Page 65 of Property of Zombie

EPILOGUE

LUCY

Six months later…

“Ihear congratulations are in order.”

I look up from my paperwork to see Dr. Binks standing in my office doorway. He came out of retirement on a part-time basis after everything went down with Evan and covered for me while I was out. He’s the only person at the zoo who knows what really happened, and that’s only because of his history with Zombie and the club.

“Don’t know what you’re talking about,” I quip with a grin.

Dr. Binks still comes in from time to time, and I always love it when he’s here. I’m still struggling with who I can and can’t trust, but my old mentor is squarely in the ‘trust him with my life’ category.

“You’re not going to be able to hide it much longer,” he retorts as he sits in the chair across from my desk. “You’re what, three months along?”

You guessed it… I’m pregnant.

I wasn’t happy about it at first, terrified that becoming a mother would derail my career. Then Zombie and I sat down and really talked about it, and he made me realize that I can have both motherhood and a career. I just might have to cut back on sex around exotic animals.

Not crazy about that, and neither is my husband, but we’ll survive.

“Who else knows?” I ask because I haven’t told anyone at work.

“No one,” he assures me. “Zombie let it slip when we talked earlier.”

“Let it slip, my ass,” I grumble. “He’s been itching to tell people from the moment I peed on that damn stick.”

Dr. Binks laughs, and warmth spreads through me at the sound. Chasing adrenaline rushes has been such a huge part of my life that I forgot to slow down and enjoy the normal things: Sunday rides with Zombie, walking around downtown and window-shopping, watching movies at the clubhouse with everyone, Saturday night parties, the laughter of friends. I missed so much, and as much as I hate the man, I have Evan to thank for my newfound appreciation.

Okay, thanking him is taking it a little too far. How about I settle on no longer praying on a nightly basis that the Devil will roast him on his spit for centuries before finally consuming his soul?

“Anyway, just wanted to congratulate you,” my friend says, standing. “I better get home. Give me a call next week sometime, and we can discuss what you’re thinking as far as maternity leave. That way I can plan accordingly to be available to cover for you.”

“You got it.” He’s almost out the door when I add, “Thank you, Samuel, for everything.”

With a parting wink, he disappears. I glance at the time and realize that the day is almost over. Excitement buzzes through my system because tonight is date night.

I grab my cell and pull up Zombie’s contact info. He’s still listed as ‘Lion’s Den Fuck’, but now there’s a black heart at the end.

Me: Still planning on being here around 11?

Lion’s Den Fuck : Yep. Finishing up with the guys now

I don’t bother asking what he’s doing because he won’t tell me. It’s club business and information I don’t need. Honestly, I’m thrilled to be in the dark, especially now that I have more to worry about than just myself. If it keeps me and baby safe, I’m not gonna argue.

Me: Meet me at our spot

Lion’s Den Fuck : You got it, babydoll

The zoo clears out at eight, when it closes, and by nine, the other employees are gone. Danny, KOAMC prospect and Evan’s replacement, is the only remaining staff member. Scrubs taught him how to clear the security feeds following my and Zombie’s date nights, so we never have to worry about letting someone we barely know in on our secret.

I make my way to the security building and grin when I see Danny with his feet propped up on the desk.

“Hey, Danny,” I greet, and he jumps to his feet with a sheepish look on his face. “You’re fine. Sit.”

We’re still working out our dynamic. Danny’s fairly young and has a hard time treating me like a colleague at work because he’s so used to having to treat me like royalty at home.

Mellie and I have it so good.