I nodded. “True.”
“Since he’s your cat, you’re going to have to come over often. Maybe sleep over as I’m sure he’s used to having you there.”
“He does indeed,” I agreed with a conspiratorial smile. “He likes to sleep in the bed with me.”
Her eyes twinkled. “He’s not the only one.”
Excitement rushed through me. I liked where we were going with this conversation. “I need to warn you—he loves to sneak up and steal body heat.”
“I don’t blame him. Your body heat feels quite good.” She wrapped her arms around me. “Actually, I need a reminder.”
I pulled her closer. “Does this refresh your memory?”
“It does indeed.” She beamed up at me with an irresistible smile. “Thanks for saving me tonight.”
“That wasn’t just me. Absolute teamwork—you, me, and the cats.”
And me,my bear nudged.
“And my bear,” I added.
“Of course.” She slanted her brows. “I haven’t even told you how impressive you were tonight in bear form. That was incredible.”
My bear beamed with pride.
I stared down into Pandora’s beautiful eyes. “Are you truly okay with us being mates? I know it’s a lot.”
Her eyes brightened as she searched my eyes. “I am. I may not understand what it all means yet, but I know I want to be with you.”
“That makes two of us.” I chortled. “I’m still coming to grips with what it means myself.” There was still the urge to bite her, but I’d control that until she was ready—if she was ever ready.
She exhaled and her shoulders lowered. “I need time to adjust to everything. Especially after what happened here tonight.”
“We have plenty of time,” I assured her.
“And we can figure things out together, just as we figure us out.” She slipped out of my arms and took my hand. “We don’t have to rush anything. Well, maybe one thing. I don’t want to wait for you any longer.” She led me to the bedroom.
Excitement rushed through me. “That sounds like an excellent idea.”
As I followed her into her room, she glanced over her shoulder. “Austin, one more thing.”
“What is it?”
“I’ve been thinking of it for a while, but desperately need one after tonight. I need a vacation. I need a break from Salem and the Network. Would you like to go away with me?”
My heart thumped against my ribs. Her invitation meant so much after I’d almost lost her. “I’d go anywhere with you, Pandora.”
EPILOGUE
PANDORA
Austin did indeed go anywhere with me. First, we went to Montreal for a weekend. Now, we were on a cruise to Bermuda.
And Marius was far from us, awaiting trial for his crimes.
I stared out to the sea from a lounge chair on the deck. I was on the top one, away from the loud children splashing into the pool on the deck below.
Austin walked toward me holding two glasses of a white cocktail with fruit. His hair was sun-streaked with highlights and his bronzed chest gleamed beneath the sun. Both women and men turned their heads to track as he walked by them. I didn’t blame them—Austin in a pair of swim trunks was even more impressive than Austin in clothes. His fine physique was on display, from his broad chest, wide shoulders, carved core, and muscular legs. He smiled as he approached. Although he wore sunglasses, I was sure his smile reached his eyes. It always did, especially when it was one for me. I was one lucky witch.
