Epilogue

 

 

Racheal extracted the serum from the vial into a syringe as Hunter entered the lab.

He put his hand on the small of her back, kissing her cheek. “Hey, Beautiful.”

Racheal put a cap on the needle, and placed it on the counter before turning to her mate. “Hey, stud.”

Hunter laughed. “Listen I have some news.”

Racheal's smile faltered. “Sounds serious.”

Hunter nodded. “Kevin didn't order the attack on you.”

Her brows furrowed. “Then, who did?”

“Cortez.”

Racheal pulled off her medical gloves. “Retribution for killing Jordan I assume.”

“We think so, but there's a lot of activity at the Cortez lab. I didn't get a chance to tell you earlier but there are trucks coming in from N-Zime labs.”

She threw the gloves in the trash. “Makes sense. Kallan owns N-Zime. We knew they were in operation somewhere.”

“Yes, but Kallan and Cortez are on the outs.”

“How do you know that?”

“Colin stole the case from Kevin after he left you bleeding on the ground.” Hunter's growled.

Racheal put a reassuring hand on his arm. “I'm fine but if Kevin knows Cortez took that case, he will kill her.”

“I believe he's trying to. He isn't able to get near her. Those men. Her enhanced killers are keeping his team at bay.”

Racheal shook her head. “I'm surprised she would go against Kevin and that she had Jordan's code for the capsule.”

“Us too. We think there is more going on. Also, Colin killed the man who detonated the capsule. Dylan thought he was trying to get to the man before he got close to you but there’s no way to be sure.”

“He may have been ordered to kill the man after detonation.”

“It's possible.”

“Who is Colin anyway?”

Hunter rubbed his jaw. “No idea. He doesn't seem to exist. It's driving Garrett mental.”

Racheal laughed at his choice of words before sobering. “I have the serum ready. Is Aiden sure he wants to try this?”

“There is no other choice. We either kickstart his healing or he dies within the week.”

“Okay. Let's go.”

 

 

 

 

 

They arrived at Devon's a half hour later. Aiden was in bed with the covers pulled back to his chest. He had lost weight and was deteriorating faster than expected.

Racheal put on her gloves. “You ready to do this?”

“You bet, Doc.”

Racheal hesitated, holding the needle in midair.

Aiden looked at her and smiled. “This is my choice doc. If it doesn't work. It isn't your fault.”

“I can't guarantee that using cougar DNA to regenerate you will enable you to shift. You may heal but remain human.”

“I understand. If I can get some time to convince my packmates to join another pack or start their own lair. I'll be happy.”

“Okay.”

She administered the serum and rubbed the injection point. “Get some rest. We should know in a couple hours if it works.”

Aiden closed his eyes. “Alright, Doc.”

They exited Aiden's room as Talen and Lucy entered the main living area.

Talen motioned to the door. “How's he doing?”

Racheal pulled off her gloves. “We'll know soon.”

Sarah came into the room with Sasha in her arms.

Devon took the Rottweiler from her hands. “Sasha is getting too big to lug around. She's going to a big girl.”

Sarah shrugged. “She's our baby. She gets pampered.”

There was a knock at the door before Buck and Ryan entered.

Devon shook their hands. “He's sleeping but you can check on him if you want.”

The men nodded and proceeded to the bedroom. “Holy shit!” Ryan shouted.

They all ran into the small room.

Racheal looked in stunned silence at the full-grown male cougar sleeping on the bed. All eyes turned to her. “I honestly didn't think that would happen but it means that while the shifters may change into different animals your core DNA is remarkably similar.”

Talen knelt down beside the bed, running his hand over Aiden's soft fur. “Is it permanent?”

Racheal nodded. “Yes.”

Aiden opened his eyes and licked Talen’s hand before falling back asleep.

Hunter rubbed his jaw. “Well, at least he likes you.”

Talen gave Hunter a withered look.

Ryan put his hand on Aiden's head. “He's acknowledging you as pack leader.”

Hunter put his hand around Racheal's back. “Does he know he's a cougar?”

Buck knelt beside the bed. “He knows.”

Talen smiled with a sense of wonder. “You're one hell of a doctor, Racheal.”

Racheal glanced at her mate. “I was just trying to save him. I didn't know he would actually become a cougar.”

Hunter kissed her forehead. “You're amazing.”

Buck stood, extending his hand. “Thank you for saving him.”

She shook his hand. “It was my pleasure,” she said sincerely.

Sarah put the now struggling Sasha on the ground.

The small rottweiler immediately jumped on the bed and curled up beside Aiden's sleeping form.

Racheal smiled down at the duo. “I don't think you're going to have any luck separating those two.”

Sarah laughed. “We never do. Why don't we let them sleep? Aiden has a lot of adjustments ahead of him.”

They exited the room, staring in awe at Racheal.

She looked down uncomfortably.

Sarah gave her a hug before leading Devon and the two coyotes from the main room.

Talen put his arm around Lucy. “You are going to be an amazing asset, Racheal. Welcome to the lair. If you need anything at all, don't hesitate to ask. Our every resource is at your disposal.”

“Thank you.”

Talen nodded and led his mate outside.

Hunter pulled her to him. “You never cease to amaze me.”

Racheal smiled, letting the wonder of the moment sink in. “I did pretty good, didn't I?”

“You saved a dying man and added a male cougar in his prime to the lair. That's more than pretty good.”

“So, do I deserve a reward?” She asked slyly.

His voice lowered. “Definitely.”

She clasped her hands together. “Great, because Lucy said I could have Brutus. With the babies on the way, they want homes for the other two pups. He's so cute and...”

Hunter laughed. “That wasn't exactly what I had in mind.”

“Can we keep him?”

Hunter kissed her passionately. “Of course. There's nothing I wouldn't do to make you happy. You deserve this and so much more.”

Racheal felt a tear of happiness slip down her cheek.

Hunter knelt down in front of her. “I had planned to wait until tonight but I can't.” He pulled a tiny black box from his pocket. “Will you marry me. I'll spend the rest of my life proving I'm worthy of your love and devotion.”

She knelt down with him, encircling him with her arms. “You already have.”

“You didn't say yes,” he teased.

“Yes. I will be your wife. Your mate, and spend the rest of my life giving you the happiness you deserve.”

Hunter pulled her to her feet.

“You, my love, were worth waiting for.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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