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Ellen took Hollis’s hand in hers. “Much later,” she said. But Hollis was already dragging her from the office and down the hall to their room. She waited until they reached their room before launching herself at him. He caught her, the fire in his eyes making her throb.
“Your head,” he said against her lips.
“Be gentle,” she murmured, biting his lip. “But love me.”
“I do. More than my own life.” He groaned, pulling back. “Tonight was hell.” He broke off, fear and sadness twisting his beautiful face.
“And for me,” she said, tilting his face toward hers. “But we are one. We make each other stronger. True mates. I will always be with you.”
“Always.” His nod was stiff. “But sometimes…it scares me how much I love you.”
She nodded, her fingers twining in his copper locks. “I know.”
Epilogue
Hollis ran his hand over the swell of Ellen’s stomach. Their child kicked and rolled inside, stretching her skin. “That was a foot,” he said, pressing her stomach. “It’s getting crowded in there.”
“Yes, I noticed.” Ellen laughed. “You’re distracting me.”
“You’ve been working all morning,” Hollis argued.
“Yes.” She glanced up at him. “You could help.”
He grinned, packing up her tools and carrying them back to the cabinet.
She cradled the bone in her arms, treating it as the precious heirloom it was. He’d brought it from the vault to surprise her. And she’d spent the better part of the last month studying it. After three days of reading, she’d made diagrams, jotted notes, and packed it away to continue her research online. Kim had been eager to help. Her natural curiosity made her an exceptional assistant for his very pregnant wife.
What she’d learned was both impressive and overwhelming. In his years of testing and research, he’d never come close to what she’d discovered. And today she was going to share it with the pack.
“I’m ready,” she whispered, running her hands over her stomach.
“I have your notes.” Kim followed, a well-used spiral in her hands.
“They’re waiting for you.” He took her hand and led her into the great room.
In under a year, they’d almost doubled the size of their pack. Anger and fear had been replaced with only good things. Love and hope—things he used to demean were first.
“If you say we’re from Transylvania, I’m leaving,” Mal sounded off. “I’m no vampire’s guard dog.”
“Vampires don’t exist.” Olivia patted his arm.
“As far as we know,” Anders teased, moving over to make room for Kim. He slid an arm around her shoulder. Kim’s only reaction was the bold color staining her cheeks. Hollis still didn’t approve of the match but appreciated the two were moving slowly. Maybe, if they were both lucky, this was only a passing flirtation.
“Not funny.” Dante shook his head.
“Maybe a little?” Tess asked, smiling up at him.
All that stood between Tess and Dante was her father. Dante had turned Tess, and Tess was recovering well. And as grateful as Brown was to have his daughter with him, he was in no hurry to have her leave his side. Luckily, Tess and Dante understood and were doing their damnedest to
keep their wolves in check. How long that would last was anybody’s guess.
“I appreciate the time and energy you’ve put into researching this.” Finn smiled from his place on the floor, offering Oscar another block for his tower.
Ellen smiled. “It’s been interesting. I think you’ll be fascinated. I’ve spent many hours reading—almost talking to him—”
“It’s a man?” Jessa asked, rocking Diana.
Ellen nodded. “Pascual Otero of Argentina.”
