Celine comes over and wraps her arms around me, curling her body into mine. “You’re moving in, huh?”

I grin down at her. “I already have your heart. What difference does it make if we live in the same apartment?”

She sighs dramatically. “Excellent point, roomie.”

I kiss her cheek. “I think I might prefer husband.”

She throws her head back and laughs. “I already accepted your mate bond.” She pats my stomach. “Let’s wait a little while on marriage.”

“But you will marry me one day?” I can’t stop my smile.

“One day,” she agrees.

“And have my babies?”

“Zav,” she groans.

“They’d be the cutest babies you ever did see.” I try to reason.

“Maybe,” she muses and reaches up to adjust my glasses for me.

That maybe is going to be a yes.

She entwines our fingers. “Let’s go back to bed.”

I let her drag me along, grinning like a fool. Despite the hell the past few weeks have been, the future is looking pretty fucking bright.

We settle into the bed, and I spoon her from behind.

I kiss the skin beneath her ear. “You were worth the wait.”

I sense her smile rather than see it. “Duh.”

I pinch her side for that sassy comment, and she dissolves into giggles.

Never, in my centuries of existence, did I think I could be this happy but I’m really looking forward to conquering whatever comes next with my mate at my side.

EPILOGUE

CELINE

Three Weeks Later

“What the hell do you have in here, Ava?” I huff out a breath as I set down a cardboard box in what is now going to be Ava’s apartment.

“Um…” She eyes the box. “I think that’s my hair supplies.”

“Of course it is.” I attempt to catch my breath.

Zavier, show off that he is, comes in behind me and sets down a stack of three large boxes. Now that Ava knows about him, he isn’t concerned about hiding his true nature.

“Zavvy?” Ava plants her hands on her hips. “I’m curious, how did you come to acquire an apartment right next to Celine?” She taps her foot. “Now that I know you better, something tells me it was by no normal means.”

Zav shoots a shocked, wide-eyed gaze my way. “Uh…”

“I’m just saying,” Ava goes on. “I find it highly doubtful that this place was vacant before you.”

Zav’s eyes turn apologetic, and he gives me a sheepish smile.