“We are not kneeling before you, doofus,” Barric growled.
“It is the symbol you wear upon your chest. The symbol of The Sorceress Queen to whom we dedicate our lives and service,” Merek added.
Tybalt remained silent. And beside him the two sleeping wolves stirred, as if in response to the revealed symbol. A shimmer enveloped them, and Lily felt a familiar pulse of energy beat against her, as both the human forms of Col and Aylwyn took their place.
Awake.
Col’s eyes found hers immediately, and she rushed to his side, as he rose to his feet with increasing steadiness.
“Destine,” he said, his arms drawing her into his chest. His lips found hers, and all seemed to fade away, outside of where they were joined together, the little universe created by their kiss.
When at last they broke apart, Lily looked into his beautiful hazel eyes, eyes that she had feared she would never see filled with life again.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered. “You’re hurt because of me.”
His arms tightened around her. “I would gladly bear a thousand wounds for you. My heart beats for you,Acchushla.”
“Acchushla.” She repeated the syllables softly. “What does that mean?”
“In the language of my tribe, it means beloved.” Her head jerked up, unwilling to believe her ears. The gold specks in his hazel eyes seemed to dance, as his next words came out clearly, distinctly.
“It means I love you, my Lily.”
Her heart filled with so much happiness, she thought it would burst. The words spilled out, she could no longer hold them in.
“I love you, Col.”
They heard the collected sound of applause and cheers from the five gathered round. Even Simon was now on his feet, the medallion displayed proudly in the center of his bare chest, clapping his hands.
“I’m so happy for you, Col, Katie.”
Lily looked at each of them. “I can finally let all of you know. Katie’s my mother’s name. It would mean so much to me if you would all call me by my real name, Lily.”
“MyLily,” Col growled, his arm wrapped around Lily possessively.
There were some questions popping in the air, before someone’s voice cut through the chattering. “Let her speak.” It was Miller.
The boys all quieted, although Simon had a smile on his face, as if he had already known. Perhaps he had, from whatever Lily had said in the car last night, or from the various resources that Simon was able to tap into. It didn’t matter. All the barriers were down, the need for concealment over.
“I’m sorry I had to hide my real name, but I was running from my ex. And he was killed last night.” Lily swallowed, thinking of Rey’s broken body on the floor of the shop. “Killed by the man who apparently wanted to use me, to get information on the five of you.”
“The male that we sought.” Col growled, and the other wolves growled in response.
“We can do a full debrief back at the house,” Simon said, pushing his glasses up. “But the important thing is, Lily, you no longer have to run.”
“Aye.” Col looked at her intently. “That means you can stay. Do you wish to stay, my Lily?”
She had seven pairs of eyes on her, waiting to hear what she would say. It was true. With Rey’s death, she could finally stop running. Set down roots where, to be honest, she was already building strong ties. Indeed, it had seemed that the Fates themselves had conspired to bring her here, to this moment, to this man.
Or maybe not Fate, but Destiny.
“He has shed blood for her,” Merek said.
“And I for him,” Lily spoke up, thinking of how she had fought with Jordy. She’d take on an army of Jordys for him. She knew her answer. But before she could give it, Barric’s voice rumbled forth.
“And thus the mate-bonding is complete, if theDestinewouldst but speak her assent.”
Col immediately dropped to one knee before her, and clasped her hand in his, dropping a soft kiss on the back of it.
“My Lily. Wouldst you bestow upon me the honor of being formally recognized as mineDestine? I wouldst pledge unto you mine heart, mine life and all that is mine to give. Although in truth, you already have the totality of it in keeping.”
Although her throat tightened with joy, she didn’t hesitate to respond wholeheartedly. “Yes, Col. A thousand times yes!”
“Can I be the flower girl?”
They all looked over, to where Clover and Brady had regained consciousness. Miller was already on his way to remove the duct tape bindings from their arms, and together, they all laughed with sheer happiness, in the aftermath of battle where theWaryeorshad fought with honor and emerged to fight again another day.
In the distance, Tybalt’s lips moved silently and formed a single word.Destine.
His eyes were on Simon’s medallion.
