Epilogue

The plane ride back to the states was long. Too long. At least it felt that way to Leya. She smiled and leaned her head against Marcus’ shoulder. Her mate grumbled softly and opened his eyes to place a kiss on her forehead.

“Can I get you something?” Her stomach tightened at the sound of his deep, sexy voice.

“No, I’m good,” she replied still smiling.

“Okay, I’m just gonna use the restroom. Be right back, baby.” He got up and she admired the six-foot plus view of him as he squeezed down the aisle to the first-class restrooms.

They had almost the entire section to themselves, except for an older couple. The woman looked at Marcus then at her and nodded her approval. Leya bit back a giggle. He was a damn fine specimen of man. And Bear. Her Bear. Grrr.

Leya stretched in her seat. Her body was deliciously sore. She’d used muscles she never even knew she had the past few days! Heat warmed her face as she thought about how she’d gotten in that state.

And now I know exactly what the fuss is all about! She smiled at her own little joke. Marcus spent the remaining days of their vacation showing her exactly what she’d been missing on the king-sized bed in his suite, and the shower, and the floor, and the kitchen table…

Still, she couldn’t get enough of him. Her very own Bear! Her one true, fated mate. According to him, what they had was rare and special. Something to be treasured. He vowed to do just that, to treasure her every single day of their lives together.

As far as she could tell that meant he felt the need to protect, provide, and possess her. The three P’s. She giggled at her silly thoughts. Leya was a realist of course.

She knew relationships took time and effort on both sides. Compromise, patience, love, and understanding. All things she was ready to try with him. Marcus was incredible.

Her heart swelled with emotion as she thought about how her life had changed in just a few days. Sure, it was fast, but how many chances did a girl get to be claimed and mated by a sexy Bear Shifter who made her feel loved? She was grabbing onto him with both hands!

She’d never been impulsive or reckless, but this was her life. Her mind was still flying high, but her heart, her heart told her that he was worth it. He was the one. Her only one. She believed everything he told her.

How could she not after she watched him get all furry and fangy to save her from that feral dog? She had watched him risk life and limb for her and had no doubt he’d do it again. He loved her. The truth of that statement warmed her, hell, it made her shiver too.

The idea that she was loved. Big, dependable, boring Leya Tremayne loved by Marcus Devlin of Bear Claw Bakery. And she loved him right back. That was all that mattered.

Her eyes found his as he walked back over to his seat beside her. He put his arm around her back and she snuggled into his side. One of her favorite positions when they weren’t doing other things.

“So,” he breathed in her hair as he spoke. He seemed to love sniffing, kissing, and petting her. He was a very physical being. She loved it.

“The moving company should be finished packing your apartment up today. They’ll deliver everything by the end of the week. That okay? Need to run up there and get anything?” Marcus asked while holding her securely in his strong arms.

She ran her hand over his t-shirt covered chest and smiled as he rumbled beneath her touch. He liked being petted too. She sure had enjoyed exploring his body with her eyes, hands, and mouth that morning. With any luck, she’d be back to exploring him in just a few short hours.

The diamond that winked up at her as she rubbed his pectorals had been an amazingly wonderful surprise after they’d mated, an occurrence he assured her was more unique than she knew. According to him and Clan law they were already married, but being a normal, he knew she would want a traditional wedding. Flowers and all.

After that brief discussion, he’d gone out for a few hours and came back with a string quartet, dozens of flowers, chocolates, champagne, and a huge diamond engagement ring. Her Bear was a romantic! She was so ridiculously happy, she couldn’t stop smiling.

“What is it, baby?” he asked with one dark eyebrow raised.

“I’m happy,” she told him.

Marcus grinned broadly, his handsome smile stealing her breath away. He captured her lips in a searing kiss that made her toes curl and she moaned softly as he pulled gently away.

“That’s good, baby, because I am going to do everything I can to make sure you never have a reason to stop smiling. There’s just one thing I forgot to warn you about-”

“What’s that?”

“Well, you see, I mentioned my two brothers,” he began.

“Yes? Daniel and Taylor, right?”

“Well, Daniel is the middle brother, and uh, he kinda hates women.”

“What? Why?”

“You see, it’s not his fault. He was supposed to get married and his fiancé left him standing at the altar.”

“Oh my! No wonder, he hates women? But will he hate me?”

“No, baby, you are mine. He will love you.” The or I’ll kill him went unsaid.

“Then there is Taylor, and well, he’s the baby brother. Kinda spoiled by my parents before mom died, but anyway he won’t be a problem. Unless he tries anything in which case, I’ll rip his arms off and feed them to him.”

“Geez, Marcus! You know I love you, and I’m sure Taylor will see me as nothing but a big, big sister!”

“None of that now, sweet, or I’ll have to spank you for talking bad about my mate.”

“Spank me?” She licked her lips and watched his eyes darken. The idea had merit.

“Not here, baby, we’re landing. My brothers are getting us from the airport. They’re probably already here,” he said as he made sure both their seatbelts were fastened.

“So, you ready to meet the family?”

“Oh, I’m bearly breathing with anticipation!”

They both laughed at her joke, and she tilted her head up for his kiss. Love, happiness, and excitement for the future, their future, coursed through her veins.

“I love you, Marcus,” she whispered into his mouth as he kissed her sweetly.

“I love you, my beautiful mate.” 

The end.