One month later

Deep underground, standing in the library inside the city lair, Elise set her hands on her hips and looked around. Almost done. Another day or two, and the guys would finish installing the last bit of the molding. Dismantled and brought, piece by piece, from the mountain lair by Cyprus and his warriors, the new library looked very similar to the old—identical layout, same circular staircase rising to the second level and hand-carved bookshelves.

Perfect symmetry. Exceptional craftsmanship.

A lovely place, more work of art than study room.

At first, she’d worried, telling the guys not to bother. Given the recent attacks on the pack, returning to the mountain lair was dangerous. Elise shook her head. As beautiful at the library was, rebuilding it wasn’t worth the risk. Or their lives. Grizgunn remained out there—somewhere—circling like a buzzard, hunting the Scottish pack, attacking when least…

Elise pursed her lips. Well, okay—not when least expected.

The warriors never got taken by surprise. Heck, the crazy bunch wanted to be found. Made no attempt whatsoever to hide when they flew out of Aberdeen each night, relishing the opportunity to fight, wanting to right the wrong done to her and Ivy. Her lips curved. Beyond stubborn. So flipping loyal. The absolute best guys to have around. Proof positive lay in foundation of her new library—and all the books the warriors continued to deliver.

Elise glanced at the stacks littering the floor. And the new furniture Cyprus kept ordering. Bigger glass cases to house and protect important manuscripts. Two enormous worktables, sitting alongside a group of sturdy chairs. New couches and deep-seated armchairs (the last ones hadn’t survived Cyprus’s fire whip). She wrinkled her nose, the memory of burning cushions occupying her mind as she surveyed her favorite addition to the room.

A whole new section.

Feet doing a jig on the recently installed mosaic tiles, Elise stared at her workroom. Tucked beneath the second-floor walkway, the new addition matched the old décor, but had been built from scratch and stretched wall-to-wall, spanning the entire back of the room. Fronted by glass, the space belonged to her. A gift from Cyprus, complete with a worktable, book conservation tools, and a closed ventilation system with temperature control to keep old books in pristine condition. But her favorite? Elise grinned. The rare book collection transported from the mountain lair.

Everything a girl with a book fetish could want or need.

All in a very beautiful place.

Her heart gave a happy hop. God, she loved it here. Loved her mate. Adored her new family of dragon guys. Everything about her new life suited her, filling a hole inside she hadn’t realized stood empty…until meeting Cyprus.

As if thinking about him conjured him, heavy footfalls sounded behind her. “Daydreaming again, are we?”

The timbre of his baritone sent shivers down her spine. Unable to contain her joy, Elise glanced over her shoulder and grinned. “It’s almost finished.”

His eyes crinkled at the corners. “It is at that, lass.”

Setting down a box of books next to a stack of others, he approached on silent feet. His arms came around her from behind, hugging her close, making her wiggle in delight. Nipping the shell of her ear, he asked, “Happy?”

“Unbelievably.” With a sigh, she leaned against his chest. His body heat warmed her, making her remember how good he always felt in bed. Hmm, silk sheets and Cyprus. Nothing better in the world than that, but…Elise cleared her throat. First things first. Time to get real and be honest. “I know I haven’t told you yet, but…”

As her voice trailed off, he gave her a gentle squeeze. “What?”

Turning in his embrace, she set her hands on his chest and met his gaze. “I love you, Cyprus.”

“Talmina.” He drew in a soft breath. Fierce emotion sparked in his pale eyes. As his gaze started to glow, making her feel beautiful, he pressed his cheek to hers. “I love you too.”

“I know,” she whispered.

He’d been so brave, saying it first almost two weeks ago. Coming around—arriving here, being courageous enough to face this moment—had taken her more time. Not because she didn’t love him. Elise had known right from the start how she felt about Cyprus. She belonged to him. He belonged to her. No need to question or explore further. But it had all happened so fast, she’d needed time to adjust and think and…accept.

“Not because of all this.” Waving her hand, she gestured to the library. “I mean, the book room is a beautiful gift and I’ll cherish it always, but I want you to know I love you because of you. Because of who you are, not what you give me.” Stroking her fingers along his jaw, she raised up on tiptoes and kissed him softly. “I belong here, Cyprus…with you.”

“Aye, you do, lass,” he murmured. “And I’ll never let you go.”

She smiled against his mouth. “Perfect.”

And it was—perfect. Forever began and ended in his arms. She held happiness by the tip its tail, and had a future with a man who loved her more than she did books. Close the gilded cover. Happily ever after guaranteed.

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