The Real Epilogue
You didn’t honestly think this story would conclude without a word from your favorite character, did you? Roman and Cait might have been most popular, but I know I’ve always been the favorite. There’s no denying that.
Though, I must say, to the early readers of this final story, if you feel something sharp poking you in the back, that’s me. Well, one of my feathers. I hope that haunts you for the rest of your days. Except for Nicole. You remembered me and I’ll remember that.
But let’s be honest. This story wasn’t my vibe anyway. Don’t get me wrong. I love River. He’s family and I hated what happened to him, but there was no real enemy to fight here, no asses to kick. River had to figure this out on his own. All that dark emotional, mushy stuff, that isn’t for me.
Plus, I came first, before all these other bitches. Without me, none of this would have been possible, so it’s only fitting that I get the final say, right? Right.
Okay, and my Finnigan, too.
I can’t lie. He’s been my rock for… Gods, has it really been over thirty years? Feels more like four or five.
So much has happened in that time. There’s been heartbreak and loss and war and bloodshed, but there’s also been, dare I say, love and joy and friendships and memories I won’t be able to forget, even on my deathbed.
Even now, standing out on the balcony of our home on Fae Islands, smelling the fresh ocean breeze, hearing the waves roll onto the shore, and the laughter of my family, I’m memorizing it all.
Everything I thought I didn’t need is right here at my fingertips: a mate, my two—albeit grown— children, and a thriving kingdom.
While I used to take credit for that, I now give that to my son Dominic. Since understanding the power his white feathered wings held, he’s become the most incredible man. Eager and determined to make the world a better place, not only for supernaturals but humans, too.
His ability to bring peace to any situation has been leaking into the fae realm since he was born without us realizing it, but over the last six years, he’s really homed in on his ability. I’ve seen him travel to warzones and crumbling countries, turning them into flourishing communities just with his presence. Well, at least putting them on the right track.
Dom isn’t out to control the world, but he’s determined to put everyone on the right track, as he says. The rest is up to them, and I couldn’t be more proud.
Especially his relationship with his sister. Raven has become this young woman that sees the universe as her playground, where there’s nothing to fear. I’ve done my best to teach her that there are some people and things that can’t be changed and she should be careful, but my words fall on deaf ears. She has her outlook and that’s that.
I have no clue where she gets that stubbornness from.
“Are you going to sit on the porch all day, or are you going to come join your family for a swim?” Finn asks from behind me, making me jump out of my chair.
“I told you not to teleport behind me like that.” I turn and shove at his chest, but he merely grins in return.
“You also said we need to keep things interesting before we become old and boring.”
My glare only intensifies. “Scaring me isn’t what I meant, and you damn well know that. Do I need to get the reindeer out as a reminder?”
His face pales. “No, Dear.”
“Are you sure? Because last time…”
He shakes his head swiftly. “I’m certain. Now, come join us in the water.”
Before I can agree, Finn leans in, putting his shoulder to my stomach, and tosses me over his back with my ass in the air.
My fists punch at his spine, but my mate doesn’t even flinch.
“I got Mom!” he calls out, and our two demon children shout.
“Throw her to me,” Dom says, then with a chuckle, he adds, “Don’t worry, Ma. I’ll catch you.”
“You’ll catch my right hook,” I growl in return, making everyone else laugh.
I’ve threatened my children’s lives a million times over the years, but never once have I physically punished them. Did they deserve a spanking a time or two or ten? Sure, but I couldn’t do it. They’re my babies, my biggest weakness, and I’d have kept them in their cribs for their entire lives if I could.
Though, I’d never admit that to anyone else, so don’t you go ruining my street cred and opening your mouth.
Finn gently pulls me forward until I’m standing on two feet again. His hands splay over my back, then squeeze until he has a handful of my sheer cover up in his grasp. “Time to go swimming, my love.”
I’m already in my swimsuit. It’s not as if I wasn’t going to join my family, but sometimes watching them live their best life is just as incredible as being right in the thick of things. I like being reminded of how lucky I am and how far I’ve come. They are my reason—Finn, Dom, and Raven—without them… Well, I don’t like to think that way. There is no without them. They’re here and they’re mine and just like our extended family, I’m never letting them go.
My hands press against Finn’s chest, and I stare into his silver eyes that see straight into my soul. “But first…”
My lips brush against his once, then twice, but before I can get a real kiss in, water is splashed over us. “Seriously, you guys,” Raven drones. “Get a room.”
My wings extend, curving in to block me and Finn from view. I grin and call back to my daughter. “If that’s not good enough, then turn around, because I’m going to make out with your father now.”
Groans and gagging noises sound from behind us, and Finn chuckles as he reaches up, holding my neck with both hands as his thumbs stroke my cheeks. “I love you so much.”
I wink. “I know.” His grip tightens on me as he jerks me closer. Only then do I add, “I love you too, Finnigan. Now and for all eternity.”