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Amber patted my cheek. “You big, burly bears with your super healing and diamond skin.” She yawned again. “So tired.”
I held her close as her eyes closed again, cherishing her warmth and the way she fit so perfectly in my arms.
“How is she?” Leif asked, coming to stand beside me.
“Alive,” I rasped, my throat clogged with emotion.
Axel joined us, returned to his human form. He clutched his side, which was now raised pink flesh. “Sorry, bro. Fucker caught me on my blindside.”
“Don’t apologize, baby brother. You defended my mate’s life with your own.” I looked him in the eye, trying to convey the depth of my gratitude. “It’s a debt I’ll never be able to repay. Thank you. Both of you.”
Amber moaned, and her eyes blinked open.
I was immediately on red alert. “You okay, sweetheart?”
She shook her head slightly. “Not sure. Am I dreaming, or are there two naked men standing in front of me?” She peered down at my lap. “Three naked men. Is this some kind of weird bear-shifter porn?” She smiled drunkenly. “I think I’m gonna like being a part of the Furbane family.”
Shit. I’d totally forgotten our nakedness in the chaos and fear. All three of us had shredded our clothes when we’d shifted.
I glared at my brothers, holding a hand over Amber’s eyes. “Cover your goddamn junk.”
Leif sniggered, and Axel grunted as they cupped their hands over their crotches.
“Scared she’ll compare and find you lacking?” Leif smirked.
Axel laughed and then grimaced as the action pulled at his wound. “I may be the youngest, but I sure wasn’t at the back of the queue when God was handing out co–”
“Enough!” I held up the hand I’d used to shield Amber’s view, my glare deepening. “Go grab the spare clothes from the truck.”
“Okay, bro, keep your fur on.” Leif grinned. “Your woman is sleeping, anyway. No foursome tonight.”
A growl rumbled up my throat, and I shot daggers at my brother. Leif winked, and he and Axel headed off to grab our clothes.
I looked down at my mate. She was sound asleep, her mouth parted slightly, snoring softly. I dropped a kiss on her forehead and held her a bit tighter, thanking all the deities that the woman I loved was safe.
Exhausted and likely to sleep for days, but safe.
And mine.
Epilogue
Emmett
Four Weeks Later
I’d been planning this evening for a month. Everything had to be perfect. Tonight was the night. As Amber's car pulled up, I lit the last candle, stepping back to admire my handiwork.
Vases overflowed with vibrant wildflowers. Lights were strung from the rafters, casting a warm glow. The flowers' sweet fragrance mingled with the aroma of the hearty stew simmering on the stove.
After sleeping for almost two days straight, Amber had made a full recovery. Aunt Thea was already working with her, teaching her about her magic, how to develop it, and how to control it.
I was so proud of my mate for how she embraced our life once she’d gotten over the original shock. She loved my family with an openness and generosity that humbled me, and my folks adored her.
Axel had also recovered, with no aftereffects from his wound or the dark magic, thanks to his accelerated healing and Aunt Thea’s “special elixir,” as she called it. She made it herself and kept the ingredients secret. No one knew what they were, not even Ma.
Aunt Thea had also been strengthening the runes around the portal over the last month. Leif had taken her the day after our encounter with the pyros and left her to her work while he removed all evidence of the fight.
The area was well-protected and guarded from stray tourists or unwitting townsfolk, but we could never be too cautious.
