I won’t lose him again.
He cups my face and leans his brow against mine. “I will share everything with you, my Summer. And you will always be able to feel me.” His hand wanders down, then up my sweater, as he brushes the brand on my stomach.
It warms to his touch, and my breath catches.
“Until the end of time, we are bound,” he rumbles.
“It almost sounds like marriage.”
He nuzzles his face along my cheek and my hair. “It is more than marriage. What we share is forever, will be forever.”
His words settle in my soul. I test the idea of eternity, scarcely able to comprehend such a thing, and I’ve never been more reassured, calm, or pleased. I’ll never have to worry about losing him again. He’s mine. All mine.
Forever.
We hold one another, going quiet as thoughts tumble through my head: the things I want to show him, the adventures we’ll share, the people I can’t wait for him to meet. There is so much of this world he has never experienced. Movies, music, books.
He’s never had any of it, and I can offer it all.
Wrapping my arms around him, I squeeze.
He holds me just as securely. “I hope you find this new form appeals to you.” There’s a subtle, insecure waver to his voice.
“I love everything about you. You always appealed to me and were always handsome. In any form.”
He arches a brow. “I was?”
I point to the corner where he stood for years. “Long before you woke, I was talking to you, telling you everything. Frightening creatures can be hot, very much so. You’ll understand soon enough. We humans are complex.” I laugh.
His jaw tightens, still doubting me.
“I love you.” I crush my mouth to his, brushing my lips back and forth. “I should have told you how I felt long ago. I will never let another day pass without telling you that. I love you. I love you, Zuriel.”
“I love you too, sweet Summer.”
I hesitate, then breathe freely. He didn’t react to his name. Adrial is well and truly gone.
“I can’t invoke you anymore, can I?” I ask, smiling mischievously.
The corner of his lip turns upward. “Not unless I want you to.”
“Zuriel, Zuriel, Zuriel.” Again and again, I whisper his name, memorizing the shape of it on my mouth, unburdened by outside forces and fear.
Our emotions tangle until the air is thick with adoration. I lean into his chest, listening to his beating heart as he holds me. We steady ourselves in this new reality of ours.
With the rush of small, feline feet, we’re interrupted.
Ginny streaks into the room. She mews, weaving between our legs.
“Greetings to you too, Miss Genevive,” Zuriel says as he sets me down, and we lower to her level.
“Sorry for the interruption,” Hopkins announces, trailing after her. “I tried to hold her back. She does not like to be told what to do, that one.” He carries his emerald studded cane. Though he doesn’t need it for support, it’s his favored accessory when managing the museum. He claims it helps his image. And his museum is all about image.
I blink, startled by his sudden appearance. My anger vanishes, unable to fester now Zuriel is at my side,becauseZuriel is at my side. Hopkins’ gift was far more than I could have ever hoped for.
He strides over to Zuriel, offering his hand. “It is nice to finally meet you.”
Zuriel accepts it. “You as well.”
