Epilogue

One Week Later

Walker

"So you're off to New York now?" Elva asked, and I took a sip of my cold coffee as I nodded. We'd decided to visit the three demons we'd met in this city before we left, so we'd convened at Elva's coffee shop. Her partner, Kali, was the quiet type, and it was clear they loved each other.

"We have a few demons to meet there, and I'm hoping to see some of the sights," I explained, and she clapped her hands.

"That sounds fun. It's like a romantic cross-country trip with demons because they always make things better," she exclaimed, and I chuckled at her enthusiasm. I'd traded numbers with her earlier, and I was hoping to stay in contact with her. I had a feeling we could be great friends.

"Ajax, I wanted to thank you for keeping us safe while we were here," Caelan said, and Ajax ducked his head.

"I wasn't there when it mattered most," he said in a low voice, and Caelan gripped his upper arm.

"Ajax, the only reason you weren't there was because I was supposed to be safe at home. If I hadn't been tricked into believing Walker was hurt, I would've stayed there and been safe. What happened isn't your fault. And anyway, I got to rip that asshole's ugly mug off, so I don't really mind how things turned out," Caelan assured him further.

The first couple of days I'd been worried Caelan was just putting up a brave front and struggling inside, but that wasn't true. He really felt much better now that he knew Andras was exactly where he deserved to be. Getting to be the one who killed him had settled something in him, and he was even more relaxed now than he'd been before he discovered Andras was alive.

"I'm glad you're both okay," Ajax said, and I smiled.

"Now, I hope all of you will stay in contact with us. Elva, I really want to know how your eatery project goes, and don't hesitate to call me if you need any help," I said, and she leaned over to give me a one-armed hug.

"You betcha! When I'm ready to launch, I'll invite you as the guest of honor," she declared, and I tilted my head in acceptance of the honor.

"Who are you going to visit in New York?" Kali asked, and I glanced over at Caelan, who pulled out his tablet.

"Uh, Korrigan, Jeska, Xin, and Mortimer," he listed out, and Kali raised a brow, turning to share a glance with her mate.

"What is it?" I asked, and Elva turned to me.

"We're just a little surprised that Korrigan decided to live in New York. He's a bit of a recluse. We'd have thought he would hide away in some small town and hope everyone forgot him," she explained with a small smile and a shrug. I guess I knew who we'd be visiting first.

"If I find out, I'll let you know why he's in New York," I promised her.

"Thanks!" she said with a grin.

Caelan placed his palm above mine, and I turned to him. "I think we should get going," he suggested, and I nodded. Our bags were packed and waiting outside in the rental car. After we returned the car, we'd magick to New York, rent a car there, and find a hotel to stay at. Was it crazy that I was excited to stay in a hotel for the first time in my life?

"Yeah," I agreed as I stood up, and the others followed suit. I hugged Elva goodbye, shook Kali's hand, and then surprised Ajax by pulling him into a hug as well. I'd grown a tad fond of the big guy, and I might even miss him. "Take care, everyone. Hopefully, I'll see you soon."

Caelan

The Walker of today was so different from the scared little kid I'd met years ago. While that Walker had been wary of everyone, my Walker was friendly with practically everyone. I was a friendly man on a good day, but he was miles ahead of me. He could make anyone his friend, and I had a feeling that quality would come in handy sooner or later.

"So, New York. What do you want to see?" I asked as we got into the car. Turning on the car, I pulled out onto the street and glanced over at him. He appeared deep in thought, with a little furrow between his brows.

"Uh, everything? I don't know. I haven't really given it much thought yet. The Empire State building, for sure.”

"Of course." I had a few other places in mind that I thought he might like, tiny nooks and stores that you wouldn't find on any tourist attraction lists but embody the spirit of the city perfectly.

"Caelan, I just want to say I'm so glad I asked you to come with me," Walker said, and I glanced over at him with a smile.

"Me too," I said, taking his hand in mine and holding it between us.

"Me three," Ro'Shassz piped up from the backseat where he sat over our duffel bags. "I would've kicked your ass if you hadn't."

"And I would've deserved it," Walker joked, making me shake my head.

"I will say this only once, so listen closely," Ro'Shassz said, and I braced myself for whatever words of wisdom he was about to spew. "I love you two dumbasses, and I'm going to third-wheel this shindig for your whole lives, so you better be prepared for it."

A laugh slipped past my lips, and Walker's chuckle joined in.

"I would be honored to have you as our third wheel, Ro'Shassz," I told him as seriously as I could, and he hissed in satisfaction.

"Me too. A third wheel adds stability, after all," he said, and I was pretty sure it was a reference from something, but I couldn't remember what. I'd make sure to ask him later.

"I love you, Walker. And our hissy third wheel," I said.

"Love you both too. Now, let's go rock New York!" Walker cheered, and I smiled as I parked into the rental shop's lot. Turning to him, I smacked a kiss onto his lips before pulling back.

"Adventure awaits, my mate. Time to go meet it head-on."

Ro'Shassz

This isn't the end of Walker and Caelan's story. In fact, it might very well be the beginning!

The Last (Or Not) Step: Brace yourself for the next great Walker, Caelan, and Ro adventure. It can begin anytime. Or has it already?

Curious about Walker's dads? Read their story in Fate's Gambit!

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