She stepped closer to him as she had in their dream, gazing up into his molten silver eyes. He’d gone to Hell for Hannah and confronted Death for her. He’d killed demons to protect her and defied his family to find – and keep – her. Katie fought to keep the emotions tumbling within her from leaking out, instead reveling in the sight of her mate. While in the underworld, she’d lost all hope of ever standing next to him again. Part of her was convinced this was another dream, and Rhyn would disappear all too soon.
“It’s not a dream,” he said. “Not this time.”
“Doesn’t quite seem real yet, though.”
He hesitated and then held out a hand. She took it. His warm hands were rough and large. He squeezed hers. He led her away from the courtyard and lights into the dark night. They walked hand in hand for a few moments, alone under the full moon. She’d walked with him before, but this night, it was different. She felt the shift between them.
“The hatchling really is a girl?” he asked.
“She’s not a hatchling, Rhyn.”
“I hope she comes out better behaved than Toby.”
Katie laughed loudly, unable to help herself. Rhyn pulled her into his arms, swallowing her in his warmth and scent. Katie wrapped her arms around him.
“It’s really over, isn’t it?” she whispered.
“It’s just us tonight. I’ve gotta go kill some demons in the morning.”
“But you’ll come right back.”
“Every day. I swear it. We won’t be apart anymore. We’ll stay here until I can get the castle cleaned out and beat the shit out of my brothers. They’ll be moving in, even if they don’t know it yet. And that’s where Hazel will hatch and live.”
Katie’s eyes watered, and she squeezed him harder. The nightmares of the past few weeks seemed to fade away while she was in his arms. She’d been too afraid to think about what kind of life they might possibly have, but she found herself wondering how it would feel to wake up and go to sleep with Rhyn beside her.
“Our life together starts right now. Unless you want to send me away,” he added.