Epilogue
If Eliza had thought Tara was beautiful before the mating bite, that was nothing to how she looked after.
Over the following days, her skin healed and took on another kind of glow under the summer sun—one of internal happiness Tara hadn’t had before.
When they tried to return to the actual shark research two days later, they were surprised by an underwater party of sharks and shifters and other locals from the area, all celebrating their mating.
It might not have been the kind of research Tara expected, but as Eliza watched her play and dive with a couple of juveniles, she didn’t think her new mate was disappointed.
Weeks passed, and their lives found a new rhythm as they moved into Eliza’s houseboat and worked out everything they hadn’t had time to before the mating.
Eliza’s brother and father turned out to like Tara, and though Tara’s family was surprised to learn of her partnership, Eliza got along with them just fine.
When her research grant ended, Tara stayed in Australia with Eliza to finish presenting her research and writing the article, which was published in a renowned academic journal.
The following year, Tara became Ocean Kissed herself, and nothing could compare to the joy of swimming with her mate in the salt sea.
Years passed, and no matter what life threw at them, they found a way to ride the tides.
Tara became a well-respected expert in the field of shark sciences, and Eliza was promoted to regional dive master for EON.
Even as Tara’s hair began to gray, her crescent scars never faded, and Eliza was endlessly grateful for her companionship.
Their bond remained solid, and they lived happily for the rest of their days.
FIN