Epilogue
Afew weeks after Seth’s visit, Claudia stood in front of the full-length mirror in the master bedroom of her and Sam’s house, smoothing down the elegant dress Barbara had helped her select for tonight’s dinner.
It was deep sapphire-blue, elegant but not overly formal, and made her feel like the queen Sam had said she was.
Queen. The word still felt strange in her mind.
“You look beautiful,” Sam said from the doorway, already dressed in dark slacks and a crisp white shirt. “Though you always do.”
“Flatterer.” Claudia turned to face him, taking in the sight of her mate. Even after weeks of living together, waking up beside him every morning, the sight of him still made her heart beat faster. “Are you nervous about tonight?”
“A little,” Sam admitted, crossing to her and taking her hands. “Jabari and Zara are important to me. They run the entire African operation for Kinkaid Industries, and they’re… Well, they’re family. Very distant relatives, but still.”
“Lion shifters,” Claudia said, remembering what Sam had told her about his guests. “Loosely related to the African princess who mated with the selkie boy and left Africa to find a new life together in America way back when.”
“Exactly. They’re also the leaders of the largest lion pride in Tanzania. Their opinion carries weight with all the African lions.” Sam’s expression was troubled. “I just hope they don’t make you uncomfortable. The prides in the old country weren’t too keen on having me as their king.”
“Sam.” Claudia cupped his face. “I’m your mate. Whatever comes with that, I’ll handle it. We’re in this together, remember?”
He pulled her close, pressing his forehead to hers. “I don’t deserve you.”
“You absolutely do.” She kissed him softly. “Now come on. Barbara said they’d be here at seven, and it’s almost that now.”
They made their way downstairs just as the doorbell rang. Sam squeezed her hand once before opening the door to reveal their guests.
Jabari and Zara were a stunning couple. Both tall and powerfully built, with rich dark skin and the kind of presence that commanded attention.
Jabari’s hair was close-cropped and silver-streaked, suggesting he was older than he appeared, while Zara wore her hair in intricate braids adorned with gold beads.
Their eyes were the sparkling amber of their lion forms, and when they smiled, Claudia felt their warmth immediately.
“Sam!” Jabari’s voice was deep and rich as he pulled Sam into an embrace that was part hug, part back-slapping greeting between warriors. “It’s been too long, cousin.”
“Far too long,” Sam agreed. “Thank you for making the trip. I know how busy you both are.”
“We wouldn’t miss the chance to meet your mate,” Zara said, her accent melodious. Her gaze fixed on Claudia with obvious curiosity and warmth. “You must be Claudia. We’ve heard so much about you.”
“All good things, I hope,” Claudia said, offering her hand.
To her surprise, Zara bypassed the handshake entirely and pulled her into a warm hug. “Very good things. The mage who destroyed Der Nehmer? You’re something of a legend, my dear.”
“I didn’t realize word had spread so far,” Claudia said, feeling her cheeks heat as Zara released her.
“News like that travels fast in our community,” Jabari said, shaking Claudia’s hand with a gentle grip that suggested he was being very careful with his strength.
“A high-ranking Venifucus mage eliminated. And by the mate of the Alpha of Alphas no less. It’s given hope to many who feared the Venifucus was unstoppable. ”
“Please, come in,” Sam said, ushering them inside. “We have dinner prepared, but I thought we might have drinks first and talk?”
“That sounds perfect,” Zara said.
They settled in the living room with glasses of wine, and for a few minutes, the conversation was pleasantly mundane.
They talked about the couple’s flight from Tanzania, updates on the various business ventures Kinkaid Industries was involved with in Africa, and questions about Houston and the Kinkaid Clan.
Eventually, as Claudia had known they would, they arrived at the heart of why Jabari and Zara had come.
“We wanted to meet you in person, Claudia,” Jabari said, setting down his wine glass. “To welcome you properly as Sam’s mate and to make sure you understood what that means for our people.”
“I know Sam is considered the Alpha of all lions,” Claudia said carefully. “The king, though he doesn’t like that title much.”
“No, he doesn’t,” Zara said with a fond smile at Sam. “He never has. But whether he likes it or not, the white fur marks him as chosen by the Goddess to lead us all. And as his mate, you are our queen.”
Sam tensed beside her, his discomfort palpable.
“I want you to know,” Jabari continued, his expression serious, “that while we weren’t happy initially about an American being our king, we’ve come to appreciate what Sam has brought to our communities.”
Sam’s surprise was evident. “You have?”
“Did you think we were just tolerating you?” Zara asked gently.
“Sam, the investments Kinkaid Industries has made in Tanzania, Kenya, and South Africa alone have created many lucrative jobs for our people. You’ve funded schools, hospitals, and infrastructure projects.
You’ve helped preserve wildlife habitats and fought against poachers who threaten our territory. ”
“But more than that,” Jabari added, “you’ve shown respect for our traditions while bringing us into the modern business world.
You consult with the pride leaders before making decisions that affect our people.
You listen to our concerns. You’ve earned the loyalty you command, not just inherited it because of your fur color. ”
Sam looked genuinely stunned. “I always assumed you only followed me because tradition demanded it. Because the white lion is supposed to lead.”
“At first, perhaps,” Zara admitted. “But, Sam, it’s been years now. If we’d only been following you out of tradition, you’d have known it. We stay with you because you’re a good leader. Because you care about all lions, not just the ones in your immediate Clan.”
Claudia felt her mate’s emotions through their bond. He was experiencing surprise, relief, and a dawning understanding that he’d been carrying an unnecessary burden of guilt and inadequacy.
“I don’t know what to say.” Sam was clearly uncomfortable with the praise.
“Say you’ll keep doing what you’re doing,” Jabari replied. “Lead with the same wisdom and compassion you’ve shown so far. And lean on your mate when you need to. That’s what she’s there for.”
“Speaking of which,” Zara turned her attention back to Claudia, “we wanted to acknowledge that while you’re not a lioness, you’re clearly strong in your own right.
A mage of considerable power, by all accounts.
That’s exactly the kind of queen our people need.
Someone who can stand beside the Alpha of Alphas as an equal, not just a decorative figurehead. ”
“I never wanted to be a figurehead,” Claudia said firmly. “If I’m going to be part of this family, I want to actually help it thrive.”
“That’s exactly what we hoped to hear,” Jabari said with obvious approval.
“We brought some information about current needs in our communities, especially projects that could use magical consultation, and threats we’re facing that might benefit from a mage’s perspective.
If you’re willing, we’d welcome your insight. ”
“I’d be honored,” Claudia said, meaning it. “I may not be a lioness, but I’m Sam’s mate, and that means his people are my people.”
Zara’s smile was radiant. “You’re going to be a wonderful queen, Claudia. I can already tell.”
The rest of the evening passed in warm conversation.
Dinner was excellent. Barbara had outdone herself by sourcing a menu that incorporated both Texan and East African influences from a local world-class chef and having it delivered ready to serve.
By the time dessert rolled around, Claudia felt like she’d gained not just allies, but genuine friends.
“There’s one more thing we’d like to propose,” Jabari said as they finished their coffee. “The moon is full tonight, and it’s been too long since Sam has run with us. Would it be possible to go for a run?”
Sam’s eyes lit up in a way Claudia had never seen before. “I’d love that. But Claudia can’t shift, obviously, so—”
“She can watch,” Zara interrupted. “If she’s comfortable with that? I promise we’re not as frightening in our lion forms as some might think.”
“I actually love seeing Sam in his lion form,” Claudia admitted.
“Good,” Jabari said, standing. “Then let’s do it. The moon is full, and the night is perfect for a run.”
“We own the neighboring woodland and the entire development,” Sam advised his guests. “Just don’t go beyond those borders and don’t be surprised to see a lot of other lions out enjoying the full moon.” He smiled, and they grinned back, already heading for the door to the big backyard.
Claudia followed slowly behind the shifters, allowing them time to disrobe and shift before she went to sit on the back deck that overlooked the backyard.
The landscape was beautiful in the moonlight, an acre of grassland with a few scattered trees under a sky so clear that the stars seemed close enough to touch.
The full moon hung heavy and silver, illuminating the landscape in shades of gray and black and silver-white.
Two golden lions were already out in the yard, met by a few others who had come in from the neighboring backyards to greet them. Sam was on the deck, folding his clothing while he apparently waited for her to appear.
“Are you all right with this?” he asked, a shadow in the darkness.
“Of course I am,” Claudia replied immediately. “I love seeing your lion, and I want you to enjoy being with your Clan and extended family. I’ll be here waiting when you’ve had enough.”