents thinking that’s what he’d do.
“I’m far too happy about that.” Cole grinned.
“Same.” Akai kissed his forehead. “I don’t think they want to be that close to us, though I think we should probably keep our clothes on when sitting on the deck.”
Cole laughed. “Already planning on it.”
And on keeping the bedroom curtains closed.
“I am disappointed; I like the view in the morning.” He traced a claw over Cole’s cheek and along his jaw, tipping his chin up to steal another kiss.
“Next time.” They were always going to have a next time.
“Yes…though we do not need to rush.” His fingers curled around Cole’s hip and pulled him close. The hard length of his dick pressed against Cole’s belly, so there could be no guessing about how they were going to spend this extra time.
“Want me to turn off the engine?”
“And the lights.”
“You’re going to need to let me go.” Not that he was trying to get free. He liked the prickle of claws against his skin.
“Never.” Akai gave Cole’s ass a squeeze. “Just for a moment because I want you naked on the hood of your truck.”
Cole’s dick jumped at the image that created. “You don’t want to wait?”
“I cannot. You smell too good. I have missed you. Solstice was lonely without my mate.”
“I was lonely without you, too.” He cupped Akai’s face and rolled onto his toes, leaning up to kiss him. “I’m glad you found me. Both times.”