Page 90 of Hidden Fate

EPILOGUE

SIX MONTHS LATER

The coronation videoplayed on repeat on the Dragonnet. Thorn, Saphira, Wyvern, Errol, Brenton, and I sat outside on the gray wooden terrace around a round glass table, a laptop open so we could scroll through the latest news as we ate breakfast. Thorn and I had our backs to the sunflower-yellow château, facing the massive backyard where our wedding ceremony and coronation had taken place.

“This was the most attended coronation in dragon history.” Errol mashed his lips together and smiled. “I’m so proud of you two.”

Every time I saw the video, I got teary. More than five hundred people had crammed onto the château grounds to watch the ceremony. When the news had spread that Thorn and I had taken Drake down and would ascend to the throne, people—especially the ones Thorn and I had helped—had shown up in hordes, driving all night, desperate to get here on time.

Wildflowers had lined the terrace where the ceremony took place. Errol had proclaimed us the new king and queen and crowned us with gold crowns designed in scales that matched our wedding bands. Then we’d stood and turned to our people, and the cries of joy still rang in my ears.

Most warriors had decided to stay on, but a few had left because Drake had forced them to be there. Not blaming them, Thorn and I had gladly seen them off. There were so many things Drake had done that couldn’t be undone, but we wouldn’t continue that legacy.

Speaking of Drake—he, Peter, Ladon, and Falkor were all in prison for numerous crimes and would be there for the foreseeable future. If the time came to release them, we’d cross that bridge when we got there, though none of them could threaten us anymore because they were no longer dragons.

The only downside of the situation was that Elliott and Eva had left. They’d even split up, each going to live with their fated mate’s thunder. It made the most sense since their fated mates had loving, welcoming families, but they visited one week of every month, which was more than enough for us to get our fill of them.

Tyson had found his fated mate, too, one of Spike’s thunder members. He’d wanted a fresh start and had left to live with her.

Though Theron, Hydra, Sol, and Eva had returned to their thunder, Wyvern had moved here with Saphira. Wyvern was the commander of the warriors, and Saphira had become my righthand woman. She was helping me locate all the shifters Thorn could heal. And of course, Brenton and Errol had taken positions as Thorn’s and my chief advisors around finances and dragon affairs.

All the women we had protected had headed back to their thunders. As such, Jerry, Gemma, and Uther worked from their family homes, helping Wyvern, since Drake had forced them to relocate.

We decided to let Mira stay in what had been the guest house, the very one I’d been forced to stay in when I arrived. Thorn was slowly mending his relationship with his mother, though it would never be parental…more like close friends. I was glad he was trying; I never wanted him to have any regrets.

Cassidy and Vlad left to join Vlad’s father’s thunder. He’d lost twenty-one years with them, and now that Thorn wasn’t in danger, it was time to mend their broken relationship. They didn’t go long without visiting us.

“Well, that’s one reason we’re so busy.” Saphira took a sip of her coffee while she scrolled through her notepad. “I’m scheduling a visit next week for a family that needs healing. What day works best for you two?”

I took a bite of eggs, and my stomach fluttered. I’d felt the same sensation last night, and it had caught me off guard. I swore I heard something softly beating in my stomach. I had to be imagining things.

But when Thorn’s eyes bulged and he stared at my midsection, I knew I wasn’t the only one hearing it.

Everly, when was the last time you had your period?Thorn glanced from my stomach to my eyes.

I pursed my lips.Uh…over five weeks ago.I dropped my fork, and it clunked loudly on my plate. I stared at him.I’m never late.

There was another flutter, followed by that fast, pounding rhythm. Like every time it fluttered, a heart worked harder…hard enough for us to hear what was growing in me.

He blew out a breath and smiled.You’re pregnant.He jumped to his feet and lifted me from my chair, then turned toward the doors that led inside the château.

“Hey!” Saphira snapped. “Where are you two going? We’re having a meeting.”

“It can wait.” He strode through the doors without pause and carried me upstairs.

The world passed in a blur as I locked eyes with him and murmured, “Where are you taking me?”

To our bedroom…to celebrate.He smiled.Because we can finally be together without danger, and knowing our baby is coming makes me happier than I’ve ever been. I want to show you how much you own me.

My body warmed, ready to show him the same thing.

He was right.

Nothing could get better than this.

If you love wolf shifter fated mate stories where the female is mistreated and underestimated by her pack, then click here to order Destined Mate today and scroll down to read the first chapter.

DESTINED MATE - CHAPTER ONE

---