The three orcs make appropriate noises. “Kiss the bride-to-be, then,” Amy says.
Otis and I happily oblige.
Half an hour, later the cake is rising, and we’re playing a game of cards while we wait for it to come out of the oven. I’m losing, of course—these orcs sure know how to play rummy—when there’s a knock at the door.
We all freeze and look at each other.
“I’ll go,” says Otis, rising to his feet, shoulders braced.
We wait, the other orcs frowning. But a moment later I hear the rumble of Otis’s voice, and then a very familiar human laugh joins in.
It’s Jax.
I drop my cards and fly out to greet my brother.
He looks radiant.
I run into his arms, and yep, I can tell he’s holding back his strength when he hugs me. I like that his tall, rangy frame now houses a big strong wolf who was prepared to come to the fore to save me.
“You’re awake!”
“Yeah, got the worst fucking headache, though.”
I gaze deep into his green eyes. “Thank you for saving me—for saving us both.”
“Egh, it was nothing,” he lies, but his eyes soften. “Even though it gave me the worst hangover you could ever imagine. Traggar gave me painkillers, so it’s passing now.”
“Come in and let me introduce you to my sibs,” Otis says, and I can tell he’s proud as he says those words.
“Don’t let me to interrupt your family get-together,” Jax says.
“Youarefamily.” I loop his arm in mine and lead him down the passage. “Can I tell everybody what you are? Is it official yet?”
“Sure, why not. The news has spread around the Labyrinth already. Even Tippy knows.” He grimaces. “Don’t think she’s talking to me at present.”
“She will,” I murmur. “C’mon in, help me beat them at cards. They’re whipping my ass.”
“Sure,” Jax smirks.
Clutching his arm, I walk him into the kitchen and announce to the three orcs seated at the table, “Amy, Dwayne, Nathaniel, meet my brother, Jax, the werewolf.”
OTIS.
It’s late by the time Jax departs and Amy and the twins have bedded down in their respective rooms.
Clem and I are snuggling in bed, and though our minds are willing, our bodies are too tired to make love, so we hug and kiss instead, and it’s beautiful and intimate, knowing there will always be tomorrow…
“I’m still scared at the risk you took, Otis, coming above ground.”
“There was no way I wasn’t going to rescue you, Clem, you know that, right? As my mate, I would fight to the death to save you.”
“I know.”
“And we got away safely.”
“Just,” she says. “But clearly, the human authorities mean to infiltrate the Labyrinth now.”
“Don’t worry. Tony has now got level ten involved.”
