Page 134 of Gunnar

Snow falls around us.

Torin and Orson follow behind, two huge grizzlies bringing up the rear.

My clan, I think.

The lodge glows ahead.

Inside, the fire’s already going.

I stamp the snow from my boots as we step in.

Gunnar shuts the door behind us.

The storm cuts off.

I turn into him, pressing my face against his chest.

His arms tighten around me.

“You’re staying,” he says.

I lift my head, meeting his eyes.

“I’d already decided,” I say.

His hand comes up, brushing the mark at my neck.

A pulse answers it.

“Good.”

He pulls me tighter against him.

Mine.

The word moves through me, deep and unmistakable.

Always, I answer.

You know I love you, right?

I break into a smile. “I love you too,” I say aloud.

EPILOGUE

Ilean back against Gunnar’s truck, one arm hooked over the side, face upturned to the spring sunshine. The snow is long gone and trees are in blossom all over the mountain.

Gunnar sighs. “He’s not coming.”

“He promised me he would,” I reply.

Gunnar gives me a suspicious look. “How did you manage that?”

I shrug. “I told him we’re celebrating me passing the bar exam.”

“Oh… you passed, huh?”

I turn to him, grinning. “Yes, I did.”