Epilogue
One year later
“Happy Anniversary, mi amor.” Santo spins me again as we dance after this year’s run.
The gorgeous red dress I’m wearing hugs my body as he dips me and kisses down my exposed cleavage, making the onlookers of the clan whistle, clap, and holler at us.
When he rights me, a wave of nausea and dizziness makes me stumble slightly, but he doesn’t seem to notice as he slows the twirling but keeps us moving to the lively music playing around us.
“This dress leaves nothing to the imagination, Preciosa.” I glance at Santo’s face, whose eyes glow slightly and are pinned on my lower belly.
No, no way can he tell!
I’ve been very careful not to let on that I’m pregnant. It’s very early, and I don’t want to jinx it. Honestly, I’m surprised it took so long. We haven’t been exactly careful, ever.
“Bessie picked it out.” I beam up at him and then find her in the crowd.
She, too, found her mate last year, Miguel, Santo’s Beta.
He was apparently missing from the other runs she had participated in, and the fact that two of the other clan members had slept with his wife previously had caused some friction at first, but they seemed to have come up with an interesting solution.
The family is all seated around Bessie, who is holding one of their twins while the men switch holding the other. One woman, three men, and two babies. I’m not sure how she does it.
“Don’t worry. That’ll be you soon.” Santo whispers in my ear.
“What? Wondering how to please and take care of three men and two babies?” I lean back to watch his expression.
“Grrr,” I chuckle as he pulls me in and bites over my mating mark.
“Never, well, the men part. The babies, though, will come.” I smirk into his shoulder so he can’t see.
Sooner than you think.
“Well, in the meantime, I am enjoying all the practice making them.” I bite his neck now ‘cause turn around is fair play.
“Preciosa, I know you’re pregnant.” I gasp and push him away.
“HOW!” I demand as he looks a little sheepishly at me, then he slowly taps his nose.
“Your scent changed about two months ago. I can also hear the heartbeat now.” I gasp and cover my mouth.
I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the strange abilities my husband has as a shifter. I shake my head in disbelief at him.
“Can you tell if it’s a boy or a girl?” He laughs and pulls me back into the dance.
I’d forgotten we were in the middle of the dance floor, having a very private conversation in public, surrounded by supernatural creatures with freaky hearing.
“Magic does have its limits. However, I googled it a few days ago, and some scientists say the heartbeat can sometimes determine the baby’s sex.” I glare at him, waiting for him to answer.
“You really want to know? Wouldn’t it be fun to wait and find out naturally when the child is born?” I stomp on his foot.
“YES!” He chuckles and shakes his head.
“So impatient. Fine, if science is correct, then it’s a boy. But nature likes to play tricks, so don’t go crazy buying everything blue.” He tries to downplay it, but when he said, “Boy, I swear I saw his chest puff up.
“A son.” I place a hand over my tiny bump.
“An heir. Santo Fermín, the hell I’ll need to do the math.” I giggle as the fireworks begin overhead.
“Are you happy, Oma?” he asks as he backs me into his chest to gaze at all the colors overhead.
“Beyond words.”