EPILOGUE #2
She shook his hands free, running her fingers gently over his forehead and cheeks, down his neck onto the top part of his chest. “Let me,” she whispered. “I enjoy taking care of my mate.”
He chuckled. “So what do you have planned for the day?”
Lena stopped what she was doing for a moment, not sure how Gauge would react to what she had to say.
“I’m going into town to start working at the clinic there.
I need something to do, and Doc Angela said it might be good for people to start seeing us in a working environment.
There are other shifters working there, but they don’t look any different from a human when not in animal form.
She’s going to start me out doing office work, filling out paperwork and answering the phones, so humans can get used to seeing me at the clinic, then she’ll see about bringing me back to actually interact with them.
” When he started to object, she covered his mouth.
“I’ll be behind a protective shield at all times, Gauge. I’ll be perfectly safe.”
“Did you at least seek permission from the council first?”
“Of course. They agreed it might be a good idea for humans to see me, especially in an environment where I’m trying to help them.
Because you three host Umi, they know it’s important for you, Neyvarre, and Kimberly to always be available to help the Umi queen, so they’re going to assign another Hunter to watch over us.
I’ll be fine, Gauge. The humans in this area haven’t been as frightened of us as they are in other places.
Raif and his people have been working among them for years now.
They are trusted. This could be a good thing. ”
Gauge turned in his seat, drawing Lena down onto his lap. He gently cupped her rounded belly, the worry not leaving his eyes when he finally said. “I don’t like this, Lena, but I understand why you feel you need to do it. Do you know the name of the Hunter who’s been assigned here?”
“I believe they said Gabriel and his mate, Elena. Falkner told me Elena is Kimberly’s grandmother.”
She could feel Gauge relax, the tension slowly draining out of him.
“You’ll be safe with Gabriel and Elena. He’s an ancient and one of our strongest Hunters.
And Elena is a formidable female on her own.
I’m relieved the council is taking extra precautions to protect you.
” Gauge slipped his hand behind her head, drawing her face toward his.
When his lips were just a hair’s breadth from his, he murmured, “But next time I would prefer you speak with me first.”
“You would have said no, and I need to do this, Gauge. I can’t stay in a protective bubble forever.
I need to be able to make decisions for myself.
It’s what first got me into trouble with my father.
He taught me to be independent as a child, but then he tightened his claws when I approached maturity.
I rebelled when I might not have otherwise, and look where that got me. ”
“I’m sure your father did what he thought was best, but I understand what you’re trying to say. Perhaps we can meet somewhere in the middle.” Gauge smiled against her lips. “I will promise to listen, really listen, if you promise to talk to me first before making any big decisions.”
“I can do that,” she said. “Isn’t that what life as a couple is supposed to be, Gauge, give and take? Compromise somewhere in the middle when we might disagree?”
“Yes, thank you for reminding me.” He kissed her then, his tongue exploring her mouth, his hand kneading her breast.
Lena grinned as she felt him grow hard against her hip. “We’ll end up back in bed if you keep this up.”
Gauge sighed again, pressing his forehead against hers.
“I suppose I had better go then. Teo just sent me a message that he and Aeson are on their way here.” He kissed her forehead.
“You stay safe, my love. Don’t take any unnecessary risks.
And try not to argue with Gabriel if he gives you an order.
He won’t do so unless it’s important. I’ll be back sometime this evening. ”
“And I’ll be waiting here for you, as I’ll always be waiting for you.
” She grinned then, coming to her feet just as there was a knock at the door.
“Unless I’m stuck working overtime. Doc Angela said it happens a lot with emergencies.
Humans don’t heal as quickly as we do. They also tend to get sick a lot.
” She laughed when he scowled. Gabriel wanted her safe, but he also wanted her happy, and working, doing something important for their community, would make her happy.
Teo and Aeson both smiled as they entered the living area of their new home. They asked about the baby and made small talk while Gauge contacted the Laizahlian ship orbiting Earth. Stepping between the two shifters, Gauge took hold of their arms, intending to block their pain during transport.
“I love you, my mate,” he said, smiling at Lena as their bodies began to turn transparent.
“And I love you too, my mate,” she replied, feeling as if her whole body might explode with happiness.
Lena stepped outside into the bright sunlight and stood for a moment on the front deck, enjoying the beautiful view.
She had come so far in such a short amount of time.
With Gauge’s help, Lena had fought to overcome her abusive relationship with Ngozi.
He no longer haunted her every waking moment.
And though she loved her parents and her Uncle Seraphym, Lena couldn’t imagine returning to that life.
That was her past. Her future lay at Gauge’s side.
Lena had faith the council and Umi queen would eventually pave the way for them to remain permanently on this world.
Even with major problems here, she still loved it.
“Home,” she whispered. “I’m finally home.”