“I am happy to defer to your preference for the Upperworld marriage.”
“Thank you.” She sighed in relief. “But what about the Drakkorian mating? Do we have to do anything? Sign papers and stuff?”
He shook his head. “No. All you have to do it say yes and we will be mates. So, Zara Chura, will you be my mate?”
“Yes, Hektor.” While it seemed impossible, his love for her magnified. “I will be your mate.”
He melted against her and rested his chin on top of her head. “That’s all I ever wanted.”
Epilogue
Two days later…
“I’m so glad you were able to stay, even if it’s for a short time,” Pam said as she embraced both Hektor and Zara. “Say hello to your brother and sister, honey.”
“We’ll be back for the holidays,” Zara assured her.
“It’s unfortunate, but we must return to our work,” Hektor said. “Our leader said we are needed urgently.”
That morning, they received a call from Perseus, letting them know that the mothers of the three basilisks had returned to Solkaris from their mission. Apparently, they confirmed that all of them, at some point, had slept with Zeus and it was possible at least one of their eggs was his. Elian and Liora had already returned to Solkaris, so they needed Zara and Hektor there ASAP.
“Stay safe,” Roberto said. “Both of you.”
“Thank you, Roberto, and thank you both for your hospitality these past few days,” Hektor said.
“You’re very welcome. Please come back anytime,” he replied. “You’re family now, too, after all.”
“Thank you.” And he really did feel like family. As soon as Zara agreed to be his mate, Roberto and Pam immediately treated him like he was one of their own, even though he and Zara weren’t technically married yet.
Hektor had meant what he said about marrying Zara and was even prepared to take her ring shopping. However, over the last two days, they discussed it and they decided they would wait before getting married “on paper” as she said. It didn’t matter to Hektor whether they signed one or a thousand pieces of paper or none at all; to him they were mated and that was all that mattered.
The air shimmered with magic and in an instant, Lord Eros appeared in front of them. “Hello, hello,” he said to Zara and Hektor. “I was told you needed some transport?” He turned to Pam and Roberto, his voice dripping with charm as he said. “Good morning, you must be Zara’s sister and brother.”
“Oh, you’re a charming one,” Pam replied wryly, while Roberto only laughed. “You must be Lord Eros.”
“I’m glad my reputation precedes me.” He bowed to her with a flourish. “Now, I hate to rush you, but…”
“Of course,” Hektor said. “We must be off.”
Zara slid her hand into his, their fingers intertwining. “Bye, Mom, Papá!”
And with a wave of Eros’s hand, they were off.
Returning home to Vale Crossing was oddly comforting. Odd, because although Hektor had never left this realm before, the moment he did come back, he just knew that he was home. His body, his senses, his very being knew this was home.
And yet today, it was different.
Because today he was returning to his home realm with a mate.
Next to him, Zara’s face slowly shimmered into a physical presence, her smile bright and eyes shining as always.
Now, though, he knew they shone for him.
“And here we are, back in Vale Crossing,” Lord Eros said as they all fully materialized. “I’ve taken the liberty of bringing you all the way to Solkaris as well, so you don’t have to make the long drive.”
A sense of déjà vu washed over Hektor as they appeared right in the middle of the busy lobby of the Stonestare Suites. Thankfully, no one batted an eye at their sudden appearance, and the basilisks around them simply went about their business.
Zara shivered. “I don’t think I can get used to traveling by magic. But, it’s better than taking a plane. Thank you for the ride, Lord Eros.”
