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Vesper laughs through the bond. ‘I like him, Bellamy. I can’t wait to meet him.’

Killian grins. “Oh, we’re keeping you, Oakley."

I can’t help but grin at the way Oakley blushes. I laugh, leaning back as Oakley hits the gas, winding us down the steep road toward the upper boutique district of Wraith Harbor.

The drive into town feels surreal. We pass through street corners and shopping avenues I used to avoid like the plague. They were all places where Gregory’s men used to watch me from parked sedans, tracking my every movement before finally caging me in his home. Now, sitting in my bestie’s car with an unlimited line of credit and a wraith demon casually watching my back, the city feels entirely different. It doesn't feel like a cage anymore.

We park in the heart of the luxury design district, stepping into expensive boutiques, my favorite shops, and even a cute floral shop I never noticed before.

I don't hold back. I order thick, emerald draperies to frame the massive windows of the grand hall. I select colorful plush rugs dyed in deep forest greens and sky blues. I find several lamps intertwined with metal vine branches for the bedroom, and a few paintings that will bring the manor to life.

I even stock up on a huge canvas and a shit ton of rich acrylics, charcoal, and fine brushes. A nervous, happy flutter settles in my stomach at the thought of painting again. I can't help but wonder if Vesper will appreciate my art, or how his crimson eyes will look watching me create something for the two of us.

Throughout the afternoon, I notice the subtle shift in the air whenever shopkeepers and local figures recognize me. Word travels fast through the supernatural underworld of Wraith Harbor. People already know that Gregory was erased in a single night, and they see Killian standing two paces behind me, his amber eyes watching every person who steps near me with cold, amused authority.

When the owner of my favorite boutique steps forward to greet me, he bows his head slightly, his voice full of genuine respect. "It’s an honor to serve the estate, Lord Bellamy. Anything you require will be delivered to the estate by evening."

“Lord Bellamy?” Oakley mouths silently, forehead scrunched.

An electric thrill rushes through the bond. I don't correct him.

Later, when I return home, I throw my arms around my mate, feeling happy and free. I show him all my purchases and tell him all about my plans for the manor. I talk about Oakley, and the townsfolk. I gush about how I felt so different in town, and how much he makes me feel cherished. All the while, Vesper smiles, a wicked, breathtaking smile that makes my heart race. He leans down, capturing my lips in a sensual, possessive kiss as his shadow tendrils wraps securely around me.

Epilogue

Bellamy

(One year later.)

Thick fog rolls through Wraith Harbor, blanketing the redwoods as it presses against the windows of the study. One year ago, this room was a cold fortress, designed to keep the outside world away. Tonight, I stand by the hearth wearing a sheer, floor-length gown-coat of golden silk that flares at my waist. Beneath it, tailored black pants hug every curve, while the sheer fabric falls in soft, elegant pleats around my legs. The low collar of my shirt leaves my collarbones exposed, showcasing the radiant shadowy blue mate mark glowing on the side of my neck. No matter how many times his eyes land on that mark, Vesper goes feral for it.

I look at my reflection in the gilded mirror above the mantel. The shirt fits me like a dream. It’s a perfect, delicate balance of soft, feminine elegance and sharp, confident masculine lines. I feel sexy and powerful. I don’t see the boy who spent his youth hiding, or the man who was afraid to be himself. I see someone brave and strong. Someone who loves who he is. And thanks to my mate, I see someone who is cherished and in love with someone worth cherishing in return.

Behind me, the door to the study swings open. Killian glides into the room carrying a heavy silver tray with vanilla frosted pastries and a bottle of wine. His dark tailored coat is unbuttoned, his amber eyes glowing with quiet, lazy satisfaction.

Right on his heels, Oakley carries an armful of freshly cut midnight roses from the garden. Oakley steps close to Killian, bumping his shoulder against the wraith demon's arm with an easy, practiced familiarity.

"Watch the tray, doll," Killian murmurs smoothly, not even bothering to look down. A faint, dangerous smirk touches his lips. "If you spill this expensive wine Vesper insisted I find, I’ll have to find a very, very creative way to make you pay for it."

"Okay, sure," Oakley snorts playfully. He reaches up to adjust some imaginary thing on Killian’s coat, deliberately lingering before setting the roses into a tall vase on the side table. "You've been threatening me with a good time for six months, demon. When are you actually going to follow through?"

I laugh softly, as I watch the flirty tension crackle between them. The two of them have been dancing around each other all freaking year, and every single day the tension gets hotter and hotter.

Killian tilts his head, his amber eyes flaring with heat. Oakley’s gasps before the wraith demon offers a wicked purr. "Patience, sweetheart. The best nightmares are worth waiting for."

"You two are such a tease," I smile, plucking a pastry from the tray.

"We’re freaking delightful," Oakley corrects cheerfully, winking at me as he checks his phone. "And on that note, I’m heading down to the garden to pick my own bouquet before Vesper comes downstairs and demands I give them to his mate. A bestie deserves roses too, you know?" Oakley pauses, offering me a warm, genuine bow. "Happy anniversary, Bellamy. Enjoy your evening."

"Thank you, Oakley," I say softly.

Killian watches Oakley walk out the double doors, his amber eyes tracking Oakley’s cute little bubble butt until he's out of sight. The wraith demon turns to me, offering a quiet, respectful nod. "The lower shadow-staff have finished preparing dinner, Bellamy. You better go find Vesper before he goes crazy waiting."

"Thank you, Killian," I say, squeezing his hand. "If you hurry and maybe use that shadow magic of yours to teleport, you might be able to give Oakley his own bouquet."

"You were always my favorite!" Killian winks, dissolving into a wisp of black smoke before disappearing.

A sweet, luxurious silence fills the room. I check my outfit one more time, once again hoping Vesper will like it as much as I do. Then, the soul bond in my chest tugs, like someone pulling on the magical thread in my heart.