ELISE STARED OUT TO the ocean. She found a quiet spot on the beach where she could be alone. The sun glittered with playful sparkles on the waves. She turned away. How could it mock her with such brightness when her world had darkened?

Tomorrow, she’d be crossing this ocean with Marguerite and they’d return to France. It was for the best, right? Her mission to introduce Marguerite to her father was accomplished, so they could return to their own lives.

Then why did she feel so empty inside?

She’d replayed his cutting rebuke countless times, and each time it sliced a bit deeper in her soul:

“You’re just as bad as she is. I never should have trusted you.”

What had she done to make him think that? She would have asked him had he given her a chance to ask, but he’d flown off, leaving her staring at his wings ascended with beautiful sorrow as they rose in the sky—whispering adieu.

Ah well, she had no business being here anyway. She was a witch and belonged with her coven in France.

Movement in the sky caught her attention. Goddesses, it was Lucan flying in gargoyle form with Marguerite in his arms! Elise stood and wiped the sand off her legs. What on earth were they doing there?

She glanced around to see if anyone else would see them flying. This part of the beach was still deserted on this cooler April morning. Then, she remembered how he used magic to cloak himself when he flew.

But, still, why was he here?

After they landed a dozen feet away, Marguerite turned away and covered her eyes. In the next moment, Elise understood why. He shifted from his gargoyle form to the magnificent male one—the same one who’d captivated her body and soul. He was nude. Her heart thumped. It took her utmost resistance not to ogle him. She averted her eyes as he pulled out some clothing from a satchel.

He headed over to her. “Elise, can we talk?”

She pulled her gaze to him. With only a pair of black pants slung low on his hips, he still revealed too much of his beautiful skin and dazzling muscles. Why tempt her that way with what she couldn’t have?

“What is it, Lucan?”

Marguerite said, “I’ll give you some space.” She walked to the shoreline.

After Marguerite had removed her shoes and waded in the ocean several yards away, Lucan said, “I’m sorry. I didn’t know what I was talking about.”

She rubbed her temple. “I don’t know what happened. What did I do to you?”

“Nothing. I’m an idiot.” He exhaled and stared out to the ocean. “When the curse broke, my brothers and I assumed Veronique had died. When you said she was gone, that confirmed it in my mind.”

“Oh.” Elise nodded as she pieced together the rest. “And when she showed up, you thought I lied to you.”

“Right.” He pulled his gaze back to her. “Like I said, I’m an idiot.”

She sighed. “No. I wasn’t forthright with what happened. Perhaps I should have told you the details.”

“Marguerite filled me in. I know Veronique was sent away for a trial.”

“Right. After she’d drank too much mead one night, she’d admitted to me who Marguerite’s father was. When I pushed her for more, she’d admitted what she’d done to you and your brothers. I was horrified and turned her in.”

“And saved me.” He took one step forward. “Thank you, Elise. For saving me and my brothers. For bringing me my daughter. For coming into my life.”

“Of course.” Her voice came out hitched. It was difficult to breathe with him so close.

He raised his hand close to her cheek. She ceased breathing as she awaited his touch, but he hesitated and then lowered his hand.

A wave of disappointment flooded through her.

“I don’t want you to leave,” he added. “You or Marguerite. Because there’s one thing I’m certain of. You’re the one for me. The only one. My mate. And I’ve fallen in love with you.”

Her heart pounded and ricocheted around her ribs. He loved her? This was beyond her maddest fantasies. The words sound so right, echoing in her soul.

“I love you, too, Lucan.”

His entire body beamed happiness, from the broad smile on his face to the twinkling in his eyes and the excited motions of his body.

He stepped forward and took her hands in his. “Will you stay here with me?”

Was she really hearing this? She glanced over at Marguerite. She waded but peeked over and smiled.

Elise searched Lucan’s eyes. Everything she’d ever wanted was right there. All the love she’d ever craved was with this shifter who stared at her with admiration. Although she’d never felt she belonged there with the coven, she knew deep in her heart she belonged with him, wherever that was. They were meant to be together.

“Oui,” she replied, holding back tears of joy.

“She said yes!” Lucan announced. He swooped her in his arms and swung her around.

Marguerite ran over, whooping in glee. The three of them hugged in a giant embrace on the beach.

“Or, we could all go back to France,” Lucan added. “I don’t care where we are, as long as we’re together.”

Elise exchanged a glance with Marguerite and knew they agreed. “Here,” Elise replied.

Lucan beamed. “Wait, I almost forgot to give you something.” He reached into his satchel and brought out a small box. He unwrapped it to reveal the blue glass witch ball, the same one she’d admired in the store.

She covered her heart. “You remembered.”

He handed it to her. “For our place. The three of us.”

Marguerite glanced up to the two of them. “A family.”